Getting a code for the Mass air flow sensor, what one is best or worst ?

How finicky are these ?
The only thing I notice is occasionally it bucks when starting from a red light...

It seems to run rough when idling, but it'* always done that (seen another post on that, seems they do that)

Word on the street is that second hand OEM is best. You will want to be sure to match numbers with your current unit.

Aftermarket units typically found at part store chains are typically unreliable.

Also be sure that you have done everything to confirm that yours does in fact need to be replaced. If you tap it with the handle of a screw driver while running and the car reacts to it, then there likely is an issue with it. Also it could be dirty which is an easy fix (They make a product to do just this).

What is the exact code you are getting? I have seen other problems cause MAF related codes while the MAF is still perfectly fine.

Should have mentioned, but I did clean it with maf cleaner, have had it read several times and codes cleared, they have gone off and on a few times but mostly on.

Don't have the exact #'* but did verify they were for the maf.

Another thing you can do is try running with the MAF unplugged. If the MAF is the cause of the issues, the car typically will run better at that point.

The specific code however is just as important as knowing that it is a MAF related code.

Also if it idles rough, there is usually a reason for it, but the list of possible causes is a mile long.

Right concerning the long list, I may have mis stated that, I'm not sure that it'* actually idling rough but it does have a vibration like it was...
As a matter of fact, it probably isn't idling rough.

So the only real symptom is the hiccup when starting at a red light or even sometimes when driving.

What was the code?

The codes are P0102 and P0172

The P0102 is a low frequency code from the MAF sensor. If you already cleaned it with MAF cleaner, just go ahead and replace it. The other code is a RICH Bank 1 code, change the MAF sensor out and clear the codes. Unlikely the 2nd will come back.

Wait, did you clear the codes after cleaning it?

Got the codes before cleaning.

Don't remember if they went away after that, but in any case they did come back.

Have had it read a few times and they were cleared, one time even seemed to clear themselves i.e. ce light was on then went off for a bit then back on....