Will a second-hand Ford S-MAX automatic be a reliable used family car?

I was looking for an MPV that's nice to drive and am very impressed by the Ford C-MAX 2.0 TDCi Automatic. But I am now considering the Ford S-Max for about £10,000 as it is said to be more comfortable, more spacious and better to drive.

Can you please advise me on the petrol 2.0 Ecoboost auto models, how good they are to drive, how they compare to the diesel automatic models, and what major problems they may have with the automatic gearbox?

Asked on 10 August 2021 by Kevin Kathurima

Answered by Dan Powell
The Ford S-MAX is a very good car. Comfortable, practical and good to drive, I rate it as an excellent all-around family car.

Ford has had an awful lot of reported issues with its six-speed dry clutch Powershift automatic gearbox. Most issues can be avoided with a transmission fluid and filter change every 40,000 miles or three years (whichever comes first). The seller should have paperwork that shows this work has been done.

For all reported issues with this generation of the Ford S-MAX, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/s-max-2006/good
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