Have followed many of the topics in this Forum while deciding what "smaller" new car to buy. I looked at about every possible car out there, and developed a "must have" list. Narrowed down the list to Chevy Sonic, Mazda CX-5, Buick Encore and the C-Max. The Sonic was just too "small" for our needs, and was missing several key features. The Encore isn't here yet, but due later this month...but is missing push-button start and power lift gate. The CX-5 seemed to be the closest to meet those needs, and have had a couple Mazda's in the past...and has a spare, but no power lift gate. Color choices did not fit, though. And it lacked "that is different" appeal. Dismissed many others since they are too low to the ground. So I did a thorough comparison of the C-Max features and decided to get it, even though I have never owned a Ford product in 50 years of car purchases. Found a dealer in North Texas that had an inventory unit on order...MSRP dated 12/19/12, and with 2 week shut down for the holidays, was "built" on 1/7/13, and delivered to the dealer on 1/20/13, and I purchased it on 1/21/13. Absolutely love this car...have 270 miles on it, and many of the neat features are still being explored. Gas mileage, while not 47/47, is excellent...more than double my previous car (2012 Cadillac SRX). On some 20 mile trips, it has averaged 48 mpg...70% freeway/30% city. Gas gauge show slightly less than half full. Happy to be a new owner...not one regret, or issue so far. Anyone on the fence about this car...go ahead and make the jump!
