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Should I keep my diesel Ford C-Max or replace it?
I am 83 and have a Ford C-Max 1.6 diesel automatic, registered in 2006. I am very concerned about the many reports of gearbox trouble and I am beginning to listen for problems when I am driving now. However, I have found it a splendid car for me, as it's easy to get in and out of, with good all-round visibility and is easy to handle. Would other cars in the C-Max range have the same potential gearbox problems? Which would you recommend? Are there sensible alternatives in other makes? I do not see myself driving for more than about two years and so I could not justify spending more than about £3000 - £4000.
Asked on 28 December 2013 by EH, via email
Answered by
Honest John
There isn't really anything else for the money, and the used market for your C-Max is blighted by all the bad news stories. If your C-Max is running fine, you might as well carry on. Just be gentle with it. The problem stems from the torque output of the engine exceeding the capacity of the transmission. But if you avoid accelerating hard from 1500 - 2000rpm you won’t impose maximum torque on the gearbox.
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