2018 MAX Limited… Should I buy it or skip it?

We’re thinking about getting a Max as an alternative to a minivan. It’s rear-wheel drive, fully loaded, one owner, and has 100,000 miles.

Thoughts?

Per Ford TSB 20-2315, cam phasers were replaced.

That’s the first model year for the new transmission and a few other things. I usually avoid first-year models unless it’s a great deal. What’s the asking price?

Reese said:
That’s the first model year for the new transmission and a few other things. I usually avoid first-year models unless it’s a great deal. What’s the asking price?

We’re trying to negotiate. What price do you think is fair?

@Blue
It depends on things like location, condition, and trim. Do you have a link to the listing?

Reese said:
@Blue
It depends on things like location, condition, and trim. Do you have a link to the listing?

The seller didn’t provide a lot of details in the ad, but I can share it if it helps.

@Fable
Oh, it’s a private seller? Be careful. Private party sales can be risky, especially for something this pricey. It’s good for cheap beaters or projects, but for this? I’d be cautious.

Price-wise, I paid $30k for a 2017 Platinum 4x4 with 100k miles back in 2021 during peak COVID pricing. This seems a bit high compared to that.

I’ve got an ‘18 Max, and it’s been rough—cam phasers, transmission, turbos, heater hoses, hub bearings, and more. I had an extended warranty, which helped a lot. Make sure they used updated parts on the cam phasers and transmission. Otherwise, they’ll fail again. If you buy, I’d seriously look into getting a warranty.

@Hadi
Aren’t extended warranties just scams, though? I’ve heard they’re hard to use.

Blue said:
@Hadi
Aren’t extended warranties just scams, though? I’ve heard they’re hard to use.

Ford’s extended warranty is legit, more like a factory warranty. You just have to keep up with oil changes and maintenance. I had their Premium ESP plan (2 years/24k miles), and it was worth it. I only paid the $100 deductible per claim, and it even covered rentals and towing.

Skip it. Way too many problems and way too expensive.

Noor said:
Skip it. Way too many problems and way too expensive.

Totally agree with this!

I just traded my 2018 Max Platinum with 93k miles. Got $24k for it. Great SUV, but it had issues—cam phasers, mini trans rebuild, water pump, sunroof track. I had a warranty until 100k miles, and the dealer sold it for $29,750. If you go for it, get it inspected by a Ford dealer first. The transmission is the biggest concern. I wouldn’t pay over $30k since you’ll be covering future repairs out of pocket.

I love my ‘18 Max, but it’s in the shop now for a transmission rebuild under TSB 23-2250. Thankfully, I have a Ford ESP warranty.

Don’t do it. I bought a 2018 two years ago, and it’s been a disaster. I’ve spent $20,000 on repairs in under two years. Avoid it like the plague!

Keagan said:
Don’t do it. I bought a 2018 two years ago, and it’s been a disaster. I’ve spent $20,000 on repairs in under two years. Avoid it like the plague!

Are all 10R80 transmissions bad, or just some of them?

@Blue
From what I’ve seen, most of them have issues.

Keagan said:
@Blue
From what I’ve seen, most of them have issues.

I’ve read mixed things online. Some people say they’re fine, while others have nightmare stories. What’s the deal?

Blue said:

Keagan said:
@Blue
From what I’ve seen, most of them have issues.

I’ve read mixed things online. Some people say they’re fine, while others have nightmare stories. What’s the deal?

If you go for it, definitely get Ford’s extended warranty and cross your fingers.

Blue said:

Keagan said:
@Blue
From what I’ve seen, most of them have issues.

I’ve read mixed things online. Some people say they’re fine, while others have nightmare stories. What’s the deal?

Mine’s been a nightmare—axles, sunroof, second-row seat, liftgate, mirrors, transmission, cam phasers, turbos, you name it. I’ve never had a car with this many issues. My old Toyota ran problem-free for over 12 years.