I need an automatic family car - Ford Focus Estate or Ford C-Max?

I'm on the lookout for a Ford Focus 2.0 automatic. My partner has a baby on the way and is restricted to driving automatics. We have decided that the hatchback and saloons are not big enough for prams and baby gear etc. I test drove a 2007 Ghia Estate (ex-Motability) from a Ford dealer this weekend, the car is priced at £7000. It drove really well, the only bad thing I could see was a slight difference in panel gaps alongside the offside front wing and bonnet. The dealer has told me the car had a new wing fitted at Ford and that the car has not been in a serious accident. I was unable to knock the dealer down (other than him fitting ISOFIX for me for free).

I walked away unable to make my mind up and have since been looking at the C-Max and noticed they also have plenty of room in the boot. There seem to be a few horror stories from C-Max owners when I search on the web, whilst your website indicates this to be a good car. Could you tell me if the 2.0 Focus Auto Estate and the 2.0 Auto C-Max have the same running gear and whether you feel one would be better than the other for a family car?

Asked on 5 September 2010 by russty

Answered by Honest John
The C-Max horror stories are all about the 1.6TDCI CVT auto which is a bit of a disaster zone. The 2.0-litre petrol 4-speed torque converter auto is okay.
Similar questions
I have the wonderful 8-speed ZF auto box in my 2015 BMW 4 Series. I can't afford to keep the BMW but I do like a silky smooth automatic transmission. What cars have the best automatic transmissions, in...
I need a cheap large family car for general use (Asda trips) and longer road trips with lots of baggage. I only have about £1500 for the purchase. I would prefer a diesel automatic and preferably an estate...
I want to buy a diesel car (for a family of 4-5) that has a reliable automatic gearbox (I only hold an automatic licence), which diesel cars out there are renown to have reliable auto gearbox systems with...
Related models
Neat styling. More practical than a Ford Focus. Fine blend of ride comfort, handling and driver enjoyment. High-quality interior.
As good as the hatchback. Great to drive and very refined. Upmarket and comfortable interior. Usefully large boot. The best looking estate this size.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer