(slightly longer version of an 'ask HJ' question - sorry if that's not allowed). First post after being a long-time lurker, so be gentle!
We’re on the lookout for a second car to keep for the next 8-10 years, but with low running costs. In years to come it will probably also be used as a learner car for our children (currently 13 & 10 yo). Whilst most of its work will be local, it should be capable of the occasional 100-mile motorway run. We’re all quite tall in the family (3 of us over 6 feet), so whilst we’re looking for a small car, it can’t be too small!
A Ford dealer that we’re thinking of buying another vehicle from has offered us a good deal price-wise (according to the HJ checker), on a 15 plate Ford B-Max Ecoboost 1.0. On the surface this seems to tick a lot of boxes:
- A fairly economical engine, that has performance when needed
- No DPF, Powershift auto etc. to worry about
- The taller body and sliding doors are better for tall people
- Cheap VED
- Decent reviews
However, it has been on his forecourt for 6 months, after he took it in part-ex. He’s quite candid about it not attracting much interest, and has reduced the price accordingly, but with it having largely done nothing for 6 months, should I be concerned?
I’m aware of some of the Ecoboost’s issues, but later models seem to be better in this regard. (It has about 8 months Ford warranty left, and I normally take out an extended one until the car is 5-6 years old). Likewise I’m aware that the B-Max has been discontinued, which means that resale prices might soften, but given the length of time we’re likely to keep it, and the state it might well be in by then, this isn’t a major factor.
Any thoughts – am I making a big mistake here, and what other models should I be looking at?
Edited by Tall Boy on 15/12/2017 at 10:12
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