Adrian_L

That's the first thing that popped into my head-----put the tire and wheel in a bathtub or equivalent. But if it's only 2-5 psi per week, maybe no bubbles. Probably worth a visit to a tire specialist for a second opinion. A drag, to be sure.

Intriguing. I'd be inclined to go with golfer's suggestion: a 10 gauge wire from the HID to the battery with a standard 12v relay which is energized by the existing headlight wire.

Yeah. I was shocked that my C-max was the same to insure as a fully loaded 2005 Audi A6 luxo-barge.

When I bought insurance there was a "replace with new" option. It costs a bit more but worth it for those who stress about these things.

For the Hybrid, it is a complete gimmick and I'd turn mine off if I could be bothered.

Easy on the ganja, buddy. Smiling Jack was making a joke. I doubt there's that much of a market in chopped up C-maxes. I'd be more worried with a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic.

My wife and I were a bit shocked how "plastic-ey" the Volt felt. For the price, we were expecting Audi-like levels of interior comfort, not something that reminded us of a 1993 Cavalier.

In my opinion, changing full synthetic oil after 5,000 miles is a bit like changing your windshield wipers every two months.

The technology is just way too new. I know a few good mechanics around my neck of the woods, but I would only take C-max to Ford for major servicing--those guys are getting the latest service updates from Ford, they're working on other C-maxes. etc. etc But having said that, I'm changing the oil and rotating the tires myself when the next service interval comes up.

That stuff about black cars getting into more accidents is a myth. I actually think a clean black car on a pale grey road is more eye catching than grey or silver.

What's the question?? My advice is to go with the SEL if you can.

If you ask me, letting automakers state their own mileage numbers is a recipe for disaster. It's kind of like asking parents to rate the attractiveness of their kids. But as to Ford's situation a)it happened a long time ago and b)Ford was proactive in "correcting" the problem.

I offer a heartfelt "Thanks" to the members above for emulating my thoughts precisely. I got the message the 5th time and frankly I ignored it. The idea that a dollar-store voltmeter can save your life is so overly dramatic and basically silly that I rolled my eyes. Look, you got a bad car. Once in a blue moon, my 1985 Hyundai Pony would randomly accelerate (it was always at a light or parking lot with the clutch in) and I would have to turn off the ignition temporarily. I didn't stop Hyundai Ponys at red lights and tell them in a panicky voice that their lives were in danger!!! Enough already....

I used to love these things when I was much younger. Had a Road & Track subscription. Posters of Lamborghinis on the wall. The whole nine yards. Funny how differently I feel now. Maybe Neitzche said it best -- "The mother of excess is not joy, but joylessness". But hey, it's a free country.

I have a '13 and it sounds like it the options you have. Apart from a brake light bulb dying after 5 months, I have nothing to complain about. With respect to Kaptnk, I have yet to hear of a SINGLE C-max dying while driving, other than his. Our family has the "moment of truth" at the end of the journey. Being Canadian, it is great when it is between 4.0 and 5.0 (l/100km) Not so great when it is 6.1 like it was last time (must be there weather up here?) Adrian Vancouver

Man, I love gadgets. Thanks for the info.

Fantastic idea. I think it was suggested before and one of the electronic-savvy members shot it down for some reason.

Fuzz-ion, Fuzz-ion, Fuzz-ion, Make yourself a nice cup of tea. Get comfortable and do your research. Trust me, you'll enjoy it. It's like Young and the Restless around here without the sex. But because I don't have two hours free, I'll just say that I agree whole-heartedly with Paul. Stay away from the SE model. And get a 2015 if you can. And don't worry about windows going up and down. They don't. Adrian

There are some spectacular installations out there on the internet---some guys have installed Navs, tablets, laptops even in their dashes and made them look factory professional. But you have to have a feel for it, as well as patience and time. I've taken an Audi dashboard out and it was no picnic. Having said that, Pioneer makes a great single-DIN DVD player that opens out and then up--very. James Bond. You can also hook it up to a Pioneer NAV. Assuming a double-DIN doesn't fit in there.

I think everyone would be happier with more car info and less psychoanalysis

Agreed. They genuinely seemed surprised and asked me a few questions. Dead battery? When? From a parasitic drain? etc. etc.

You'll be happy you got the SEL. And NOT the Energi. Lol.

The Seattle tow truck driver says he jump starts several C-maxes per day?! I find that very, very hard to believe. Last month, when I took my C-max in for its first service in Vancouver, BC's largest Ford dealership, none of the service guys had heard of any C-maxes having any battery problems.

Sharp. Dark windows would be overkill, in my opinion. Does feel like it needs a little something else but I can't put my finger on it. On an all-black classic ride, you do get that unbeatable dance between gloss black and chrome, but you're going in a different direction here.

One question: What is the price difference between plasti-dip-ing and powder coating? The reason I ask is that on "Wheeler Dealers" (A British 'find an old classic car, fix-it-up and resell it show) these guys took 4 wheels to a company who sanded them down and powder coated them in black. And it was cheap! (like 50 quid a wheel - that's about $75 in American) The difference between Wheeler Dealers and US restoration shows is that instead of focusing on dumb staff conflicts and horseplay, they actually take you inside the vehicle and show you how to remove a muffler or replace a ball joint, etc. Highly recommended.