Adrian_L

Agreed. It simply defies the laws of physics.

Sorry to hear that, Sam. Congrats on the new addition. Nap when you can! I have only been on the forum for about 6 months, but it "seems" like the vast majority of dead batteries occur in the morning after the car has been sitting for hours. Is this generally the case? Or has anyone driven, parked and found their battery dead after say, an hour or two?

Thank you. Personally, I was looking for the highway speed that produces the best mileage in all conditions. I'll continue to drive like a geriatric--i.e. 55 on the highway.

Yeah. But does yours have a tinny am/fm radio, a night light AND a 300 watt inverter?? Plus it's a bicep builder! (similar to:) http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-1200-booster-pack-0111911p.html#.VAoNX-JlN8E

Thanks for that. I agree it would be interesting to see flat-road tests at various speeds.

Golfer, So the highway sweet spot is a myth? From your chart it would seem that I'll get higher MPGs going 55 on the highway rather than 65. Adrian

So did I! I do miss the real wood dashboard trim (and the memory seats, moon roof, and 335 hp). But I'd have to say the SEL dash is pretty luxo itself, and the driving experience is pleasantly "crisp".

If price is an issue---I really can't see any major advantage in buying a 2014 SEL over a late-2013 built 2013 SEL. You should get a smoking deal on a 2013 right now.

Under floor storage? That's some tiny battery jumper! My jumper pack is the size of a very large shoebox or toolbox.

Rugs are fine. I'm specifically referring to carpet around the toilet. If you have ever seen the movie "Sexy Beast" you will agree with me that there should be a law against them. Along with tan coloured nylons and Old Spice.

Move to Canada, amigo! We're paying $1.40/litre right now (about $5.50 per u.s. gallon) and I see plenty of huge SUVs and pick up trucks around. And plenty of single-occupant vehicles. When gas prices jump up, there's always some journalist sticking a microphone in people's faces at the gas pump. "Will you drive less?" People drive the same way they did when it was a dollar a litre.

The all-weather mats are considerably thicker and better looking than typical auto store rubber mats. Carpet mats in cars? Kind of like carpet in bathrooms IMO. ;)

Having just been thrown around in the back of a Prius Taxi, due to Mr. Lead Foot behind the wheel, I certainly didn't get the impression that the car was gutless. 0-60 in 10 seconds is nothing that will break records on a salt flat, but would a respectable figure for an older sedan, such as the Honda Accord. And hey.........no dissing the GMC/Chevy van. Matilda (GMC Vandura; 350 V8 on Propane) will turn 30 next June and she rides like a Cadillac.....sadly she gulps fuel like a Cadillac.

Maybe if I wasn't wearing my contact lenses! But refreshing to read a alternative to the typical anti-Prius sentiments on this forum. People aren't dumb and Toyota wouldn't be doing so well if the Prius wasn't a good, economical and reliable car. I just prefer the C-max.

And with more efficient solar panels on the car's roof, batteries could receive a boost to extend the car's range. A heck of a lot more efficient solar panels! As many on the forum will know, you could cover the Chevy Volt's roof with a solar panel and it would take a very, very long time to replenish a drained battery.

And why not. Thanks for the update/photos (What is that thing parked next to your superb car?!) Oh right.....it's the vehicle Time magazine called an "expression of contempt towards the human race." (Worst 100 cars of all time list)

Here's the thing.........the 2014 SEL is practically identical to the 2013 SEL (apart from a slight transmission change and some aerodynamic mods) so really you can apply 2013 info to the 2014s. The battery is the same, the wiring is all the same. So it would make sense to have a "2014 only" thread if it was actually different than the previous year--but it isn't. Fortunately, if you look at the battery problem survey, there seems to be very few issues with SELs built after summer 2013. That isn't to say they're immune from problems but SEs are sadly most at risk.

I want to buy you a golf club!!

Guys, how many of these "how is your C-max doing" threads do we need?

I would be beyond angry. Did you speak to the manager? He should lending you his personal car! Don't they have service loaners? I had an awful experience (found an online ad with a price lower than I paid) with my dealer a couple of days after the sale. It definitely took the icing off the new car cake.

Beautifully stated Salman. Thank you.

Makes sense to me. Logically, you can't state "this poll is somewhat inaccurate, therefore this poll is worthless" (it would be worthless if you asked 5 Mercedes owners in a shopping mall if they liked their cars) That's poppycock logic. Being uninterested in such polls is a different matter. Nstblay is right: these days, global manufacturing standards mean that all major manufactures put out comparitively good products, compared to say, the 80s when a Hyundai or a Skoda was a piece of junk compared to a Honda. I've noticed a few comments on the forum to the tune of "I always buy American" to support the economy etc. etc. This might interest you: http://www.examiner.com/article/if-you-want-to-buy-american-then-you-really-should-be-buying-a-honda-or-acura

Quite hot? You could probably cook waffles on ours, on setting "5". Initially we had to turn ours off after 10 min, even on "1". I'm happy to say that after one winter, "1" is now comfortable. We've never needed to go higher than 2. There's a hot seat thread somewhere, if anyone's interested.

Alright, guv? Will be in the UK from late September to mid October. Will try to rent a C-max and report back. Adrian Formby, Lancs (orig.)

My apologies, Jus and company. I'm sure the members could have done without this negativity in which I was a key player. I (like Salman and others) feel strongly that based on annecdotal evidence the 12 volt problem is (probably) not directly related to a charging issue and I felt compelled to say so. Greatly appreciated C-max Traveller's input above. I have been careful to keep my statements free of personal insults and I intend to keep it that way.