So my local dealer has an immaculate 2013 C-Max with about 28k miles on it for $12k (negotiated). I’ve never heard of this car before but apparently it’s a hybrid that gets around 40 MPG co-developed with Toyota and actually drives much nicer than a Prius. I actually like it better than lots of stuff I’ve driven, even the brand new version of the car.
So now I wonder why I’ve both never heard of this car, and why the residuals are so, so low. Does it have major issues, or is the car just not popular for whatever reason? I’m not really sure about Ford when it comes to reliability, haven’t really looked at many Fords. Also there’s not much data on the car.
I looked at the new 2018 C-Max and it’s literally identical but the lease is like $400 a month or something stupid due to the low residuals, even after something like $5500 off the 29k MSRP.
I leased a 2013 Cmax energi for 24 months and absolutely loved it. It met my main criteria of not having to bend down to get in the car. I had it over 200 mpg during the time I owned it (it was the plugin version and I had free charging at work). The only issue I had was with the radio which needed to be replaced under warranty when it quit showing the correct station.
Ford will discontinue cmax this year. Almost leased one last year. Cmax energi titanium pligin with msrp of $34k for $260, 10k/36 with a horible 38% residual and this is after $12k rebates. You can probably find a 2015/2016 for $12-14k phev or hybrid if you shop around. Nice car though.
So true. I had never heard of them either, went to look at the fusion energi and found that a bit difficult to get in and out of, too low to ground, not much head clearance, getting in and out, etc. Salesman said we also have this hatchback plugin which is almost identical in terms if powertrain, etc. A few months later, there was a teaser lease special for a base unit. Loved the free charging at work. Car value dropped like a rock. Buyout after 2 years was 20.5k, vehicle sold at auction after I turned it in for 12.9k.
Yeah I looked at the Energi version too, but didn’t like giving up a flat cargo space and a ton of room and some hybrid mpg to justify the 20 mile or so EV range. Seems like all cars these days have issues with the electronic systems, even my girlfriend’s Prius has had two major issues in the last year and several minor ones.
Besides the ease of access I really appreciated the visibility! There’s just so much headroom and 360 visibility for such a smallish car unlike the Prius or the Volt, not to mention way more nimble and get up and go. Also the fit and finish on the interior was really quite good, much better than most I’ve seen in this category.
I’ve heard of and driven the VW and Fiat, even the BMW 3 and 5 series, but never this car. I really like the Fiat actually and it was one of my fave electrics I’ve driven so far.
Yeah the going price seems to be around 12 - 15k for a 2013 or 2014 C-Max Hybrid from what I’ve seen so far, but with like 60k miles on them and maybe not so great condition. This one’s 12k in absolutely pristine condition with 28k miles. So why is the residual sooooo damn low on these? Just nobody trusts Ford’s reliability? Nobody’s heard of them or would rather buy a used Prius? Is it just really low for Ford vehicles in general?
They are shutting down production of them. The residual almost always sinks when that happens unless it had the potential to become a collector’s item.
I understand the range was limited, but it fit my circumstances perfectly- 10 miles each way to work, free charging and preferred parking. At the time the Volt only sat 4 (I have 3 kids), the Leaf cost a lot to get leather and the fusion energi was too low down.
Lol my local Ford dealer has over 60 new 2018s in their inventory and for how much they want on a new lease they’re going to have to come up with way more incentives.
