[Murielson]

Hi all,

Seriously considering buying a C-Max and would just like some advice re best model formotorway commuting,MPG etc. I am trying to take advantage of interest free offer at local Ford dealer who will do 0% finance on first £5k for used cars. With trade in etc I am hoping to spend approx £10k on a diesel.

I commute via A303, M3 and M25 on a daily basis and have been advised that 1.6 TDCi is the way I should be heading for best balance between performance and fuel economy. Apparently there are 2 x bhp at this engine size? Any models and registrations/years that should be avaoided?

Also, we are afamily of three witha new (albeit 6 year old) rough collie so like the lflexibility of the ayout and it seems very good for long distance comfort and dog access etc. Like the way the rear seats can be switched around dependant on load and who needs to be seated.

Any thoughts from those who already own C-Max'would be appreciated to see if this is the car for us. Dealer will try and source us a model when we confirm what we want so hoping for some good feedback here having just found you this morning. Thanks in advance.

 

[oneten]

I run an '08' Zetec 109ps 1.6TDCi and it's great. Quick and smooth while returning 42mpg+ with a heavy right foot.

There is a 90ps version of the 1.6 which is a little underpowered IMO and a little less refined.

Be careful to check whether the car has the 'comfort seating system'. It is no longer standard on Zetec and upwardsmodels after the facelift last year - a £200 factory option.

 

[Richard G]

I have the 54 version of the "S" emission code 1.6TDCi version that seems to give between 45 & 50 MPG whatever we do.
It also doesn't have the "EXPENSIVE" to service DPF filter in the exhaust
at 129Gof CO2 PER km IT IS SET TO HAVE the VED go down to £90 after next budget provided they don't fiddle with it again to appease the Chelsea tractor brigade

If you don't a trim level that has a heated sxreen as Std do try to have it as it makes cold early mornings very much more bearable

 

[Murielson]

Thanks for the info so far folks - exactly the sort of info I am after from those who actually own these vehicles.

Please keep it coming.

 

[Murielson]

Is EPB referred to on site the Electronic Parking Brake?

 

[oneten]

yep... and in my experience - it's a bit of a pain in the ass...Edited by: oneten

 

[c-max girlie]

Hi I had my 04 Zetec 1.6 TCDi for two weeks and its great. I have two cocker spaniels and there's plenty of room in the boot but I would advise to buy a boot liner

Only thing to watch out for is the tax... mines an auto and it cost me £145.00 not the £120.00 the salesman like to quote. Still I get 42 MPG around town now havent done much on the motorway yet. Good luck

 

[mjshort79]

Hi I have a 1.8 ghia with e.p.b and when it is working it is fine the only problem is you spend all your time worrying when it will break and mine has brockenseveral times and has being very costly to fix. I alsohave had endless problems with air con. I have had to take it back three times in the past four months and not for little items to be replaced either. I had new air con pump , new condensor , new radiater, I now have to take it back again as the air conclutch mechanism has gone meaning a £280 bill to have it fixed. I have also had other problems including accelarater pedal not working , limp mode were the car will not accelarate, petrol light staying on when I have half a tank of petrol , wiring needing repairing. endless software updates , modules replaced , new coil , new brake actuater , the list is endless. I have only had the car a year now and most of that timeit has spent on a ramp brocken.

 

[stevey]

Hi,
To consider another option the 2.0 tdci with 6 speed is great for motorway economy, 50+ mpg is easy with sensible driving, although this can drop to high 30's on many short runs. Performance is also excellent considering the package size.

The rear seating adjustments are also useful and well worth the option.

A point to note on all C-max's is the poor protection in the sill area behing the front wheels on pre-2005 models, although if you are spending 10K you should get a later model that has better sill protection with plastic covers. Would recommend to fit front mud flaps anyway even on later model.

Also I find comfort and driving position excellent for long journeys.

 

[Murielson]

Thanks all.
At the moment I am looking at:
Zetec, 109ps 1.6TDCi, manual - balance of economy and performance
2005 onwards - well away from teething and sill problems
Heated screen
Comfort Seating System (not essential) - when available as standard?
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=687&
http://www.usedcarexpert.co.uk/reviews/Ford_C-Max_Review_270
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=2&t=66554
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=2&t=62339
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=2&t=59571
Questions
Will DPF filter come into this and how expensive is it to service?
Is Ghia worthwile for potential price premium?
EPB worries me - how common a fault is this?
Heard that they creak and rattle a lot - is this common?
Any air con problems?
Hard on tyres and/or brakes?
Any additional info appreciated

 

[Richard G]

If you have the "S" emission code of the 1.6 Tdci then there is no DPF filter check the VIN plate on any you look at

there do seem to be several instances of EPB giving problems

some members have had all our shares of air conn problems