Used Ford C-MAX for sale near Colchester

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 42.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 340
Average Price: Around £5,300

Ford C-Max (2011-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fun to drive for an MPV	Pre-facelift cars feel a bit cheap inside
Practical and roomy cabin	Models with an auto gearbox have worse fuel economy
Grand C-Max has room for seven and sliding doors	Not as many driver aids as some more modern MPVs

Quick Summary

The Ford C-Max (2011-2019) is a compact MPV that combines practicality with engaging driving dynamics. This second-generation model offers sharp styling, spacious seating for five (or seven in the Grand C-Max variant), and a flexible interior with sliding rear seats and a 471-litre boot that expands to 1,851 litres with seats folded. A 2015 facelift brought improved exterior styling and a smarter interior with enhanced infotainment, making later models considerably more appealing than earlier versions.

The C-Max excels where rivals like the Renault Scenic and Citroën C4 Picasso fall short—it's more robust, reliable, and genuinely enjoyable to drive. With a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, including the economical 1.5-litre TDCi diesel achieving up to 74.3mpg, running costs are reasonable. The driving experience is surprisingly engaging, with sharp steering and composed handling that sets it apart from competitors. Service costs are reasonable, and cambelt replacement is only necessary on higher-mileage examples. Insurance groups range from 10 to 26, keeping premiums manageable.

Best for: Families needing practical transport without sacrificing driving enjoyment, those seeking an affordable MPV alternative to SUVs, and buyers wanting flexible seating and generous boot space.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising the latest driver assistance systems, buyers wanting a premium interior feel on pre-facelift models, or those requiring automatic gearbox efficiency.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C-Max if: You're a family needing practical transport without sacrificing driving enjoyment, seeking an affordable MPV alternative to SUVs, or wanting flexible seating and generous boot space.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the latest driver assistance systems, want a premium interior feel on all models, or require automatic gearbox efficiency.

Competitive Position: The Ford C-Max (2011-2019) is an excellent all-rounder in the MPV segment, offering a rare combination of practicality and driving engagement. Whilst the Citroën C4 Picasso scores higher on user ratings and the Ford Focus appeals to those wanting a traditional hatchback, the C-Max stands out for families needing genuine space without compromising on driving pleasure. Its reasonable pricing, efficient engines, and low running costs make it outstanding value. The Grand C-Max variant, with seven seats and sliding doors, adds further appeal for larger families. MPVs may have fallen from favour compared to SUVs, but this keeps prices competitive, making the C-Max an intelligent choice for practical buyers.

Read our full Ford C-Max Review

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