S Max buying advice wanted

[kste]

Hi I am going to buy a lightly used (2012) S-max in Germany. Will be doing quite a few 4-5 hour trips around Germany, Switzerland and France with family in tow. I am trying to work out what are the must have options. Seems for my budget of Euro 30,000 I can get a titanium with the 200hp diesel engine. I want an auto as I am from NZ and LHD is something that requires more attention from me.

I have no opportunity to drive on as I need a car there when I arrive so have to buy over the internet.

Any thoughts on the IVDC? Is is good?
Is sports suspension too harsh over European cobble streets?
Is the top spec stereo worth it?
Any other options that people think are worth getting?

Thanks!

[kste]

Hi would also appreciate if anyone can advise if the smaller 2.0 engine with the dual clutch gearbox is nicer to drive than the 2.2 with the automatic gearbox. Currently have a Passat Diesel with the DSG and the gearbox makes the car go really nicely. Obviously more power is always good but overall the drive train package can sometimes be more important and pleasing if the right one.

[Pablo16v]

Hi, our family car is a petrol 2011 2.0 Ecoboost 240 S-Max Titanium X. It currently has 42K miles on the clock and hasn’t put a foot wrong with the only costs racked up so far being servicing and tyres. The sports suspension is typical of most modern Fords…it’s quite stiff but still reasonably compliant when road surfaces get a bit rough. Cobbles should be fine. Our car has 18” wheels as standard, with 235/45/18 tyres, and it in no way feels harsh. Titanium models I think were fitted with 17” wheels as standard so that would help with the ride quality, but I certainly wouldn’t worry if the optional 18’s have been fitted. The Powershift dual clutch ‘auto’ box is pretty good, and going by your post will be a must have. It can feel a wee bit sluggish in ‘D’, as it’s geared for cruising and economy, but if you slot it into ‘S’ you’ll get quicker downshifts and it’ll hold the gears for longer. Manual mode pretty much gives you full control and you use the gear stick to change as there’s no paddles behind the wheel.
The standard stereo in our car is a little underwhelming, and really struggles with base, so finding a car with an upgraded sound system would be a bonus. Sat Nav is also a good option to have if you’re moving to a new country.

I can’t really comment on the difference between the 2.0 and the 2.2, as I haven’t driven either of them, but I reckon the 2.0 with Powershift box will be quite a bit more economical than the 2.2 with its conventional auto. If economy is not a top priority then 200bhp is very tempting, despite it not having the newer ‘box. I’m sure both will drive very well, but the Powershift ‘box will give you a bit more control as and when you need it.

I hope that helps and good luck with the hunt and the move.

[sp222]

Hey - we have the Titanium 163bhp Diesel with the powershift box.

It's the family car, and we've had it approx 6 months (i think mileage is around 5k, and we got it with 173 miles on the clock).

I do occasionally wish it had a little more power, but for 99% of the time it's fine. The gearbox suits it and as said above works pretty well. I did previously have an F11 530d with the 8 speed box, and the S-Max although being a fair way short of that is certainly respectable.

The interior is a much better place to spend time than I had previously thought it would be (we have optional leather too, which is good) - I think the only options i would like to have had a choice on would be the panoramic roof and heated seats (if they do them).

The stereo is pretty decent with DAB and easy connection for iphone etc. We didn't get sat nav, but I wasn't that impressed when I saw the fitted one anyway.

The only disappointment for me so far is the MPG, which is just under 34.. It is mainly used for short trips by my wife though, and auto probably doesn't help that much.

[LanceRS]

We've got the 2 litre 140 diesel, manual Titanuim which we've had for a few years now. If you have to have a bus, then an Smax is the one to have.
Could do with a bit more power although it is sensitive to the fuel, runs much better on the Ultimate/Vpower versions and apparently a remap makes a lot of difference.
As mentioned above seem to use a fair bit of fuel, averages about 35mpg,although I tried really hard on a 2 hour cross country journey today and got it up to 43!

[kste]

Hi thanks for all the comments. I think I am going to go for the bigger motor for power. While I am currently doing pennance in the Passat due to losing too much money in various Porsches, I do like a car with enough grunt.

Anyone have any experience of the active suspension? Seem to be able to get that thrown in as well within my budget.

[macajc88]

My dad runs a 2012 S-Max 2.2 Diesel Titanium X manual. It's a good car but has been beset by reliability problems with the DPF / DPF valve. The car will often lose power while cruising and broke down completely on one occasion needing a low loader to transport to the garage.

Car is often driven hard, does daily 40mile runs and often 130 mile + runs so no reason for the issue.

Has been back and forth to Ford over the last 4 months and has put a real dampener on the ownership experience.

Owned a 2010 2.0 140bhp diesel model before hand and had no issues whatsoever.

Assuming reliability issues don't crop up the 2.2 is a great car with lots of shove - I drive a Focus ST and was quite impressed with the performance.