Ford Focus C-MAX (2003 - 2010) 2.0 TDCi Ghia 5d (Euro 4) (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I have a family and I have given up on life.

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

Mmmm, a Ford Focus C-Max. He's not got much money AND he's given up on life.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. This particular one has been a sour experience. That said it is a good model and has a lot of bonus points. My main reason would be the sheer number of rattles and squeaks it puts out at less than 70k miles, when I've been in an Audi twice the age and with 3 times the mileage which was silent and absorbed all uneveness in the road without shaking you in your seat.

What are you likely to buy next?

I have just purchased a C270 diesel. I do 700 miles a week commuting and that is a far better option. NO rattles :-).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

The book price for a standard 2.0 TDCi Ghia was over £9K with 50K miles. I paid £7.5k with only 35008 miles on it. I purchased on Ebay.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Bought it because of good driving position, good torquey engine and good mpg. The one I picked had all options plus full leather.

What was the dealer like?

Not a dealer but a Welsh family. They were nice I guess.

What's it like to drive?

Good. The 2.0 TDCi has more torque than grip, and I have experienced significant torque-steer as high as 4th gear on slippery surfaces. In favourable conditions this is a point-and-shoot vehicle though. Part of the reason I bought it wad due to Parker's giving it 5 stars for handling, which is the same as a Lotus Elise. I can confirm Parker's overstated that point, but not too much. Ride is reasonaby firm and steering feedback is so acute you can actually tell what type of grit has been used in the tarmac. If you drive with Tinkerbell's foot you can get 51mpg without too much bother. If you have lead boots this will come down to 32-ish.

What's it like to park?

Easy. Ford parking sensors are bargain-basement and not to be trusted though - be warned.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh Boy! Dual-mass flywheel (£900, including clutch and slave cylinder) electric window motor (over £250), bent NS drive shaft due to torque "bounce" pulling away quickly (not overly quickly I would add) - £480 (can only get Ford original parts), Radio (6000CD) is rubbish and deafens you with hiss when it fails to pick up a new RDS signal, auto volume doesn't work.

What's most practical about your car?

Excellent load space and room for 2 really fat people in the back if you lose the centre seat by folding it up. Seriously though there is a lot of room to carry. Other excellent point is the driving height you are at in these - visibility is undeniably better than in a normal saloon or similar.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated front seats. A warm posterior on a cold morning is a truly wonderful thing.