• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Practical and lazy!

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    My parents love it because it's so accessible to whoever is sitting in the front. My friends think I'm 50 years old when actually I'm 25...

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes - with the caveat that I'd get a manual.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Mondeo 2.5T, Focus ST or Fiesta ST. Or maybe even something sensible.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £4,995

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2013

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Not a bad deal.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I'm quite big and tall so I like bigger cars than the average hatchback. This is extremely comfortable. Also this car had cruise control, which (for its age) gave it an extra selling point.

    What was the dealer like?

    Perrys dealership. Lead salesman top marks for smarminess but all went OK.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Pleasant enough. Can go quite fast in relation to some cars but the 4 speed auto gearbox lets the car down here.

    What's it like to park?

    Good visibility. Easier to park than its wider family car rivals e.g. Mondeo.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Drive shaft joint covers needed replacing at about 60k miles, but car has always started and driven as it should. At 70k miles there is now a bit of a wobble (not the wheels - had them checked - but potentially the gearbox). Be warned that the older CMaxes have a poor 4 speed auto gearbox.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Tall for the driver and front passenger - easy to get in and out of, fits tall people.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Cruise control makes motorways light work. My first car with it - now I wouldn't own one without it!