Ford C-MAX (2003 - 2010)
LX 1.8 5dr People Carrier
Incredible five years completely trouble free, even no warranty work. Great to drive, comfortable all rounder.
I have had company cars since 1968 and never had one that was totally trouble free for over five years, so this C-Max bought personally, now retired, needed to be a good one.
I am partly disabled so seat comfort and access is a big factor, entering the car is super easy, good headroom and no step up or down, just slide in to the very supporting front seats.
The variable power steering is perfect for parking without oversensitivity at speed, and the gearbox is precise, slicing through the gears easily with a short, high mounted stick, but could do with a higher ratio or 6th gear.
The 1.8 petrol engine is smooth, no vibrations, uses no oil between services (Annual) after ~40,000miles.
Clutch is inclined to be heavy especially when in slow moving traffic and the brakes are a bit sensitive, over servoed at low speeds.
I have never used the rear seats in the various positions available but when folded down give a good load space, the boot is deep but not very high.
The rear seats are not as comfortable as the front ones, giving very little support even when the centre wide seat is folded down, could do with less leg room and more thigh support, but for taking grandchildren it is fine with all the required seat belts and curtain side bags assuringly safe.
Externally the paintwork has kept well despite not being garaged, stone chips don't rust.
The headlamps are not very good, main beam on country roads is not adequate, but then my other car has Xenon so I may be over critical, the newer versions have Xenon now I believe.
Overall an ideal family car, I would buy one again but the new prices have nearly doubled, no doubt there will be deals to be done, I don't feel inclined to change soon.
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About this car
Price | £14,270–£23,995 |
---|---|
Road Tax | C–J |
MPG | 35.3–60.1 mpg |
Real MPG | 87.1% |