Used 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Consumer Reviews
11,000 miles and still happy
I am surprised by some of the negative reviews so I wanted to weigh in that I am at 11,000 miles and love my c-max. I did get a late model 2013 and had to wait for after recalls. Maybe they fixed the glitches before I got mine. LOVE IT!!!
Starts when it wants to, not when I tell it to
I purchased my C-Max new in May 2013. In 2015 Ford sent owners of the C-Max hybrid (gas/electric) a service bulletin saying that there were issues with the battery (the small standard battery that starts these cars, runs the lights, lifts the hatchback, etc.) and the car should be taken to the dealer for repair. I did this. Over the next several years, I had to put in four new batteries (at my own expense despite an extended warranty), have countless recharges of old batteries and several tows to the dealer just to keep the car on the road. Service folks (three dealers over two states) told me that my battery problems were a result of the way I drove the car, not enough to recharge the small standard battery, despite the fact that I drive almost every day. Finally, in the summer of 2018 a service manager told me that if I used a battery tender (aka trickle charger) my problems would stop. I bought one, used it faithfully until the end of October 2018 when the car failed to start after being charged completely the day before. This car is unrepairable. When I had it towed to the dealer, they told me they got it started and there was nothing wrong with the car. When I asked Ford for my money back, I was told that per the lemon law, I had owned the car 5 years and 6 months, so they didn't owe me anything. I had not been thinking "lemon law." This car was supposed to be the last car I ever own. I'm elderly, paid cash for this car out of savings, and now have to figure out how to finance the next car, a Honda. Update: Drove the C-Max to Honda dealer and got an Accord to take home. Its a nice car, and its my understanding that it will last for hundreds of thousands of miles. As long as it starts when I need it to, I'm ahead of the game. One worrisome note: I now owe $280 every month.
- Reliability
Fails too soon, no spare tire
I purchased it new in 2013 and maintained it perfectly, thinking that it would last for a very long time when cared for properly. I received $1000 in rebates for the poor gas mileage (I get 39.5 mpg) that was far lower than advertised. 6 years and 86000 miles later it has failed twice for two different reasons leaving me stranded in dangerous conditions. Both time occurred within weeks after a maintenance and multi point safety check. It just shuts down. I now fear getting into the car and its value has dropped to about $5000. Just a waste. No help to the environment or global warming if the car becomes useless and such low value after only 6 years.
I've had my C Max for a week now.
I have driven my new C Max for about 300 miles the past week and it is a bit premature to give more than first impressions of the vehicle. Thus far I am pleased with the vehicle. I have been able to get 47.7 mpg (according to the trip odometer) with careful driving on my most recent 50 mile jaunt. It was a mix of freeway and city driving. I'm confident I'll be able to get 40 plus MPG with little effort. The car has plenty of room inside for 4 + size adults. Plenty of pep. The ride is quiet and smooth. Storage compartments are plentiful. Sync is fantastic. Gauges & instrumentation display are even more fantastic. I can't really rate reliability accurately as I've only owned it a week.
after 3 months of wonership...
Bought my C-Max SEL in January 2013, model 303A with pano roof. I have 1800 miles driven, primarily in city and suburban settings. Bought this vehicle mostly as a commuter car, but wanted rear hatch to have flexibility carrying larger objects. There has been a lot of chatter about the mileage published versus real life. The EPA tests are not real world. If I can get in the 40's I am good. Would buy a C-Max again. If you want solely the highest mileage get a Prius, but don't expect much of a driving experience. The C-Max will give you some fun an dfeel while driving.