Is it impossible to find a used C-Max with Automatic Parking feature?

[cmax-nynj]

I have a 2013 C-max SE that I bought new.  I'm thinking of upgrading to a used SEL with auto parking so that the new driver in the household would be able to park it on the streets with ease.  However, it seems impossible to find a used CMax or even Fusion Hybrid with the automatic parking feature.   I do not want to buy a new C-max because the depreciation is unreal especially for the loaded model.  

[obob]

This is what I did.

 

I googled to find out what Ford calls auto park

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=ford+auto+park&oq=ford+auto+park&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3436j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

and figured out it is call "active park assist"

 

Then I went to cars.com and searched for used c-max with keyword exact phrase "active park assist"

 

and came up with this which is 14 cars listed:

 

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?kw=Active%20Park%20Assist&mdId=49085&mkId=20015&page=1&perPage=50&rd=99999&searchSource=GN_REFINEMENT&sort=price-lowest&stkTypId=28881&trId=24993&zc=60202

 

After selecting a car into another window of my browser I clicked on "view more" under "features" and under "seller's notes" to expose the active park assist.

 

I noticed the first one is a 2013 for 12K dollars and also has the panoramic roof 

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/705888285/overview/

 

Though I would stay away from the 2013 to avoid the transmission problem. (some people would avoid the 2014 or the 2015 also built before a certain date.)

 

 

PS: I have an SE and am not very good at parking so I added a sensor that beeps onto the back license plate and it helped HUGE.  Pretty cheap and medium easy to install.  I wrote about the install somewhere on this forum.

Edited July 7, 2017 by obob

[kostby]

Active Park Assist was only offered as part of Equipment Group 303A on the 2013-2016 C-MAX SEL and C-MAX Energi SEL models.

It is part of a different Equipment Group on 2017 Platinum models, but I'm not certain of the number.

Active park assist 'warts' can also be seen in close-ups of the front end by the distinctive round sensors, like the sensors used in the rear bumper.

 

Here are the sensors on a 2017 C-MAX Platinum

Black 2013, so more difficult to see:

 

It is no longer easy for users to look up the original factory Monroney Sticker listing Equipment Groups, but if you have a VIN etis.ford.com provides correct info about this option, but note that the actual Model designation may be listed incorrectly (Our 2013 SE is listed as a 2014 Energi)

 

Here's a screenshot of the etis.ford.com report on the VIN of a used C-MAX currently for sale, equipped with the Park Assist option 1FADP5BU7DL503562

​It's called Automated Parking System

 

 

 

(By the way, the 2013 for 12k listed by Obob is NOT equipped with active park assist, according to etis)

Edited July 7, 2017 by kostby

[ptjones]

I didn't like that feature on my FEH so I didn't get it on my CMAX. Just to scary. :)

 

Paul

[cmax-nynj]

I wouldn't need park assist but the new driver in the household would benefit from this.  I can't think of a cheaper used car that has this available feature besides the C-Max.

[cbharvest]

I traded my 2013 SE for a 2014 SEL with all of the bells and whistles, including auto park. But I'm afraid to try it in traffic, which is dumb. I'm sure it parks better than I do! I went on all of the car selling websites and when I saw the one I wanted, I went and bought it that day. I'm so glad I did, too. The seats are more comfortable, the sound system is far superior. I got a big sun/moon roof that I didn't even notice until the saleman pointed it out. I agree the depreciation is horrible. My fancy 2014 cost less than my plain old SE. I hope to keep this one until the wheels roll off. 

 

Just follow Cars.com and Autotrader.com everyday and be ready to buy when you see one for sale. 

[fbov]

... the new driver in the household would benefit from this....

Most new drivers benefit from exposure to a wide range of driving situations, as there is no predicting what they might encounter on the road. This is never more true than for common vehicle operations. Parking a car is a common vehicle operation. You may want to reconsider, and give your new driver the opportunity to learn to park. 

 

Have fun,

Frank

Edited September 29, 2017 by fbov

[mtb9153]

I have the feature on my ‘13 CMax SEL, I’ve never used it. Too afraid it will result in a parking accident.

[NRGTi]

I had to shut my eyes when using this feature. It looked like the system was cutting too close to the car ahead. But that's an illusion, of course. The C-Max's shape, combined with my preferred low driving position, makes the car look about three feet longer than it actually is. That makes all forms of parking harder, and I'm glad for the assistance.

[uxlr8]

I like to confuse people as I wave at them while the vehicle parks itself. Does seem to look like it cuts it close, but works well.

[notquitesane]

I do use it when I remember I have it!  It always has worked well.  If you think it's going to hit, you can grab the steering wheel and it'll cancel automatically.  I'm amazed at how tight of a parking spot it can wiggle itself into.  It just makes it really hard to get out of that tight space after!