tishpit

UPDATE: Got the C-Max SE with pano roof. With a/c running, averaging 43.4 MPG with a bit over 2,000 miles on her... wonderful! Although this is in south FL, so no hills and this is also driving pretty conservatively with mostly suburban driving. In the city... getting over 50 MPG! The pano roof has a flimsy cloth cover that slides to block the sun, but it does let in some heat. Not a big problem since the a/c works well. But it doesn't really allow the front seat passengers to enjoy an overhead view as the roof opens too far back; only nice for backseat occupants. And it doesn't replace having a sunroof, although most sunroofs can be very loud when open.

Unfortunately, my new C-Max is sitting out in the driveway until we can sell a really nice table that is hogging up the garage. In south Florida, the sun is brutal... even in spring. I tried to find a windshield screen to fit on the inside to reflect the sun and heat and preserve the dash and interior. Any found in an automotive supply store or dept. store like Walmart were too small. The windshield on our cars is much bigger than it may appear. So, looked online and the cost was ridiculous... like $50 incl. shipping! So I got creative and made one that fits perfect and reflects the heat and sun! Here is how I did it: Went to Lowe's and bought a roll of 48" x 25' Reflectix Insulation for about $40. (Yeah, I know it is nearly the amount for an online, ready made one, but I am making a similar shade for our 2000 Grand Caravan out of the same roll that likewise has a huge windshield). First, unroll the insulation on the EXTERIOR of the windshield and cut off an over-sized piece of insulation. Have it draping over the A-pillars; you can (and will) trim it down. Better to cut off too much, than too little... you can trim it, but cannot add to it! Trim it to fit the outside windshield. Then place the sheet inside the car and press against the windshield. Carefully cut to fit, making sure to cut a slit from the top, just above the rear view mirror, and down past it to slip it over the mirror. The mirror will help to hold it up, along with the visors. It can even be left wide enough to cover the small windows in front of the A pillar, if you choose. If you like, apply duct tape to the cut edges to give a more finished look (I didn't bother). With any leftover insulation (it is like bubble wrap with foil on the outside), we will use it for packaging/shipping (I have an Etsy store) or use it as insulation or protective wrapping as needed around the house. Turned out nice... but did a few trials before we got this figured out that did not turn out so great... but oh well... perseverance prevails!!! :happy feet:

Thank you all for your replies.... for now, I've decided to forgo the extended warranty as other unexpected bills popped up. Will re-evaluate when I am closer to the bumper-to-bumper expiring. I know the Prius is the queen of reliability, but with Ford's system, not sure how it will hold up long term. So far, about 2,000 miles, so good!

Just bought my '14 C-Max and the dealership (salesman after checking on it) that there is no accessory offered by Ford regarding installing fog lights in the SE. I too have the SE and would like fog lights since I live close to the water and we get very dense fog in early morning and evening/night. But wondering if the fog lights make a big difference in those conditions? I've had some cars that the fogs were amazing (like my '10 Escape), and others where they made no noticeable difference.

Going to pick up my new C-Max tomorrow and filled out all paperwork today. Dealership is family run and small with great sales staff and service department. Smooth, painless transaction! HOWEVER... here is the $50,000 question... whether it is "wise" to get the extended warranty? I usually pass on EW unless the car has a dubious repair history. In my old Pontiac Montana, warranty paid for itself in 2 visits. In other cars, never used the darn thing and was out $$. With the complexity and possible expense of both parts and labor in the C-Max... how many of you bought the Ford extended warranty and how many passed??? We were quoted about $3,095 for a 7 year/125,000 mile Premium Care 1000+ warranty with $100 deductible at 0% interest that would add another $46/month to our payments. May not sound like much, but we are on a very tight budget and the payment now is at our comfortable limit. Of course this warranty overlaps the 3/36,000 and other standard warranties (powertrain, hybrid, etc.) that come with the car. We would also receive free oil changes for as long as we own the car (every 5 mos. or 5,000 miles). Usually... I would pass. But concerned with this car as looking at the engine bay... my goodness, we could not even SEE the air filter! Everything there is a mysterious mangle of hoses and wires! It appears the average small mechanic shop would refer us to the dealer for even basic work. That means big $$$ down the road.... Tried to negotiate a cheaper price, but the price was obviously written in stone. Looked online and another dealership touting cheap warranty prices came out even higher for the same warranty. So... need some quick opinions!!! Shake the few last coins from the monthly piggy bank or roll the dice on future repairs?????????

Planning to pick up my new 2014 C-Max tomorrow. Was thinking over extended warranty and with all the technology and such, thought it may be a good idea. Ford dealership was wonderful to deal with and made the purchase a stress-free experience. But their business manager quoted a hair over $3,000 for the Premium Care 1000+ Ext. Warranty (7 yrs/125,000 miles with $100 deductible). That seems VERY steep to me. Any ideas of where to find a better price? Tried to talk him down and did not budge. I know about the 0% financing, and this dealer also includes free oil changes for the life of the car (every 5 mos. or 5,000 miles). Need some opinions!!! (I am in Florida)

Thank you for all your responses! We are on the fence now and will be making a decision tomorrow on a new car. The C-Max is one of the two we are considering. The other is a Scion Xb.... yes, I know there is a HUGE different in MPG. But other factors are playing a role, including price, room, long-term reliability, ease of servicing, and True Cost to Own. Some things we like better in the C-Max, some things better in the Scion. So the "discussion" is continuing, possibly right through the night!!!

I currently drive a 2014 Chevy Spark and am getting really irritated by ongoing driveability problems (hesitation, lurching at slow speed, RPM's revving high between 35 - 45 MPH with no change in performance) and a really weak a/c system. Problems on this car appear to relate to outdoor temperature, as driving in the fall/winter was much better. I drive a lot (avg. 2,000/month). Chevy dealerships service in my area are all pretty lousy, though I am trying another one this week to fix ongoing and new problem with possibly suspension. It only has 22,000 miles. So... considering taking the $$$ hit and going with a C-Max hybrid (not Engeri). I live in south Florida where much of the year is hot and humid. I've read that mileage suffers with the C-Max in cold weather. How does it fare in HOT weather (like 90 degrees plus)? How much does using the a/c affect MPG? Any other issues with the car in hot, humid weather? Trying to decide if it's the "right" vehicle for me? I drive a mix of city and suburban roads with some highway (about 3x month on I-75 at about 60 - 73 mph). Car is often kept outside in sun and heat. ALSO... anyone with the panoramic roof... how effective is the shade at keeping out heat during day? I love a convertible, like a sunroof, but think the pan. roof may be a good compromise in allowing views of starry nights and during cloudy, rainy days without getting wet or outrageous wind noise experienced in an open sunroof. Anyone in Florida or similar climate with this type of roof.... comments? Thank you in advance for any feedback!