[makem]

I was wondering what proportion of our members are disabled, have small children or like me bought it for the height inside at the rear with the seats down. These seem to be the main reason for buying this car apart from fuel concerns.

I bought this car because we have folding bikes which we take on tour. My previous car a coupe was not suitable due to the low rear headroom and to fast for my wife to drive (I didn't say that!). (Toyota Celica T Sport)

Could we have polls for each use which are stickies for new members to add their input as they join?

 

[rogerhume]

65 year old grumbly
Not just a single reason although I have a damaged spine and I prefer a higher drivingposition.Priority was a rear camera and sensors so I don't have to twist round to see. Quick clear windscreen as I would find it very difficult to keep the windscreen clear by reaching over.
Driving my wife's Fiesta was very comfortable but no in built camera or high position.
Fuel consumption was a consideration but the Ford claims seem VERY exagerated as I get38 mpg for a 100ps.
The Fiesta is a diesel 1.4 and easily gets 58mpg

Edited by: rogerhume

 

[makem]

Cheers Roger, so your poll would go under disability.

I have had two spine laminectomies but although it was 50/50 if I would walk again, for many years now I have had no disability whatsoever if I am careful.

I agree with your mpg thoughts. Mine is at 40.1 and can only go down unless I do more out of town motoring. However, I think Fords quote is not actually what you can expect, but a way of comparing car make/model consumption as they must use perfect standard conditions which we can never achieve.

Edited by: makem

 

[rogerhume]

My spine damage was caused by a tumour and 2 years ago I was in a wheelchair.Surgeons saved my spine but I have Titanium rods holding it together, Titanium is quite appropriate!
I had better fuel consumption from a 1.6 Puma, that averaged 40mpg while I had it, what a great car that was..

 

[john51]

62 year old under medical pension.I'm not disabled as such, but have had lumbar discs trimmed and fenestration, so I went for yet another high driving position after the C max.

I had fancied the new Focus, but our sales guyreckonedit would be harder to get in/out, as I'm driving a fiesta at the moment, I miss the B max like hell!



The Saturday morning Kitchen Chef James Martin has written up the 1.0 litre B Max in a mag at the weekend, he was impressed.


I had managed a max of 46mpg in the 1.6 diesel thus far, but generally drivers are a bit laid back here, so you can comfortably drive at 65 mph or so without being harassed, and we don't have a lot of motorway. I will know better on a trip to England in April.

Edited by: john51

 

[Dan]

I was wondering if anyone has bought it because of the pillarless doors?

 

[john51]

Certainly it is a plus! My wife babysits our grandaughter now her mother is back in part-time work, and it makes for easy access to a child's seat on the nearside rear, I just found it an impressive feature, and more attractive that a conventional door Focus, which I was also considering.

John.

 

[makem]

I was wondering if anyone has bought it because of the pillarless doors?

Those who bought for that reason would in all likelihood be families with children.

Can we have a poll with 3 options and only one choice?

 

[turbogav]

bought mine for sliding doors so kids do not bang them when opening.

 

[Bilbopup]

I bought it for the pillarless doors - access for the large dog! and the grandson's baby seat

and also for the Ncap ratings. I have osteoporosis so like the higher seat position - I had a Fusion before this. So far have had no repercussions from changing the car thank goodness.

 

[micky b-max]

For ten years I drove Ka's, changing every two years average. In 2010 I was offered the Fiat built Ka(Fiat panda floor pan/engine). I tried it.A disaster. I didn't have a clue what to get next. Then I saw the B-max in an autocar mag and decided right then. It was worth the wait. After 10 years of two doors the changewas a bit extreme. But thats essentiallywhy I chose it. I'm 59, just me and the wife, children grown up, but mother in law was getting too old forclimbing in the back oftwo door cars. The B-max has just about every thing I need. (I didn't really just buy it for m-in-laws benefit)!!

 

[Davis_Zadian]

I am 25, and have been able to get my car though Motorbility Scheme. I have paid £540 upfront for the car (1.6 Titanium Auto Techtonic Silver). I will be the only one driving it. Reason I choose this car was for

*Ease of access when getting in and out of the car
I have a medical condition with both my legs that does not allow me to walk easily, I have made many life style changes due to this, including moving to a ground floorapartment, adapting saidapartment, selling my previously owned car (Hyundi Getz - 5 speed Manual) due to being unable to get in and out of it without causing injury to myself


*Easier to drive
It's Automatic / has cruise control, also because of the medical issue, not having to apply pressure to the clutch pedal is a bonus



*Ride hight
Sitting slightly higher then youradvantagecar has its benefits, like seeing that oak tree that you are hurtling towards 3.5 seconds sooner then you would in a normal height car...


*Looks Great
I mean come on.... it's a good looking car...... It's like the A-Team Van for smurfs... (ponders A-Team Van paint job...)...


As mine will be Techtonic Silver... I have already gone online to find 'Silver Surfer' Decals.... (insert evil laugh here !) ..





Edited by: Davis_Zadian

 

[Robertdownie]

Hi Davis. Have also got the 1.6 auto with motability . Was just wondering what your mpg was with yours. I am only getting 34 mpgs with mine and that's in town and motorway. Hoping it will increase after the engine has been runin.

 

[Davis_Zadian]

Hi there,

I do not get my car until April... but I will surely let you know... but in the mean time, the manual (page 96)... may help you withwhat'sto be expected...


Manual :http://www.bmaxownersclub.co.uk/bmax-manual.pdf

 

[fossil01]

Not gotit yet! It's on it's way from Romania via who knows where! Not sure if it will disembark in Felixstowe, or Portbury.
I have had Fords for the last 15 years - Escort [Petrol 1.6 M Reg], Fusion [Petrol 1.6 03] now owned by our daughter, Fusion [Diesel1.6 07] wrote off by a twentysomething

from the rear

! Presently Fiesta [Petrol 1.4 08] - NO GUTS, & NO GREAT FUEL CONSUMPTION

!
The B-Max will suit my'Erindoors, as she has mobility problems [a non driver],as the drive andhead height is compatible with the Fusions. It will also benefit me, as I like to have some headroom, and lumber support.Gone with petrol version Titanium 100PS in Race Red.
Insurance from RAC [Cooperative] via gocompare website as Fully Comp @ £128!!

 

[Davis_Zadian]

£128 thats awesome !

 

[bmax1613]

hi i am 21 and have a walkingdisability i got the b max 4 the space for my wheelchair and i like how there is no bpillar so i can get in and out easy i wanted a vw golf but went out of stock but now my b max ecu fried

 

[Davis_Zadian]

Hi Bmax1613, did you get the car though motability? do they not repair the car for you at no cost to yourself? or has the RSA insurance people (who insure all motability customers) requested an excess payment?

 

[fordly]

My wife bought the B Max cos she liked the ride height. She owned a Toyota Yaris previously, which had a higher seating position, and if the new Yaris had a similar seating position she wouldn't have looked at the B Max.

 

[cianpars]

Last 2 cars have been a Mk6 and a MK7 Fiesta and I've been very happy with them.
I wanted a small car to be able to park with ease into small spaces by the roadside and enough room to get in if a monster truck parks next to me at the supermarket.

The higher driving position is good and it's easier for me to get in and out of due to a muscular disability.

I also sometimes have to put elderly relatives in the back, which I could not do in the 2 door Fiesta and the B-Max is better than a 4 door Focus of Fiesta in this respect.

I got fed up with trailing wires and wanted my next car to have a built in Satnav and also rear parking sensors to help me get into even smaller spaces.

I have Ford Tech on my Fiesta and have ben really impressed and wanted it again on my new car.

I wanted something bigger than a Fiesta without a bigger footprint.

I've driven many cars over the years and have always Found that Fords have the best, smoothest gearboxes.

I also found the Fiesta boot a bit small at times and have a bit more extra space in the B max.

Whilst I am happy with the 1.25 Fiesta, I could really do with a bit more power. I drove the 125 bhp model and was suitably impressed. Might even remap it to 140 or 150 BHP at some point if I'm brave enough - will see how others who have done it have got on longer term.

Sliding side doors are rather a bonus than a key reason for me to buy a B Max and the folding passenger seat will be really helpful when collecting flat pack furniture, etc.