C-MaxSea

Welcome, Dennis. I had the same strategy as you - joined the discussion a month before buying. I also communicated with a couple C-Max owners in my area through the Fuelly web site (joined that in advance so that I could). The other element for me was to visit a couple of dealers over & over again in order to understand the options thoroughly (3 test drives). In the process, I determined that the car matched my goals & anticipated driving style; and pinned down some of the options. For me it was the only real contender for ride, performance and fuel economy. In the end, we could not say no to a good deal that included all of the options, and do not regret it. An outstanding car. Good luck in the process. Nick

I have no idea what MAN DATE means Sean, I assume nothing to do with Build Date'. Nick

I did not plan on the 'sunroof' either. My wife wisely noted the increased cabin light - very important in the cloudy weather here, especially in the winter. We also noted that you get two overhead lights up front with the sunroof, rather than one (centered) in the non-sunroof. Now very glad we got it! (If only it opened!) Nick

Adair, I don't know if we are talking apples to apples here, but when I turn on climate control it defaults to the lowest fan setting. I go back & forth between the off button on the right, and the fan button on the left (to turn it on). If I want more fan I have to button it up. I'm guessing there are several ways to 'turn climate control on'. Nick

Congrats Scott on the new C-Max! As you can tell we are all pretty excited about our new rides. Sorry we hijacked your thread for a little diesel/mpg/cost of ownership chat. Driveability - very nice indeed! Cheers, Nick

Agreed Plus 3. Interesting how important that can be - thigh support, long range comfort. I had a Mazda 3 for a loaner when I had our C-Max in for a couple tweaks - ouch, I had butt pain/spasm/whatever after about 5 miles; OK car, horrible seat for me (6' 1"). Nick

Great looking calculator Darrel, and exc. discussion on diesel. I certainly was not making any reference to EPA ratings, nor actuals for that matter, just the price differnece at the pump. I will be checking that today here. Plus 3, good note on long distance driving - if we were doing cross country, we would have had to look at the Jetta more. At this point I am hooked on the more up-right seating of the C-Max with regular gas, & potential of near 50mpg with some effort. Nick (Darrel, where did you get that calculator?)

Also keep in mind the difference in price between diesel & regular gas - 50, 60, 70 cents per gallon, roughly 15%! This is very significant, and often left out of the comparison. As an example, 40 mpg diesel is equal to only 33,34,35 mpg regular gas for comparison purposes. Nick

Now that is a nice road trip in the new C-Max Laurel! And just to see your Ice Storm beauty in full sun? Winks & smiles - trust you are flying, but then again? If you are driving we'll gladly hitch a ride if you pass through Seattle. More winks & smiles. We are jealous, of course, enjoy. Nick

Rachel - a huge Congrats to you & your father! Ignor us for a few minutes & enjoy some C-Max driving, or as I sometimes call it - Gizmobiling! Cheers!!! Nick

Yes I think that is the one. Here are a couple more links. I have not heard anything about "maintenance applications" or the like. (BTW, I will not be buying the warranty, just the product expertly applied.) http://www.opti-coat.com/ http://opti-coat.net/ http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html & one more: http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/product-review-optimum-opti-coat-2-0/ Nick

I have never tried, but I am scheduled to have it applied next week at a detail shop. I have only checked it out online - It looks good. I am just trying to get off to a good start; and am too lazy to get into waxing routines several times a year. I saw one video showing half a car done with Opti-Coat after one year. Expensive, but like an expensive hybrid, I'm looking for it to 'payback' over time (no waxing). Durability is unknown, but 3,4,5 years would be break even for me - self applied far sooner. Nick

I have seen three or four C-Max's in my area of Seattle. I'm guessing they have sold 50-100 in the greater Seattle area including Energis (they must be a quiet lot though, not to be showing up here). Speaking of Prii, I hate walking around our neighborhoods of Ballard - often 2 or 3 "Priuses" on a block. Every time I look in the window of a Prius, with its' 'drive by show-of-hands' dashboard and ugly interior, it turns my stomach. Nick

Sample from our SEL with 796 miles on odometer. DTC Hist Curr 153401 x F00316 x DTE INST DISP MI 443 418 RAFE 5.2 L/KM, 44.9 MPG, 19.1 KM/L COOLANT 12 C BAT 14.5 V LAST CHIME 8 DIM STEP 20 DIM GAUGE 3538, DIM POINTER 3117, DIM PRNDL 3538, DIM DISPLAY 3137 PDS: 1, LHS: 0, RHS: 0 MAN DATE: 120101 Maybe someone can put out a thread explaining some of these elements. Curious about my HIST (historical) DTC codes mean; also the DTEs and MAN DATE.

And then the new 2018 'Carbon' model - carbon fiber body, nex gen battery, 63 mpg hybrid version, 150 mpg Energi II version, ejector seat with parachute............. Sorry, could not resist, Nick ( Hmm, I wonder how much time Alan M. spends with his old pals at Boeing talking tech?) (That 'C' version will be too rich for us; just hoping our 'simple' C-Max will last for a good 15 yrs)

Nice start Jaz! As they say, "today a 49 mile trip at 42mpg, tomorrow a 42 mile trip at 49 mpg". I keep getiing 10/20/30 mile trips coming in at 45-50 mpg; lifetime crept up over 44 today - probably cresting out, but then again........? Nick

But what if................................. 1. my car is 6 months old; born in August of last year and made it into my garage in January. Now only 700 miles, and 7 months old. 2. my delivery included a free oil change anytime up to around 5000 miles I am leaning toward sooner than later since we do not rack up miles very fast; say at 2000 or 3000. Second oil change will be at 10,000 miles. Nick

Jus, Zhack, I'm not understanding the second half of the question (that's fine), but are you suggesting that we can get better MPG somewhere between 65 and 75 mph (50+-), than at 55 to 62mph? That sounds counter intuitive, but If it is so, then wonderful. Nick

And then there is Plan C. As noted above, a neighbor received their C-Max with the plate frame mistakenly installed two rungs up higher on the grill. I think it is a viable option. Nick Sorry for these lousy phone images - will get a better one some day.

Thanks all. Yes Jus, Im afraid I've got it - the MPG bug; or is it the mutant gene somewhere between competition & tight-wad? This game we're playing might get some of us locked up! Nick (Exc. asb! I have noticed my 'Lifetime' continuing to climb from 41 to 42/43, and now pushing 44 - EEEK, my right foot is itching for a ride) My inspiration: http://www.fuelly.com/driver/seamax/cmax

"Since Boeing has withdrawn their lithium batteries from the Dreamliner" That would be headlines here in Seattle if it were so. Me thinks you mean Airbus and the A-350. Not that it won't be a headline here tomorrow if the engineers at Boeing pull a 180. Nevertheless, probably irrelevant to us and the batteries in the C-Max. Nick

I have not attempted the park assist in heavy traffic yet, but I too could see the problem, although in todays driving, there is not much forgiveness regardless how far forward you pull. With a little extra forethought, it might not be such a big deal. I plan on driving slow with the turn indicator on well in advance of the parking spot; and if necessary, sticking my hand out the window or using the warning/flasher lights. All cars will have parking assist in a few years; it's fun, use it, enjoy it, - it is a hoot. Nick

BTW, I think I've got the Fuelly tag. Thanks ASB & Adair. Nick