Used Ford C-Max for sale: everything you need to know
In this guide we’re looking at the second-generation Ford C-Max sold between 2011 and 2019. Based on the Ford Focus, the C-Max was a compact MPV that had far more than just practicality on its side - it was actually pretty good to drive too, just like the Focus, and makes an excellent used family car buy, with plenty to choose from at prices far lower than modern equivalents.
MPVs live and die on practicality, and while the C-Max’s physical size limits how many people and how much stuff you can carry, it’s still a useful vehicle with five individual seats, plenty of storage cubbies, and a bigger boot than the Focus. It’s not as stylish as a modern crossover like the Ford Puma or Kuga, but if all you need is an affordable way of shuttling the family around, the C-Max is a good way to do it.
Should you buy a Ford C-Max?
Small MPVs like the Ford C-Max still make a lot of sense, even if they aren’t as stylish or desirable as the SUVs and crossovers that have largely replaced them, but the C-Max is still easy to recommend. It’s a Ford for a start, which means there’s plenty of choice on the used market and generally low servicing and repair costs. But it also means it’s a fundamentally pretty good car - and that doesn’t change as a used buy.
The C-Max did arrive late to the small MPV party but being based on the Focus means it’s broadly as talented as Ford’s excellent hatchback. You get a great balance of ride quality and handling, the controls all feel good (especially the direct steering and the high-mounted gearshift), and there are some useful standard features, such as a heated windscreen.
It’s practical too, though despite having three individual second row seats, they’re not quite broad enough for three child seats, so you may need a bigger MPV if you have more than two young children to ferry around. Interior quality is decent enough and there’s plenty of storage too. The engine lineup, while lacking a hybrid variant, is strong too, with a range of punchy turbocharged petrol and diesel units.
Small-MPV alternatives include the Renault Scenic, Citroen C4 Picasso, and the older more MPV-style Peugeot 3008, though depending on your budget, two premium options may also be within reach: the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Neither is especially better to drive or more practical than the Ford, but they do have badge appeal on their side.
What’s the best used Ford C-Max model to buy?
Diesel isn’t as popular as it used to be but if you plan on doing regular longer trips, the 1.5-litre Duratorq still makes a lot of sense, with economy figures some way above the Ecoboost petrols, and easy going performance that makes light work of a car full of people and luggage. For local trips the 1-litre Ecoboost engines will be more than sufficient, though these engines have a mixed reputation for reliability. As far as spec goes, Zetec gets you some useful features, but most buyers will probably want to find a Titanium-spec car at least, which gets a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Used Ford C-Max fuel economy and performance
- Ford C-Max 1.0 Ecoboost 100PS: In its lowest output the 1-litre three-cylinder petrol makes 100PS, good for a 12.9-second 0-62mph time with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Ford claims 42.2mpg combined.
- Ford C-Max 1.0 Ecoboost 125PS: A bump in power to 125PS cuts the 0-62mph time down to 11 seconds dead, while economy matches the 100PS car.
- Ford C-Max 1.5 Ecoboost 150PS: The larger 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is automatic-only, and with 150PS gets from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds. Claimed economy is 33.6mpg combined.
- Ford C-Max 1.5 Duratorq TDCi 120PS: With a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel, the C-Max makes 120PS and came with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. 0-62mph takes 11.3 seconds for the manual and 12.4 for the auto, with economy of 48.7mpg and 46.3mpg respectively.
What used Ford C-Max trim levels are available?
The C-Max hasn’t been on sale since 2019, but at that time Ford sold it in three trim levels, Zetec, Titanium, and Titanium X. The basic Zetec wasn’t too badly equipped - getting Ford’s heated windscreen as standard is a nice touch - but some of the features may now feel a little outdated by the standards of the latest cars.
- The Ford C-Max Zetec came with 16-inch alloy wheels, a radio with CD player, DAB, six speakers and USB connectivity, air conditioning, and a heated windscreen.
- The Ford C-Max Titanium adds chrome trim to the front grille, automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and keyless entry with a push-button start.
- The Ford C-Max Titanium X gets all the kit of the lower trims but also includes bi-xenon adaptive headlights, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, a panoramic roof, and part-leather seat upholstery.
Used Ford C-Max dimensions and boot size
The Ford C-Max’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4379mm
- Width: 1828mm (without mirrors), 2067mm (with mirrors)
- Height: 1610mm
- Ground clearance: N/A
The Ford C-Max’s boot size is:
- 432 litres
- 1684 litres with the rear seats folded down
Used Ford C-Max road tax
All Ford C-Max registered since April 2017 get a flat rate of VED, currently £190 per year for the 2024/2025 tax year, and there are no hybrid or plug-in models to save you £10 on that figure. C-Max sold prior to April 2017 have their tax rates based on CO2 output instead, which means some usefully low figures for the diesel models.
How much is it to insure a Ford C-Max?
As you’d expect given its similarity to the Ford Focus, the C-Max has similar insurance groups to that family-favourite. The cheapest models start in insurance group 10, while the most expensive are the old 2-litre diesels, which have group 22 insurance. There are small variations depending on trim level across the range.
