redEV

Yes agree as you all bought the hybrid models; Energi is not currently eligible for the extra $1K cash off -- there was a quip on one of the forums that the only C-Max' being sold in Chicago would be to Ford employees (we have a Ford plant that assembles the Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Explorer) but looks like with all the Ford partners X-pricing that they needed to add them as well --- hey, a discount, is a discount!! Also just received word that my local dealer has a C-Max Energi now in stock so will be able to see for myself soon -- agree on the weight., cargo area, etc. but could actually drive much more in full EV mode which may offset these things but we'll see.

I did some checking into the availability of X-pricing on both the C-Max Hybrid and Energi and while I thought the Energi would not be included (as the FFE wasn't) it shows up now -- of course the $1,000 incentive isn't offered (yet) on the Energi but is on the Hybrid so a Hybrid SE base would net out at $23,103 (MSRP of $25,200, X-Plan at $24,103 and the $1,000 cash rebate); the C-Max Hybrid SEL base would net out at $25,935 (MSRP $28,200, X-Plan at $26,935 and the $1,000 cash rebate) and a base Energi would net out at $27,667 (MSRP of $32,950, X-Plan at $31,417 and Fed Tax Credit of $3,750) this doesn't include taxes, license fees, etc. but in states with high doc fees (over $100) it looks like Ford rebates the difference back to the dealer so would save a few bucks there as well. So this puts the difference at only $1,732 !! between the Hybrid SEL and the similarly equipped Energi !! Of course you need to check what equipment would be different between the Hybrid SEL and the Energi (most have said that the equipment level is quite similar, that's part of the reason why the Energi starts at where it is) but such a small difference makes me lean more towards getting an Energi for zero gas short commutes during the week. Here is a link to those companies that partner with Ford (I retired from one years ago and looks like retirees are eligible as well): http://bigval.addr.c...cial/x_plan.htm

Except these guys are in Chapter 11 so not so sure on their long term prospects ... http://www.a123systems.com/about-us-asset-purchase-agreement-and-chapter-11-filing.htm

A dead 12 Volt battery can really happen in just about any new car (bad cell, etc.); I had a replacement one, supposedly brand new fail in less than 6 months of use (covered under warranty) and it was a bad cell that dropped the usable voltage to less than 11V that prevented the car from starting w/o a jump. The OP didn't mention it, but assume the 12V in the C-Max is a typical lead acid and not a more advanced absorbed glass mat technology (AGM) type found on some cars (my old '99 Miata's OEM battery lasted almost 8 years!) -- best know brand is probably an Optima. Many LEAF owners were a bit surprised that their 12V's are lead-acid but they do typically cost much less than a gel or AGM so saves the mfg's a few bucks on each car but you would think an advanced hybrid or full EV designed car would use something more state of the art.

Can't comment on the alignment issues as, at least the model I test drove as well as the few that I saw on the dealer's lot didn't have anything that stood out BUT, (unless this has been covered already elsewhere -- ties into quality issues) have you ever felt a heavier door??? I mean they must have added some heft for noise deadening over anything else in this category; that with the white noise generator inside the car translates to a very solid, very quite ride unlike the Focus its based on. The doors also close with a very reassuring 'thunk' that for me anyways gives me more confidence on the overall build quality of the C-Max. I'm still waiting on the C-Max Energi that this dealer has on order but will pay a bit more attention to panel fits on my next visit.

I test drove an SEL back on October 13th and the Chicago area Ford dealer said the same thing ... new orders are taking 6 to 8 weeks (perhaps as we're a bit closer to where they're made) -- he had 7 in stock (mostly SE's) but noticed that the dealer site also now shows an Energi model with a VIN number so these can't be too far behind as well. Plan to do a few more other make/model test drives but the C-Max is very much still on my potential new car list.

I've seen the White Platinum Tri-Coat which is quite bright and really makes the car sparkle versus another 'plain' white (Oxford) they have but am a bit partial to the Ice Storm which was actually the launch color for the Focus EV and is only otherwise used on the C-Max and Fusion Hybrid so its unique to the EV, Hybrid or PHEV's in Ford's line. The Ice Storm sometimes looks light blue, sometimes light green depending on the light but would think it would hide some dust and dirt between car washes a bit better -- the dealer where I took the C-Max test drive also gave me a paint chip chart which is a step up from the C-Max brochure as far as seeing the color choice options as well as seeing what other Ford cars may also offer it to see it full scale.

I'd wait a bit until more are out there and check back to see if the fog light parts are available then -- I know with other makes and models sometimes this occurs where the fog light 'kit' is actually the same with the only exception being the plastic surround that's unique to a particular model (we also own a VW Routan where only the top model comes with fogs and you can buy these from Chrysler); as far as the heated seats, it turns out that you can indeed order them for SE's in a package (cloth seats; add the 'winter package' that includes: 'Heated mirrors with integrated side indicators and puddle lamps; Heated cloth seats') for $295. The dealer where they had C-Max's in stock said any specific orders for cars with different colors and/or options should take about 6 to 8 weeks; as we've owned a cloth seated car that had heated seats we can attest to the fact that they're typically warmer than the leather ones.

I'm new to this forum but not new to alternative fuel cars as we currently own a '12 Nissan LEAF as well as a Miata, a smart fortwo passion coupe and a VW Routan (Chrysler T&C minivan clone for those who don't know) spread across 3 drivers; the C-Max could replace the last one as it only gets 16 MPG around town (but 25-27 on trips) and that serves as my winter commuter during the winter months as well as our long trip car. As we installed an L2 240V charger for the LEAF the C-Max Energi (plug-in) might serve us well but due to its lower initial cost, availability of X-pricing (for Ford partner's/suppliers) as well as slightly more storage room (with the extra battery in the Energi you lose another 5 cu. ft.) the hybrid version may actually costs us much less versus the pay back required for the more expensive Energi. So I guess I would pose that question here -- did current C-Max hybrid owners consider waiting for the Energi or was it simply that the hybrid was available NOW and they needed to trade. etc. to get another car or did they consider the Energi? Although there aren't many C-Max hybrids around Chicago, I found a dealer who had an SEL in stock for a test drive and came back fairly impressed. This one had the pano roof as well. About the only thing I wasn't crazy about was the firmness of the back seats (even with leather); seems for the sake of utility, they made these a bit thin. While I wouldn't ride back there much, how have those who have these found more than a quick trip comfort (especially for adults)? It also turns out this dealer has an Energi on order so hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to compare the two side by side. I'm also cross shopping the C-max with a few more luxury mid-size crossovers/SUV's but once you have something powered (even part of the time) by electric its hard to imagine anything as quiet (which the C-Max definitely is!); the ride comfort and quietness was on par with my LEAF and you learn to appreciate it over time (we've had our LEAF for about 10 months). I'll look further for driver impressions on the forum but responses here are welcome as well --