plus 3 golfer

I always find mileage threads amusing. If you haven't seen this MT video watch it and note the reference to Ford at about 6:60 potentionally "gaming" the software to maximize EPA fuel economy. If this "gaming" turns out to be true (Ford intentionally optimized the software for the specific EPA test conditions to deceive the public), then Ford could lose. IMHO, the merits of the suit will depend on what would be found in discovery. However, I would hope that Ford did not "game" the system. All I can say is that every independent review on the C-Max I've read /seen gets less than 40 mpg in the real world with most right around what CR got. If one drives more conservatively than the testers, then ones MPG will likly be higher. For example, I will drive a lot of miles on a 12 lane freeway with a speed limit of 65 MPH. I choose to drive at around 70 mph with the normal flow of traffic (as my guess most reviewers would do). There are some that are driving at less than 65 mph in the far right hand lanes.

I checked mine a few days ago in morning with garage temp about 58*F and pressure was 40ish. I assume the pressure was set in MI at 38 psi when temps were colder. I bumped them up to 45 psi. I always run tires around 90% of sidewall maximum cold pressure which for the Michelin Energy a/s 94Vs is 51 psi.

The exterior protection package option includes mud flaps and the rear bumper protection (clear strip on bumper below hatch) for $245 dealer installed ($218 invoice). Someone posted they had the dealer install the clear bumper strip for $75 for the strip +$40 installation. That might mean the mud flaps installed would be $130.

In 2008, I looked hard at a 2009 Prius and 2009 Jetta TDI and bought the Jetta. In 2012, I looked hard at a Prius again and bought the C-Max for virtually all the reasons stated above. As I see it, the only two things the Prius has over most cars is fuel economy and reliability. In most other attributes like perfomance, refinements, comfort, handling and so forth, the Prius is woefully lacking. Hopefully, the C-Max will match or surpass the reliability of the Prius. Time will tell. With respect to fuel economy, I was aware prior to buying my C-Max that the fuel economy is likely not going to be as good as a Prius. But, the likely difference in fuel savings with the Prius simply didn't outweigh the other benefits of the C-Max.

They started at $13k for my 2009 TDI with 70k+ miles (plus needed a new windshield, some curb rash, scratched rear bumper). I eventually got them up to $14k for it. I also saved $1400 in taxes on the CMAX by trading. I doubt I could have sold it privately for $15.6 plus the hassle. Since this CMAX exactly met are desires (base SEL in white with tan leather) and with the cash back expiring soon, I took the trade rather than wait. I bought it with xplan pricing, free window tint, and $1k in cash incentives. Sticker was over $33k which included a nearly $2k market adjustment adder, $599 lifetime tint already on car, $899 alarm system which they removed (or maybe never had installed), + another $699 dealer add on for something I can't recall right now. I guess some will pay sticker.

Thanks, took your advice and finally drove one.

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