• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Erm - probably that I have kids..

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Most people are fairly impressed when the have been in it.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, it's been a great car. Utterly reliable and really well thought out for a family car.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Something new - after 2 s-max's it feels like time for a change but both models I've had (a '57 plate & '13 plate 2.0 TDCi) have been brilliant.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £19,500

    When did you buy the car?

    July 2013

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Took my old s-max in p/x and gave a fair valuation.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Needed a car that could fit 3 child seats in the rear and would tow a 1250kg caravan - the s-max fitted the bill.

    What was the dealer like?

    Fine - no faults at purchase and no faults since.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Lovely to drive, reasonably refined and quiet for a car with such a big glass area.

    What's it like to park?

    Easy-peasy! Front and rear sensors work well.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    No faults to date, I covered 25,000 miles in this s-max without any faults at all. Prior to this I had a 57 plate 2.0 TDCi 130hp manual s-max in which I covered 60,000 miles. The only fault on the previous version was a sticking boot lock mechanism. Over the two models I've experienced, it's the most reliable car I've ever owned.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The fact that 3 car seats fit into the rear seats easily - its a great car if you have 3 young children. It's also a really stable and capable tow-car.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The DAB radio is good, plus I've had a detachable Westfalia tow-bar fitted - it can be removed easily and is totally invisible when removed. Both of my two s-max's have had the panoramic roof fitted, its great for kids as it makes the interior feel really airy.