USED Ford S-Max MPV (06 - )

My car

Great car, but mine has 2 big faults.

ENGINE MALFUNCTION

When the car's computer detects an engine fault it suddenly limits the power. It usually happens when you most need power, such as going up a hill. The diesel engine is apparently made by Peugeot and it has a flaw with the turbo's EGR (exhaust gas recirculation valve). If you drive lots of short journeys it gets "sooted up" and then you get the "ENGINE MALFUNCTION" warning. When you then go to the dealer they cannot detect the fault. I ended up taking the car to the dealer with the warning light still lit up and left the engine running for an hour for them to connect their diagnostic computer. The result was faulty EGR which they duly replaced under warranty. Problem was one month later the same fault reappeared. The solution I found on the internet was to take the car for long run on the motorway. Every 2 months the car needs a long run, and then it copes fine with all the stop-start driving.

BRAKE FAILURE

The other fault is total brake failure when you brake soon after starting the car. The cure is to fit a revised non return valve to the brake vacuum pump. My dealer refused to believe there was any fault, until I showed him the recall notices that applied models made to Dec 06. My car is Jan 07, so clearly this was the problem. He said because my car was Jan 07 this could not be the cause (as if they empty the parts bins at year end !) I paid for a new valve and the problem never reoccurred.

My car

I have owned this car from new, it replaced a Vauxhall Zafira SRI which was a dreadful car to own.

The S-Max is simply superb. It is an excellent Family car and basically does everything that it was bulit to do with no problems. Space in the furthermost rear seats is a bit limited, and thus more suitable for children, however when these seats are not in use, the bootspace is enormous and swallows up all your holiday luggage with ease.

This model is cheap to run, cheap to insure and servicing costs are not too expensive, thus making it a shrewd purchase in todays market. Fuel economy at present is aroung 40 mpg and for a big car that is not too bad, however I would expect this figure to increase when the engine is properly ran in.

I frequently drive this car for long periods at a time on the continent and it handles and performs well even on the German Autobhans.

I have tried and rested various other MPV's avaliable at present from VW, Vauxhall and Toyota etc and this is by far the most practical.

An excellent choice for a good family car.

My car

I can honestly say without any hesitation that this is the best car I've ever owned and driven. I recently replaced an 09 Mondeo with a new S-Max - same engine (2.0 Duratorq)but huge difference in overall feel. I liked the Mondeo, and wasn't looking forward to getting a people carrier, but allmy doubts were assuaged during the first 500 miles, and I now look for excuses to drive, something I've not done in years. Everyone who has seen it and sat inside has loved it - mates, kids, colleagues.

I've got the Titanium, so trim level is pretty good. The body styling is very appealing, and even the most skeptical friend to see the s-max had to admit it's easy on the eye - even better to sit in. I liked the Mondeo, but thought the cabin quality was poor, whereas the S-Max feels a lot tidier and is less prone to rattles on rough surfaces. The Mondeo always let me know when the surface was anything other than smooth. General road noise in the S-Max is much reduced by comparison.

As far as handling goes, I love the S-Max. It responds like a car, and I can't fault the feedback the S-Max provides. It's sporty, responsive and still economical on the fuel. When I'm careful, I've had over 39mpg, though tearing around on country roads reduced that to 37.2mpg fairly quickly.

In summary, I've no complaints and expect to keep this for 3 years. It's a really well engineered car, that looks good and is huge inside - almost Tardis like. Can't recommend it highly enough.

My car

Having had the car for two years i would say it is probably the best large MPV to get if you like driving. The smax handles like a normal car with plenty of grunt from the 2.0 TDCI engine, mine has the x-pack which includes a number of things but the 18' wheels are the best add on which really makes the car look cool.The only downside is with the car being heavy i only get about 14000 miles to a set of front tires (which cost £185.00 each to replace). If you can live with that shock then you will love the car.