Ford S-MAX (2006 - 2014) 1.8 TDCi LX 5d (2006/56) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
Nothing. It's a machine. It can't talk.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Family love it. But they don't have to drive it to the dealer every other month.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably not due to unreliability. Maybe this was just one of the first made. Maybe it was a "Friday car". But I would look elsewhere.
What are you likely to buy next?
Mazda5 or Toyota Verso. Or maybe a Zafira.
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£20,000
When did you buy the car?
November 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not relevant - company car. I expect the lease company did alright though.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
It was good on company car tax. And roomy. And drove well on the test drive.
What was the dealer like?
Diabolical. I have taken the car in many times for faults and they have failed to fix a single one first time. One time they even failed to service the car when they said they had.
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
1.8 diesel is a tad underpowered but generally it's OK. Goes round corners well for a big car/bus.
What's it like to park?
VERY HARD!! It's a very wide car.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Lots of things. Trim falling off. Centre console falling apart several times. Turbo failure. Aircon failure. Electric parking brake constantly sticking (and getting worse which often causes the car to fill with an acrid clutch burning smell that lingers for days). Clutch going at 70000 (probably related to the parking brake). Both electric windows sticking from new. Steering rack at 65000. Exhaust at 70000. Fords (in my experience) do have a habit of needing work between 50-70k but this one is exceptional.
What's most practical about your car?
Exceptional flexibility for family. The middle seats are incredibly comfortable with loads of legroom and ability to recline. A 200 mile trip up the country with a couple of teenagers and a load of luggage is easy work.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Parking sensors are absolutely essential. Cruise is very nice.
