Used Ford B-Max for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 200
Average Price: Around £4,800

Ford B-Max (2012-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lots of space inside for such a small car	Iffy Powershift automatic gearbox
Sliding rear doors make getting in and out easy	Some electrical issues
Fun to drive	Not as fashionable as a small SUV

Quick Summary

The Ford B-Max (2012-2017) is a clever compact MPV that maximises space and practicality in a small package. Its standout feature is the innovative sliding rear doors with no B-pillar, creating a 150cm opening—double the typical width—making access exceptionally easy for child seats and passengers. Based on the Ford Fiesta platform, it delivers surprising driving engagement with sharp steering, well-controlled body roll, and a composed ride that handles bumps with executive-car refinement. The interior is smartly packaged with 318 litres of boot space expanding to 1,386 litres with rear seats folded, plus a rear-facing child mirror and 60/40 split-fold seating.

Engine options include efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrols (100-120bhp) achieving around 40mpg in real-world driving, alongside 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol alternatives. Diesel choices comprise 1.5 and 1.6-litre TDCi units, with the 95bhp 1.5 offering impressive economy. A slick five-speed manual is standard; a six-speed Powershift automatic was available with the 1.6-litre petrol. Trim levels—Zetec, Titanium, and Titanium X—offer good equipment progression, with 2017 revisions adding sat-nav across the range. Insurance groups are low (7-13), servicing is affordable, and residual values are strong at 41-47% after three years.

Best for: Families needing practicality in a compact car, parents with young children benefiting from easy rear access, and drivers seeking engaging handling combined with comfort and space.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising fashionable styling over function, those requiring the latest infotainment technology, or those seeking maximum boot space in this class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the B-Max if: You're a family needing practicality in a compact car, a parent with young children benefiting from easy rear access, or seeking engaging handling combined with comfort and space.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise fashionable styling over function, require the latest infotainment technology, or seek maximum boot space in this class.

Competitive Position: The Ford B-Max is the class leader among compact MPVs, outperforming rivals like the Nissan Note and Citroën C3 Picasso in driving dynamics and practicality. Its innovative sliding rear doors and spacious interior make it exceptional for families, whilst its Fiesta-derived platform ensures surprising engagement on the road. Though compact MPVs are now a niche market, the B-Max remains the best choice in this category for those prioritising function and driving enjoyment. The Honda Jazz offers strong user ratings and reliability, but lacks the B-Max's clever door design and driving appeal.

Read our full Ford B-Max Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.