Zetec 2.0 TDCi

A pretty good car, but difficult to get passionate about

What's Good
- Driving position, engine, transmission, seat comfort, practicality, economy

What's mediocre
- fit (rattles & squeaks), refinement

What's bad
- Dealers, steering wheel

Mine has now done >90k in 5.5 years. Effortless cruising and capable of >50mpg on a run (measured brim-brim) although that falls a lot around town.

I would say it's been averagely reliable. There was a very early problem with the thermostat, sorted under warranty. The crank/cam (can't remember which) position sensor started giving up at about 65k, and this was a relatively cheap fix (£130 from a dealer), and just today the EGR was replaced (about £300 including diagnosis). So this isn't bad over this lifetime. Oh and make sure you don't catch the screenwash cap in the bonnet. Although that's £5 for a new one.

Tyre life on Michelin Primacy HP is excellent - 35k from tyres that spent their whole life on the front. Continental nearly 45k on the rear. Steering wheel is poor- leather has just fallen apart (or maybe it's my sweaty palms?)

Dealers have been a bit pants, on more than one occasion a trip to the dealer was closely followed by a return visit for re-work. Most recent one seems better though. Here's hoping!

3 different friends have also had C-Max at some point, and they have all liked the car. But people will not generally look admiringly and envy you - the design is pretty much flair-free.

An absolutely terrific car for carrying bicycles - take out the back seats and replace with cycle carriers. Without the seats can also take a colossal amount of stuff to the tip. Although it's not got a very long load area - would be better if the front seat folded in some way to take that tall Ikea furniture.

Overall a very good car for what it's good for. Not the 100% reliability that we'd all like, but not the disaster/lemon that some reviews would lead you to expect.

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