DaveloMA

So, there are a couple of 2014 SEs in my neighborhood that are optioned in a way I'd like, one that was built in Feb 14, the other built in Sep 14. To the extent that the Great Battery Saga has been resolved (or not), any reason to choose one over the other? In other words, might the Sep model be less likely to suffer from SBDSFCU (Sudden Battery Death Syndrome From Causes Unknown) than the Feb model? (I guess the answer to this question depends on whether Ford got a handle on SBDSFCU, which, aside from the service bulletin for the 13 MY year I read about on this forum, is unclear to me.) Also, to the extent that I like negotiating a price (I do not), might I be able to get a better price on the Feb model, which seems to have been on the lot a long time (at least since there were green leaves on the trees)? Thanks! David

I guess you guys would know, but a Ford rep at the New England Auto Show said there was a low fluid warning, which came as a relief to me as there was no dipstick like I have in my Subaru.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply -- it really is helpful. I wasn't clear mentioning models: I'm interested in the SE, but drove the Energi because that's what they had at the show. But I'm with Scott: less is more (give me cruise and heated seats -- any other doodads are just icing on the cake), and I much prefer cloth to leather (vinyl? No thank you.). Right now, most of my driving is my 18 mile commute on back roads, but that could change in the future to include some highway. In any case, I don't seem to fit the profile of some who would benefit from a diesel. There is a lot to like about the C-Max -- solid build quality, handsome design, comfy and spacious interior, good driving characteristics, quiet, etc. Maybe my favorite thing is that the ICE shuts off at a stop. So sensible. Thanks again, all. I'll keep you posted. But feel free to keep the comments coming.

Went to the New England Auto Show Saturday and test drove the C-Max (an Energi). Liked it enough that I did it again at the end of the day. Still liked it. Have my eye on a couple of MY 14 SEs with the winter package (I'm a simple man; wait, I mean a man with simple tastes). love that the ICE stops when I do; and enjoyed the guilty pleasure I got when a leaf fell from the ivy under hard acceleration. Things that give me pause: - no spare - first hybrid/cvt, and I like to shift - is the mpg all that? - the saga of the dead battery Still need to drive the Prius (V or other) and the TDI Sportwagen, but I'm edging closer to C-Max nation.

Doug: there's a start-up process beyond simply turning the key? Can you illuminate? Thanks also for the remarks about the displays. Is there a thread that talks about them in detail/shows them?

Very much enjoy/appreciate this thread -- it's hitting all the right buttons: interior bike storage, VW hybrid/TDI alternatives. My ever-shortening short list is: CMax SE, Jetta Sportwagen TDI, Golf TDI, Mazda 3 hatch. Gave the Jetta Hybrid a look, but it can't swallow a bike, so it doesn't make the cut. Things that give me pause: CMax - (minus) no spare, dead battery saga, driving experience (I like manuals); (plus) space, comfort, hybridity TDIs - (minus) fuel expense, anxiety (real or imagined) over costly maintenance and rituals (fuel additives, etc.); (plus) driving experience, space/comfort Mazda - (minus) not a hybrid, a bit on the small side; (plus) driving experience, great MPG (with the 2.0) without hybrid/diesel Use: 36-mile round-trip commute on suburbanish roads with a max speed of 40mph makes up most of my driving; errands on weekends; and occasional long highway trips to parents and college. Bike inside (part of my temperate weather commute plan) is a must. Strongly leaning toward the CMax -- auto show next week, and then test drives will be the proof in the pudding. David

Great! Thanks all.

Hi. When you talk about coasting to a stop before applying the brakes to regen, do you just mean "foot off the gas" or "put the transmission in neutral"? Thanks!

Hi. I'm considering a C-Max, and I'm wondering if dealers can add/install factory packages. For example, if I find an SE without heated seats and mirrors (the cold weather package), can I order that package and have it installed at the dealer? Thanks! David

Alas, I want the base SE, cold weather package, and there's one just like that at my local dealer. Now all I need is a little nerve and some faith.

This thread is damping my purchase enthusiasm....

Considering a purchase, so I'm prowling the board to get the benefit of the community's experience and wisdom.