The Ford Flex, a distinct member of the SUV lineup thanks to its boxy design, offers a unique blend of style and security. With three rows of seating, advanced safety technology and generous cargo space, the Flex is perfect for families or shoppers planning long road trips with their bike or camping gear.

Although it was discontinued in 2019 so Ford could focus on more popular crossovers and SUVs, many past Flex owners remain loyal and avid fans of the line and continue to seek out certified pre-owned models that maintain the quality and care the Flex embodies.

Best and Worst Ford Flex Years

• 2019: The 2019 Ford Flex is considered one of the best years due to its high reliability rating, improved gas mileage and the culmination of the best features and improvements – including the latest technology – from previous years. It also ranked sixth in 2019’s Affordable Midsize SUVs category.

• 2017: The 2017 is praised for its dependability, comfortable cabin space and strong engine options.

• 2016: The 2016 Ford Flex is also highlighted as one of the best years, featuring an updated infotainment system, refined performance and a roomy interior with an adult-friendly third row.

• 2013: The 2013 Ford Flex suffered from some electrical issues, from the ceiling lights staying on when doors were shut to trouble starting. Although this model year sometimes required expensive repairs, the issues were promptly fixed for future iterations.

• 2010: The 2010 model is also listed as one of the least optimal years due to reported issues with the engine, including frequent premature engine failure.

Rest assured, you’ll never buy a lemon at Easterns Automotive. Our team thoroughly inspect every car in our inventory to ensure each is running optimally and without issue. If you happen to run into an unanticipated issue, every purchase comes with a seven-day return policy and 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty, meaning we’ll address any problems promptly so you can have the quality vehicle you were promised.

Ford Flex Hits and Misses

This model comes with an impressive range of engine options, including V6 and EcoBoost variants, that all deliver the durability and power the Ford brand embodies. The Flex’s all-wheel drive system also enhances its traction and stability, guaranteeing a smooth ride no matter the driving conditions. The SYNC infotainment system also provides a seamless interface for easy maneuvering.

Behind its uniquely boxy exterior hides a surprisingly spacious interior. The Flex comes equipped with power-folding third-row seats, maximizing its space to provide ample room for passengers and cargo alike.

The Ford Flex has proven to be a vehicle you can depend on for a long time. The model boasts a long-term quality rating of 49.7, which surpasses the average of 43 for most makes and models. And with annual average maintenance costs totaling just $713, it’s substantially less expensive to maintain than many other vehicles in its class, so you can get the most time and money out of your investment.

That said, there are some drawbacks that buyers should be aware of. For instance, while the Flex offers a comfortable ride, its fuel efficiency can be considered suboptimal given today’s rising gas prices. At an average combined 17 mpg, its efficiency falls short compared to its competitors.

Moreover, as any pre-owned shopper knows, some earlier models may lack the latest technology features in more recent SUVs, such as Apple Carplay or Android Auto.

Trust the #1 Certified Pre-Owned Ford Dealer in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The Ford Flex presents a distinctive option for buyers seeking a comfortable and versatile SUV. At Easterns Automotive, you’re guaranteed to find a vehicle you can rely on for many miles and years to come. We meticulously inspect our models to ensure they meet Ford’s standards for newer vehicles.

With us, you also don’t have to worry about your options being limited because of your credit score. No matter your score, our team will utilize relationships with auto financers to ensure you can get a Ford Flex or any other car you want at a fair rate.

For reliable savings and performance capabilities, browse our Ford Flex models online or see them in person at one of our DMV dealerships today. Whether you’re searching online or in person, we’ll work hard to find the right vehicle that includes everything you’re looking for.

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Nowadays new cars usually come with digital speedometers and other artificial intelligence-driven tools, like back-up cameras or lane departure warning systems. Adding these innovative features requires automakers to rely heavily on microchips. Without these tiny silicon elements, many car manufacturers are unable to produce new vehicles.

Another factor driving the current microchip crunch is self-preservation. Automakers are currently attempting to acquire more supply than they need so they don’t face these types of shortages again. This desire to stock up is causing additional supply crunch in the auto industry and beyond.

It is estimated that the car microchip shortage will cause global vehicle production volumes to drop by about seven to eight million units, causing billions of dollars in revenue loss.

This Too Shall Pass… But When?

Auto market analysts remain optimistic and predict that the problem will ease in 2022. However, chip makers are hesitant to make such claims and forecast that the shortage could last well into 2023.

Why Did The Chip Shortage Happen?

The first signs of trouble appeared in the early months of 2020. As COVID-19 continued to wreak havoc on the global economy, auto sales in the United States dropped as much as 50%. This caused many factories to close and cancel work orders.

When the corporate world started transitioning to remote work, many employees were forced to purchase essential electronics to work from home. This flooded chip manufacturers with a workload they could barely handle.

As restrictions were lifted and travel resumed, so did the demand for cars. When automakers attempted to order more chips, they discovered that chip factories were already doubling down on efforts to keep up with the skyrocketing demand. Since then, microchip manufacturers have not been able adequately increase production.

How Does This Affect the Car Industry?

As car shortage remains in full swing, dealerships are having an increasingly tough time replenishing their inventory. In July, the inventory of new cars for sale hit the lowest number since tracking auto supply began.

Consumer demand for cars has not decreased. This has resulted in empty car lots and an imbalanced ratio between new and used vehicles for sale.

Consider Selling Your Car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore to Easterns Automotive Group

Despite their best efforts, chip manufacturers are uncertain as to when microchip production will go back to normal. As some predict, this might take well over two years. This means that the demand and prices for used cars will continue to be on the rise.

Households that can take advantage of remote work may no longer need more than one vehicle. Why pay insurance and maintenance costs on a car you barely drive when you can sell it and make substantial profit?

If you’re thinking about selling or trading in your used vehicle, consider selling it to Easterns Automotive Group. We will gladly take your vehicle as is, so you won’t have to put any extra time or money into washing, vacuuming, etc. We’ll handle all the details and paperwork so you can quickly get your cash and go on with your day.

Get a Fast Cash Offer for Your Vehicle

At Easterns Automotive Group we make it easy to sell your car for a great price. By answering a few simple yet crucial questions about your car, we will be able to send you a firm offer within just a few hours.

You can also call us at call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations to get started.

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Which Manufacturers Are Going Green?

A handful of vehicle manufacturers have made it a goal to change production to only Electric Vehicles within the next decade or two. General Motors is one of them. They plan to be all EV by the year 2035. Volvo also made the commitment to go fully green by 2030. Other companies, like Ford, do not expect to be rid of gas-powered vehicles in their lines until 2040. These industry changes don’t just affect vehicle manufacturers. Companies like FedEx and Uber are also having internal discussions about how quickly to adopt EV technology and when transitional deadlines are most realistic and appropriate. Jaguar and USPS are on the more ambitious side of EV transitioning, with their goal to go full EV by 2025.

The Appeal of Modern Hybrids and Electric Cars

Electric cars run entirely on battery power. Hybrids are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by energy stored in batteries. The appeal of these vehicles is that they are more “fuel-efficient” because they do not require as much fuel to go the same number of miles as their pure combustion-powered counterparts. 

Improved Battery Life and Longevity 

Electric cars have far fewer moving mechanical parts in the motor and are in some cases simpler to maintain than traditional combustion vehicles or hybrids. While there have been concerns about the longevity of an electric car and hybrid batteries, the industry has made many improvements over the past decade. 

Just 10 years ago the used car market for electric and hybrid vehicles wasn’t that big because there simply weren’t that many of them, and the batteries didn’t last long enough to last long on the resale market. Today, EVs and hybrids can last nearly as long as any traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

Should Car Dealerships Be Able to Sell Electric and Hybrid Vehicles?

The average car shopper may not even realize this is an issue. Pre-owned dealerships like Easterns Automotive can sell electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, right? Yes, they can.

The dispute is more important to new car dealerships. You can’t buy a new Tesla at a normal dealership because Tesla sells directly to its customers out of its own showrooms. Companies like Rivian and Lucid Motors are attempting to do the same direct-to-client model that cuts traditional dealerships out of the process.

This has resulted in lawsuits being filed by dealers in some states against electric vehicle manufacturers. These EV manufacturers are establishing their own showroom locations from which they can sell their cars in some cities across the country. The auto dealers argue that the direct-to-consumer electric vehicle sales model threatens their survival.

How fair or unfair you believe this to be depends on how you feel about new car dealerships. The idea that new car dealerships will be extinct in 20 years because small auto manufacturers are selling their vehicles directly to consumers seems a bit farfetched, especially since companies like BMW, Ford and Kia are now big electric vehicle manufacturers and they are still selling their vehicles through countless dealerships nationwide.

This debate doesn’t matter as much for used car dealerships. Electric and hybrid vehicle owners can sell their car, truck or SUV to Easterns Automotive for a great price and we will happily help it find a new home in Washington DC, Baltimore or the greater Maryland and Virginia area.

Easterns Automotive is proud to provide a diverse selection of hybrid and electric vehicles. If you are interested in buying a car or truck that is environmentally friendly, there are plenty of options to choose from in our inventory. You may even quality for tax credits or rebates for your electric or hybrid vehicle purchase.

Call us at (888) 650-4775 to learn more about the electric and hybrid cars available on our lots or visit an Easterns Automotive Group location near you.

The post With Manufacturers Moving to All EV, What Will Happen to Used Car Dealerships? appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

The electric-car maker will be added to the gauge, which tracks the biggest companies on the Nasdaq, before the start of trading on July 15, Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. said in a statement Monday. Oracle, which last month said it will join the NYSE, is the biggest company to jump between the competing exchanges.

Shares of Tesla, the carmaker headed by billionaire Elon Musk, have more than tripled this year as the popularity of its new Model S sedan helped the company turn its first quarterly profit. Gaining entry to benchmarks tracked by investors is attractive to public companies because it provides a guaranteed shareholder base.

“It’s a coming of age, recognition that a company has market

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Toyota’s Camry exceeded its seasonal historical average inventory by more than 15 days supply in June and Honda carried about 25 days more Civics than usual, Joseph Spak, a New York-based analyst for RBC, said in today’s report. Camry and Civic were the only models identified as at risk for reduced output among 16 of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. market. General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC all added U.S. market share in the first six months of 2013, the first time that all three gained first-half share in 20 years. Models such as GM’s Chevrolet Cruze compact and Ford’s Fusion mid-size sedan, leading Detroit’s most competitive set of passenger cars in

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The move is part of CEO Sergio Marchionne’s step-by-step purchases intended to lead to full control of Chrysler and the creation of a merged company that would be able to compete better with industry leaders Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen.

Fiat has been exercising options since mid-2012 to buy holdings of about 3.3 percent from the VEBA, a medical-benefits trust for the U.S. carmaker’s retirees.

Including today’s purchase, Fiat has exercised three of its six-monthly options, increasing its stake to 68.49 percent.

Fiat has said it wants full control of Chrysler, which would give it access to some of Chrysler’s cash flow for investments in new models.

Chrysler has become Fiat’s most reliable profit generator as the Italian company struggles to end losses in Europe that totaled 704 million euros ($903 million) in 2012 amid a

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