Switching from a Ford focus to a C-max

sweaty_betty

Hi - I have an old (2000 plate) ford focus which has served me well, but is now approaching 100k miles and I'm looking to replace it.

I quite like the look of the c-max - the older version (pre-2010) which is technically the ford focus c-max.

I've had a look through the specs etc but would really appreciate hearing any experiences people have had with this car in terms of what it's like to drive, reliability, how much space there is etc. I'm probably looking at getting a 2005 plate or similar.

TIA

harleq1962

my dad who is 70 did this same thing last year, i drive his cars when im with him, ( he likes being driven around) im fine driving the cmax but when he drives it he moans he cant see the end of the bonnet, he sometimes parks further from the kerb than in the focus. it seems to ride lower over speed bumps. he finds it easier to get in and out of than the focus and he has said it sometimes feels more like driving a van, the space is great as the back seats flip forward then you can just lift them out, id suggest going out and looking at a few either ebay or exchange and mart etc. see if it feels right when you sit in it. see if you can test drive.

stef73

I moved from a 53 plate focus to a 05 c-max, i liked the higher driving style and the whole back seats come out you can if needed get loads in it. I only changed it because we had another child and needed a 7 seater so i have a Zafira now there is a 7 seater so i may in a couple of years go back to the 7 seat c-max. Oh and the heated front screen is great.

sweaty_betty

harleq1962 wrote: »

my dad who is 70 did this same thing last year, i drive his cars when im with him, ( he likes being driven around) im fine driving the cmax but when he drives it he moans he cant see the end of the bonnet, he sometimes parks further from the kerb than in the focus. it seems to ride lower over speed bumps. he finds it easier to get in and out of than the focus and he has said it sometimes feels more like driving a van, the space is great as the back seats flip forward then you can just lift them out, id suggest going out and looking at a few either ebay or exchange and mart etc. see if it feels right when you sit in it. see if you can test drive.

stef73 wrote: »

I moved from a 53 plate focus to a 05 c-max, i liked the higher driving style and the whole back seats come out you can if needed get loads in it. I only changed it because we had another child and needed a 7 seater so i have a Zafira now there is a 7 seater so i may in a couple of years go back to the 7 seat c-max. Oh and the heated front screen is great.

Thanks both, that's really helpful.

Stef - do you mind me asking how many children you have? I think I read a review that said the c-max could fit three child seats in the back, but I wasn't sure when I looked in the dimensions/reviews etc.

JQ.

My wife has one and it's great. The boot is enormous - bigger than a Range Rover or Mondeo Estate. Plus if you take the seats out it's the size of a small van.

She's had it 4 years and it's only needed regular servicing and wear and tear items, it's a 2006 1.8 TDCI. We've had no big bills or breakdowns. We have 2 children and it's the perfect size, we use it for camping weekends and can get an amazing amount stuff in it.

The only reason we'd change it would be if we needed 7 seats, but we don't, so will be sticking with it.

Edited to add :

We have a nephew and have had 3 full size kids seat in the back without any issue.

stef73

I have 2 children but often take my parents for days out with the children so that makes 6. When we go on holidays my parents car is never used once they get there.