3 Ford C-MAX cars for sale

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.