Why is it easier to find a C-Max than a Focus? Should I?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Trying to replace Mrs.NCoT's Puma with something more kiddie friendly but still fun to drive. Budget 4k.

Initially looking at Mk.2 Focii, but after several weeks of looking nothing has turned up locally! I thought it would be easy, they are so common! Just looking for a 5 door in 1.8 or 2.0 in Zetec or above spec, pref not from a dealer.

Anyway, missus just spotted a few C-Max' in decent spec - are they any good? Don't want anything too mumsy. Are they as good to drive as the Focus? Are they based on Mk.1 or Mk.2 Focus?

[finlo]

They are great to drive and are based on the MK 2 chassis although they made an apperance a year or so before the MK 2.

[Loose Chippings]

A neighbour of mine had one and didn't really like it. Mainly due to poor mpg and said he felt it didn't have a good ride either. He went back to owning a conventional hatchback after about 6 months

[finlo]

They are great to drive and are based on the MK 2 chassis although they made an apperance a year or so before the MK 2.

[GroundEffect]

The C-Max and Focus are the same platform. Same powertrain.

[TegTypeR]

Owning a Mk2.5 Focus Estate and now considering a C-Max myself, I can say there is very little difference between the two.

When I bought my 1.8 petrol estate last June, I had been looking for about three months. You are right, they are difficult to find, especially considering they were one of Britain's best selling cars at he time!

To drive there is very little difference between them. The C-Max does feel a little top heavier (but I am being picky and pedantic) but performance and day to day use the are pretty much identical.

For me the biggest issue I have is the looks. The Mk2.5 C-Max looks better in my opinion but it is still slightly slab sided and that is where I struggle.

Which ever one you go for, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[SuperHangOn]

The good old Mondeo tends to be better value, esp a petrol.

[NiceCupOfTea]

I agree on the Mondeo front but Mrs.NCoT is adamant she doesn't want anything larger than a Focus. Means we considered the Mazda 3 for example but not the Skoda Octavia even though they are supposedly in the same class.

[MJK 24]

If you so settle on a C-Max, avoid any with electric handbrakes. The cables snap and are not available separately. £650 plus labour. Avoid all this by picking one with a conventional handbrake.

[NiceCupOfTea]

MJK 24 said:

If you so settle on a C-Max, avoid any with electric handbrakes. The cables snap and are not available separately. £650 plus labour. Avoid all this by picking one with a conventional handbrake.

Which ones have these? Post 07 facelift?

[shoehorn]

MJK 24 said:

If you so settle on a C-Max, avoid any with electric handbrakes. The cables snap and are not available separately. £650 plus labour. Avoid all this by picking one with a conventional handbrake.

The rear pads seize in the calipers causing cable failure,which are available if you know where to look,your just not supposed to remove them from the mechanism.
They are fitted to Ghia and above from 2004/5.

Our 2006 2.0 petrol ghia has one and it and the car have been faultless for 104,000 miles.
Not the most economical but a country mile better than the Scenic and Touran we had before.