Item: Used Ford C-Max 2007 - 2011
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

C-MAX

One of the great all rounders. The C-Max is so easy to live with you might forget you're driving an MPV.

Used Ford C-Max 2007 - 2011

Petrol models are generally cheaper to buy, but the diesels have better resale values. The two 1.6- and the 1.8-litre petrol models deliver 40.9mpg, 39.8mpg and 35.3mpg respectively. The diesels are far more economical: with the less powerful 1.6-litre 60.1mpg, the more-powerful 58.8mpg, the 1.8-litre 52.3mpg and the 2.0-litre 49.5mpg.

Road tax and insurance aren't steep, unless you buy a 2.0-litre petrol model, which emits 189g/km of CO2 and sits in insurance group 12.

Depreciation is steep for the C-Max, making them a potentially good used buy, as long as you don't spend too much in the first place. Diesel models are slightly more expensive to service than petrol ones, but Ford garages aren't usually extortionate when it comes to labour rates.

One of the great all rounders. The C-Max is so easy to live with you might forget you're driving an MPV.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine with 98bhp is fine for driving in town, but will struggle when the car is fully laden and on fast roads. The 1.8-litre model with 123bhp is sprightly, and the 143bhp 2.0-litre comes only with an automatic gearbox.

Diesels make more sense if you drive lots of miles. The 1.6-litre with 88bhp will suit some, but for more power track down the 109bhp version, which is the better bet. There's a 113bhp 1.8-litre, which isn't notably faster and a 2.0-litre with 134bhp - best for high-speed motorway work. You can get an automatic gearbox only on the 2.0-litre versions of the diesels.

The entry-level Studio model is a little too basic, so aim higher if your purse allows. Style trim gets a CD player and air-con, but Zetec delivers better value, adding alloy wheels. Titanium trim adds finishing touches such as cruise control and auto lights and wipers. Look out for the Titanium X pack with leather seats, or the Sports X pack for a sporty trim and suspension.

http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Ford/C-Max)**

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

The C-Max is no stranger to workshops, as a few problems have appeared over time.

Some diesel engine problems have surfaced, usually with the turbo, along with potentially faulty alternators that need replacing. Some cars can occasionally drop into limp-home mode. This is potentially due to a wide range of problems, and it will require a garage inspection.

The bonnet attracts stone chips, and can start to look scruffy after a year of driving, while cabin squeaks and small electrical faults have also been reported. 
The C-Max is known for wearing its front tyres quickly, so check tread depth and condition. Random electrical gremlins can include boots that open by themselves, clocks that need resetting and errant electric window mechanisms.

The Ford C-Max is more revamp than a complete reinterpretation - this model builds on the success of the original Focus C-Max ('03-'07), to become a great five-seat MPV.

Think of it as a Focus that's put on some pounds. It's almost as good to drive as the hatchback, with refined handling, plenty of grip and sharp steering. The ride is comfortable, with limited body roll on faster corners, yet it's able to absorb bumps and scars on uneven roads. Wind and road noise are also well contained.

Passenger space is generous in the front, and there's room for three in the back, although the middle seat is more restricted. The rear seats can also be removed to swell the decent boot to accommodate bulkier items. All-round visibility is good, and there's an additional rear-facing mirror so you can keep an eye on the kids in the back. The cabin has a well laid-out and durable feel, with quality materials and sturdy construction.

http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Ford/C-Max)**

Used Ford C-Max 2007 - 2011 review

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