Ford S-MAX (2006 - 2014) 2.0 TDCi (140bhp) Titanium 5d (2010/60) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
Its just a big family car. But one that makes life a little easier for the endless transporting of family and kids.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
My siblings later bought one, on grounds of space, three full mid row seats, and doesn't look like a wagon.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. We considered the Citron C4 grand scenic, which is cheaper (new 2015 prices) and has excellent reviews. If we had 2 kids, we might have. But with three, (and elderly grandparents) SMAX has that extra width and boot space, with better driver experience.
What are you likely to buy next?
We emigrated to Sweden and bought an XC90 (2014 model). A very comfortable cruiser. Great for the ice and snow, and all the family gear. But will look at the new 2015 SMAX on return to the UK for affordable and lower running costs.
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£16,200
When did you buy the car?
May 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
Because we visited a dealer while on a weekend break - so not local - he had to close the deal there and then.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Replacement for leased company SMAX.
What was the dealer like?
Helpful, pragmatic, and not rushed.
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The SMAX is the best MPV to drive that we tried out. Engaging, good suspension, good driver visibility, great for short runs and long journeys (and doesn't feel like or look like a van). You will get used to the size. The 2.0 TDCI is far more comfortable to drive around for the school run than the 1.8, which doesn't respond smoothly, especially if loaded. Turbo boost works well for overtaking. 6 gears were a benefit for economy, (and keeping below 30) but not essential.
What's it like to park?
Sensors essential as the SMAX is wide. Mirrors provide good coverage, and if you learn where the corners really are, visibility over bonnet, qtr lights and side view mirrors is better than many in this class.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Starter motor failed in 2013 - not cheap, but FORD spares are modest compared to Renault/Citron for example. Tyre wear high, due to wheel misalign. Sony sound system failed. (Replaced with 2nd hand one from ebay) Overall, our SMAX was reliable. I would recommend fitting RUN FLAT TYRES, to avoid the most likely cause of inconvenient failure.
What's most practical about your car?
Middle row seats are all full size, with lots of leg room for adults/grandmas etc. (Many have only a 2/3 size middle seat). Third row is ideal for kids, but acceptable for adults on a shorter journey. The height of the sill is low enough for 3-4 year olds to safely get in/out them selves. When looking around for alternatives, we compared our old SMAX (£21k new) with a new Volvo XC90 (£31k+ new). Even discounting the price, for a family with 3 kids, in the UK climate, the SMAX won hands down.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated front windscreen is brilliant for clearing ice in a jiffy. Parking sensors essential to avoid regular damage! Darkened glass (Standard on Titanium) is really helpful to keep the temperature down, and kids happy on longer journeys.
