Ford S-Max 2.0 turbo or zafira VXR
Discussion
I am in need of a bigger family car but also do not want a slow shed.
I have come accross a ford s -max titanium sport which looks to have a 2.0 turbo engine pushing about 236bhp.
Any body own these or know much about them? Cannot find much on google about them?
Are they reliable cars? Or have any issues to look out for
Also have seen a zafira vxr but heard some awful things about them.
Im thinking sod it and just get a bmw x5 4.2 or 4.4 lol
Preferbally need a 7 seater.
Learning more towards the s-maz looks very well speced and good looking for the price. Wonder if they cheap for a reason..iv always owned german cars so clueless about fords
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
I have come accross a ford s -max titanium sport which looks to have a 2.0 turbo engine pushing about 236bhp.
Any body own these or know much about them? Cannot find much on google about them?
Are they reliable cars? Or have any issues to look out for
Also have seen a zafira vxr but heard some awful things about them.
Im thinking sod it and just get a bmw x5 4.2 or 4.4 lol
Preferbally need a 7 seater.
Learning more towards the s-maz looks very well speced and good looking for the price. Wonder if they cheap for a reason..iv always owned german cars so clueless about fords
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Doesn't that engine come with an auto box only. The Powershift.
Worth a google.
FWIW, I have an S Max (2.0 TDCI 160bhp) - with the Powershift box.
Done around 30k miles over the last 3 years, car is now on 65k miles.
No issue with the car or gearbox whatsoever.
When I bought it I did have the gearbox serviced as part of the deal - think that is possibly the key to prolonging the life of these things. Cost of a transmission service is around 2 or 300 pnds if I recall correctly and advisable 3 yearly.
I'd probably avoid cars with the powershift box in the future, just from reading the many negative reviews, but have been okay/lucky with mine.
Can't fault the SMax as a very practical family car though the back seats - if you need to use them often - have limited space and legroom. With them folded away, the boot is van-like.
Worth a google.
FWIW, I have an S Max (2.0 TDCI 160bhp) - with the Powershift box.
Done around 30k miles over the last 3 years, car is now on 65k miles.
No issue with the car or gearbox whatsoever.
When I bought it I did have the gearbox serviced as part of the deal - think that is possibly the key to prolonging the life of these things. Cost of a transmission service is around 2 or 300 pnds if I recall correctly and advisable 3 yearly.
I'd probably avoid cars with the powershift box in the future, just from reading the many negative reviews, but have been okay/lucky with mine.
Can't fault the SMax as a very practical family car though the back seats - if you need to use them often - have limited space and legroom. With them folded away, the boot is van-like.
Depends on your budget, but really going fast in MPVs is not something you really want to be doing.
We had the Galaxy 2.0 diesel with 138 bhp and it was fast enough for what it was and handled nicely. They did a more powerful diesel with 170 bhp which was better. The Smax and Galaxy are better cars than the Vauxhall.
Aging X5's are a liability, those I know that have had one have had to spend loads of tyres, 4wd stuff, propshafts etc and its all quite expensive whilst only doing early mid 20's per gallon where a diesel S Max will do mid late thirties with 50 on a run. Forget bigger petrol ones as you are looking at mid teens.
A 5 Cylinder SMax is available but again that will be early twenties mpg, they didnt sell many for a reason, still not that fast and heavy on fuel, diesel 2.0 makes the most sense, the 1.8 is a bit lacking.
If you want a family car, you want to be able to go places and we had an M class Merc 3.2 and it was horrendous on fuel and it made me not want to go anywhere as it was so expensive on fuel. Legoland for example, was 100 quid in fuel first time we went and half than the second in the Galaxy.
Save the money for when you dont need a big family car.
We had the Galaxy 2.0 diesel with 138 bhp and it was fast enough for what it was and handled nicely. They did a more powerful diesel with 170 bhp which was better. The Smax and Galaxy are better cars than the Vauxhall.
Aging X5's are a liability, those I know that have had one have had to spend loads of tyres, 4wd stuff, propshafts etc and its all quite expensive whilst only doing early mid 20's per gallon where a diesel S Max will do mid late thirties with 50 on a run. Forget bigger petrol ones as you are looking at mid teens.
A 5 Cylinder SMax is available but again that will be early twenties mpg, they didnt sell many for a reason, still not that fast and heavy on fuel, diesel 2.0 makes the most sense, the 1.8 is a bit lacking.
If you want a family car, you want to be able to go places and we had an M class Merc 3.2 and it was horrendous on fuel and it made me not want to go anywhere as it was so expensive on fuel. Legoland for example, was 100 quid in fuel first time we went and half than the second in the Galaxy.
Save the money for when you dont need a big family car.
Edited by J4CKO on Monday 1st March 18:23
Bought an S Max 2.0 EcoBoost 240 back in November.
So far, like it!
It's fairly quick but you do know you are driving a big car with alot of weight. Powershift box is good, this is my second Powershift box after having one in my last Volvo for 7 years and I've never had a single issue though I do keep on top of maintenance. £200 to £250 for a gearbox service but make sure take it somewhere that knows what they are doing as it's abit of a pain in the arse job and easy to mess up.
Not found a single issue with the car yet. Its a 2011 with 51K miles and everything works, interior has no sign of wear and no annoying squeeks or rattles.
It's comfortable and has acres of space. I'd look for one with the touchscreen, the standard stereo looks abit dated but touchscreen makes things more modern inside.
Economy is... Well... Poor. I've done about 1,000 miles since November (Thanks Covid) which has been 95% town driving and I've averaged 21.7mpg. Hoping once world gets back to some normality and end up doing longer runs that will increase.
Overall I like it though. Its as easy to drive as a Focus and has abit of pace behind it when the mood takes. I've yet to find anything the boot can't swallow up, if you drop all 5 rear seats, it's basically a van. I do like the fact people just assume it's diesel and get abit of a surprise when you knock it into S put your foot down and it really does pick up pace quickly.
So far, like it!
It's fairly quick but you do know you are driving a big car with alot of weight. Powershift box is good, this is my second Powershift box after having one in my last Volvo for 7 years and I've never had a single issue though I do keep on top of maintenance. £200 to £250 for a gearbox service but make sure take it somewhere that knows what they are doing as it's abit of a pain in the arse job and easy to mess up.
Not found a single issue with the car yet. Its a 2011 with 51K miles and everything works, interior has no sign of wear and no annoying squeeks or rattles.
It's comfortable and has acres of space. I'd look for one with the touchscreen, the standard stereo looks abit dated but touchscreen makes things more modern inside.
Economy is... Well... Poor. I've done about 1,000 miles since November (Thanks Covid) which has been 95% town driving and I've averaged 21.7mpg. Hoping once world gets back to some normality and end up doing longer runs that will increase.
Overall I like it though. Its as easy to drive as a Focus and has abit of pace behind it when the mood takes. I've yet to find anything the boot can't swallow up, if you drop all 5 rear seats, it's basically a van. I do like the fact people just assume it's diesel and get abit of a surprise when you knock it into S put your foot down and it really does pick up pace quickly.
We've had the 2.0T Ecoboost 236bhp (2010 shape) with the Powershift and currently have the new shape (2016) with the same engine as the family bus. I think the new one has a traditional torque converter 'box but I'm not sure.
Brilliant family cars - and a great drive if you every need to push on on an A road. The older one has had lots of niggling faults but never let us down. Felt a bit cheap and plasticky inside, but took the abuse of 3 young kids and endless family trips in its stride. It drank like a fish though. The new one has less sharp handling but is better built - it feels VW like inside and has never given any problems.
If you go for the first gen, make sure you get the 236bhp version - they did a 200 bhp version for a couple of years, and the 236bhp was only for sale for a year I think - you can tell it's the later model as it'll have a digital "bar graph" fuel gauge rather than a traditional needle. And yes, as a previous poster said, make sure it has the touchscreen nav.
I looked at an X5 and XC90 when I bought the second one - the S-Max was bigger inside, has a bigger boot and like for like on age and spec, was thousands cheaper. Or put it another way, for the same budget, the S-Max would be 5 years younger and have a fraction of the running costs. Only downside are the comedy dealers that don't know their arse from their elbow (well, the 3 that I've used).
Brilliant family cars - and a great drive if you every need to push on on an A road. The older one has had lots of niggling faults but never let us down. Felt a bit cheap and plasticky inside, but took the abuse of 3 young kids and endless family trips in its stride. It drank like a fish though. The new one has less sharp handling but is better built - it feels VW like inside and has never given any problems.
If you go for the first gen, make sure you get the 236bhp version - they did a 200 bhp version for a couple of years, and the 236bhp was only for sale for a year I think - you can tell it's the later model as it'll have a digital "bar graph" fuel gauge rather than a traditional needle. And yes, as a previous poster said, make sure it has the touchscreen nav.
I looked at an X5 and XC90 when I bought the second one - the S-Max was bigger inside, has a bigger boot and like for like on age and spec, was thousands cheaper. Or put it another way, for the same budget, the S-Max would be 5 years younger and have a fraction of the running costs. Only downside are the comedy dealers that don't know their arse from their elbow (well, the 3 that I've used).
Thanks for the great replies..i am aware the powershift auto needs a regular service which i am happy to do..i was looking for around 2011-2013 reg so i think that is the gen2.
Looks like the s-max 2.0t it is..i do not want a diesel nor need one i do 6-7k miles a year which may now even decrease as i am working home full time for the forseable future even when the lockdown ends
I have 3 kids so the space is needed and would he handy. I like the s-max back seats all have an isofix so that will be handy.
Have seen a few vignale versions too..wow they are good looking! I will keep an eye out for the 236bhp version.
Really do like the looks rhe volvo xc90 but they look to have a lot of horror stories and the mpg is crazy low for similiar power
Looks like the s-max 2.0t it is..i do not want a diesel nor need one i do 6-7k miles a year which may now even decrease as i am working home full time for the forseable future even when the lockdown ends
I have 3 kids so the space is needed and would he handy. I like the s-max back seats all have an isofix so that will be handy.
Have seen a few vignale versions too..wow they are good looking! I will keep an eye out for the 236bhp version.
Really do like the looks rhe volvo xc90 but they look to have a lot of horror stories and the mpg is crazy low for similiar power
nav456 said:
Thanks for the great replies..i am aware the powershift auto needs a regular service which i am happy to do..i was looking for around 2011-2013 reg so i think that is the gen2.
Looks like the s-max 2.0t it is..i do not want a diesel nor need one i do 6-7k miles a year which may now even decrease as i am working home full time for the forseable future even when the lockdown ends
I have 3 kids so the space is needed and would he handy. I like the s-max back seats all have an isofix so that will be handy.
Have seen a few vignale versions too..wow they are good looking! I will keep an eye out for the 236bhp version.
Really do like the looks rhe volvo xc90 but they look to have a lot of horror stories and the mpg is crazy low for similiar power
Exactly what put me off another Volvo. We needed a car bigger than our V50 so XC90 seemed like a good option, V50 we'd had 7 years and before that had another Volvo we had for 4 years so I like the brand... Looks like the s-max 2.0t it is..i do not want a diesel nor need one i do 6-7k miles a year which may now even decrease as i am working home full time for the forseable future even when the lockdown ends
I have 3 kids so the space is needed and would he handy. I like the s-max back seats all have an isofix so that will be handy.
Have seen a few vignale versions too..wow they are good looking! I will keep an eye out for the 236bhp version.
Really do like the looks rhe volvo xc90 but they look to have a lot of horror stories and the mpg is crazy low for similiar power
XC90 though threw up so many horror stories of massive bills and like you, we needed a petrol which limited our choice. XC60 was on the list but too small inside, especially next to the S Max.
As other poster says, 240 version is the one to have. We drove a few before settling on the one we bought with different power versions, the extra 36bhp is noticeable. Took me by surprise on the test drive when gave it alittle gas off a roundabout and hit points earning speed in a national very, very quickly.
In a couple of months it will be doing its first 500+ mile journey up to Scotland whilst full loaded, I have no doubt at all it will be an absolute breeze.
Vignale's are rare but worth seeking out.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
Titanium X Sports are also worth seeking out:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102159...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
Titanium X Sports are also worth seeking out:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102159...
ZX10R NIN said:
Blimey, that's strong money. Mine is 2 years newer and a better spec, I'd be happy with a 3rd of that price!(albeit with 110K miles)
ZX10R NIN said:
Better Spec?
60+k is a fair amount.
Someone ticked all the options on mine, must have cost them a fortune.60+k is a fair amount.
Its done a lot of miles up and down the country, which it is very good at. I do the gearbox oil changes myself every 30K, costs about £100 if you shop around for the oil.
ZX10R NIN said:
Better Spec?
60+k is a fair amount.
The white one doesn't have the optional touchscreen nav.60+k is a fair amount.
I reckon if you can stretch to it, go for the post 2015 new shape in the best spec available. Ford ex-management cars (with Essex reg) are often fully loaded (mines is one of these, every extra except rear camera and rear electric tailgate) and are sold through the dealer network.
The Vignale feels a bit "posh airport limo" to me with all the fancy trim and chrome polished alloys - a fully loaded Titanium Sport X pack feels like a more honest family car but I guess it depends upon what's around. The Titanium Sport was dropped a short while ago and you either have the Titanium (not quite as fully loaded) or ST Line which is needlessly "sporty" - I also note that you can't buy a new S-Max or Mondeo with a petrol engine....
My recommendation would be something like this - Ford dealer with a warranty
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102269...
Had an S-Max (1.6 Ecoboost, but not relevant at this point) last year for a while as a courtesy car, and hated everything about it that was Ford. The engine was underpowered, it was relatively unrefined, the trim was quite plasticky and it reminded me why I hated the Zafira I'd driven the year before. However, it also was incredible to have all that space to put the child, the pets, the bicycle, the stuff, all the things in. To be able to sit in a car and not be on top of each other. To take more than just "us" out, with the extra seats available.
What does one do if they are a warm-blooded petrolhead that cannot bring themselves to buy such a dreary piece of utilitarian transportation, with no redeeming features other than the ability to carry stuff?
They buy one with a f
king V6, and armchairs. That's what they do.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?postcode=s...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?postcode=s...
Alphard comes FWD or AWD, and the Elgrand comes as an RWD or AWD with the lump out of the 350Z. The options, the flexibility, the capability of these makes the S-Max and the Zafira look like the soulless nasty boxes they are. The space in them, the infotainment, the seating flexibility, the fact the last two (three if you include the middle) seats are actual seats which adults can sit in and are as comfortable as the rest of the seats? Mind blowing. And it's a V6.
Oh, and aside from the very specific parts like door cables and body panels which are well catered for by the specialists anyway, the mechanicals are 1MZ-FE (common Toyota/Lexus lump) and VQ35DE (Nissan 350Z), so easy to get looked after.
What does one do if they are a warm-blooded petrolhead that cannot bring themselves to buy such a dreary piece of utilitarian transportation, with no redeeming features other than the ability to carry stuff?
They buy one with a f
king V6, and armchairs. That's what they do.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?postcode=s...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?postcode=s...
Alphard comes FWD or AWD, and the Elgrand comes as an RWD or AWD with the lump out of the 350Z. The options, the flexibility, the capability of these makes the S-Max and the Zafira look like the soulless nasty boxes they are. The space in them, the infotainment, the seating flexibility, the fact the last two (three if you include the middle) seats are actual seats which adults can sit in and are as comfortable as the rest of the seats? Mind blowing. And it's a V6.
Oh, and aside from the very specific parts like door cables and body panels which are well catered for by the specialists anyway, the mechanicals are 1MZ-FE (common Toyota/Lexus lump) and VQ35DE (Nissan 350Z), so easy to get looked after.
Edited by Pegscratch on Tuesday 2nd March 10:59
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