ROCKY

Sounds like you discovered the PCV valve that sends any excess pressure in the engine to be burnt in the engine. Only a problem on much higher cars (any brand) when the valve gets plugged. Wondering if yours is permanently open. They are cheap to replace. Also I suppose warranty item!

http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/197

So many times, I think its necessary to find another dealership. Most areas have several and at least one of them has to hire decent mechanics, rather than recycled quick lube grease monkeys

I'm just back from London where I was able to rent the next generation Grand Cmax as its known over there. If you don't know there are two sizes of Cmax in Europe, with the version we have called Grand Cmax.

over there, the Grand has a third row where the batteries go as it comes with a diesel or three cylinder ecoboost. And to be honest, the trunk floor isn't much lower. Rented the three cylinder stick shift with stop start. You get used to it after a while. Dubious benefit. 

However the new version also has a sliding second row doors. 

I liked the improvements. Sliding door works well, fit and finish seems improve as does switches and general design. 

 When is North America going to get the next generation?

There has always been two Cmax's in Europe. The Cmax and the Grand Cmax. We get the Grand Cmax body here. The Euro version has a third row in it where the hybrid battery sits on the US version. Since Ford is now selling the Fusion Hybrid in Europe as the Mondeo, wonder if the Cmax Hybrid will join it. 

Looking in the used marketplace notice a that 2013s are plentiful but 14/15 aren't. Were there problems with the 13s that I need to be aware of/steer clear of?

I've been asked this for other cars and my answer remains the same. Get a full trailer with brakes for safety and avoid the risk of any damage to the expensive drivetrain. 

I'm here to learn and have a friend with a Fusion Hybrid thats covered 168,000 miles without a hitch. Cmax might be the best compromise for me versus competition. Still evaluating but with over 200k on my current 18-22mpg vehicle, its only a matter of time or miles before I have to make a move to new wheels