Higher car!

Pete268

Anmother vote for the Ford C-Max here - it drives more 'car like' than most other MPV's but is just that bit higher to get in/out than a standard car. Also there are plenty of them around within any budget range, so you will have plenty of choice. Plus Ford parts and servicing are relatively cheap. A wheelchair easily fits in the boot (with or without a winch/ramps).

However, the Zafira isn't too bad as it gives you extra seats (7 in total) should you ever wish to use them, but drives a bit more 'MPVish'.

I opersonally quite liked the Citroen C4GP but it did tend to 'roll' more than any of the others I tired when going around corners. As for the Renault I found that to be pretty uncomfortable but that's just me.

Peter

andyrules

cmax looks good as well, but used ones seem a bit 'new' for me - are they a new model?

Pete268

andyrules wrote: »

cmax looks good as well, but used ones seem a bit 'new' for me - are they a new model?

Hi,

Well, it was launched in Europe and the UK in 2003 according to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_C-Max

so the early ones are a good 5 years old now and there are plenty about for sale from the early ones onwards with a variety of Petrol/Diesel engines. I have heard the ones with the CVT autobox may not be quite as reliable as the ones with a normal auto or manual gearbox.

The pre-facelift ones were called the Ford Focus C-Max, but the newer facelifted ones have dropped the 'Ford Focus' bit and are just called C-Max.

An easy way to spot the latest model is by it having rear LED tail lights as opposed to conventional bulbs on the earlier model (albeit the LED rear light holders can be retro-fitted onto older models apparently).

I must admit I really do like my new (September 2008) model.

Peter

andyrules

Pete268 wrote: »

Hi,

Well, it was launched in Europe and the UK in 2003 according to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_C-Max

so the early ones are a good 5 years old now and there are plenty about for sale from the early ones onwards with a variety of Petrol/Diesel engines. I have heard the ones with the CVT autobox may not be quite as reliable as the ones with a normal auto or manual gearbox.

The pre-facelift ones were called the Ford Focus C-Max, but the newer facelifted ones have dropped the 'Ford Focus' bit and are just called C-Max.

An easy way to spot the latest model is by it having rear LED tail lights as opposed to conventional bulbs on the earlier model (albeit the LED rear light holders can be retro-fitted onto older models apparently).

I must admit I really do like my new (September 2008) model.

Peter

Cheers, I like the look of them, easy to maintain etc but all seem quite dear for me, can't seem to find one older than 2005. I'll keep looking now I know they start from 2003.:D

Quinny_2

Ford C-Max

As an example........

Yes it has 100k,but has a service history with it,but if you only do a small amount of mileage,that will average out over time,but let's not forget,that you'll be able to batter a price down when you see what you are looking for,as that is the nature of the business.

Vauxhall Zafira

And this gives you an idea of the Zafira,including the rear tailgate area.

I have had a Vectra with this engine in,and it went very well,and was very good on fuel.

Yes,you can say that this is a bigger bodied car,and the fuel consumption will be different,but a friend of mine has one of these,and claims to get low 40's to the gallon out of it,when driven carefully.

Ken.

mikey72

I've got a 1.8 petrol 04 Zafira. Mine does 28 to 35mpg.
It's been a good car, never needed anything, other then tyres and brakes, and it's on the Astra chassis, so it's actually quite a small car to drive.
It's been much abused, but has took it well.
Parts are cheap and widely available if you do need them.
I have heard of bad ones, and the diesel engine is quite agricultural.
Road tax isn't too bad, but not the cheapest.
But it seems to be a good buy none the less.

michaels

I sat in a c-max and couldn't believe how tiny it was - no more room inside than a normal Focus

vansboy

michaels wrote: »

I sat in a c-max and couldn't believe how tiny it was - no more room inside than a normal Focus

That's, as mentioned earlier, 'cos it really IS a Focus, underneath. Like the Zafira is an Astra on stilts!

You'll find sooooooooo many makes n models share plenty of components, especially the platform/chassis they start with.

Your C Max is a Focus, Volvo & Mazda 5!! All in one!!

VB

marshmallow79

I've just bought a Nissan Almera Tino and can't praise it enough! I managed to get an 04 reg for a fraction over £3k and you get a huge amount of car (MPV) for your money, as well as a huge amount of space. My one is a petrol but you can get a diesel version although from what I've seen the initial outlay is slightly more than with the petrol.

anewman

A Lada Niva would be fun but would hurt your wallet/purse every time you go to the petrol station and I assume they'll break down quite a bit and cost a bit to repair. Still fun though