Do I really need a C-Max or should I save myself some cash and go for a Focus?

[Fruitbatlings]

What's so special about the C-Max?
You can't get any more people in can you?
Boot on a focus seems big enough for a pram and/or shopping.

Is it really necessary to have all that extra space you get in a C-Max when there are the same number of seats as a Focus?

I don't know what to do really. I've always wanted a Focus and a C-Max is just a bigger style so I would go for the C-Max if it's really worth it...........

I can't get 0% finance on autotrader Otherwise it'd be my first port of call for a second hand car - I'm sure I will be well and truly ripped off at the dealers but I can't pay outright so have no choice.

God I miss my ford focus estate .

I had 1.8tdi and it was fantastic , would get another tomorrow.Agree with MrsB , very cheap to run and in the 10 yrs I had it it never went wrong...tearing up now!

We traded for a shitola peugout307 heap of crap so we could afford the insurance for dd.

ONly good thing about the french heap of shit is you can turn the airbag on and off.

Didn't see that fruitbatlings bummer, can you not get a 0% for life of balance or low interest credit card? We did that for a car once got 2.2% for life which is much better than the car dealer, they always want you to take out their shitty finance and it's at least 16% APR or something.

To give you an idea of the space in a CMAX boot I had a P&T double, a Maclaren XT and a highback booster in the back of mine today with room to spare.

If you only need to use the middle seat with a booster occasionally I would say go for it but if you need it on a daily basis it's a PITA hence during the week DD1 goes in the front which I am not that happy about.

Credit card would be an option but whenever I apply for one, I only get about £1500-£2000. I looked into it to transfer from my current credit card, I wanted to transfer £7000 to a 0% interest card but wasn't given enough credit on the card - even though my credit rating is excellent!

If I can get the dealer to turn off the passenger airbag then I will go for it.
Can they turn it back on again when I want to sell it in the future?
Also toying with the idea of an estate....

I'm sure they could turn it back on for you, I don't understand why a family car doesn't allow the driver to turn it on and off like Renaults for example.

Low interest loan from a bank, bound to be better than car finance?

Can't comment on the Focus\C-Max options but we have a similar size car - VW Passat and I have three car seats across the back. I have a rear facing baby seat, a Britax (it fits with just a lap belt) and then a Recaro seat. It is a bit of a squeeze but it works and it saved us having to buy a new car. When we bought the Britax the man in the shop didn't even know it could be fitted with the lap belt until we opened the manual to show him!

better than 0% car finance? I suppose it depends on how much the dealer over prices the car.....

Can you really get 0% finance, what's the catch? I always think there is a catch with everything!

We have just ordered our second OCtavia Estate, as you get so much car for your money. Also - no VAT on new Skodas until the end of JAn.

haha, I have no idea. I will find out. You're right, always a catch!
Just says on poster and on net "0% finance for up to 5 years on all used cars"

BikeRunSki - 0% interest too?

here's the advert

Fruitbat - I'd certainly go to the Skoda dealership with that ad in your hand and see what they might be able to do 'as you've had several people recommending an Octavia for your needs' !!! Can definitely get 3 seats across the back - can seat 2 adults plus a childseat...

Octavia estate?
I love the Focus though, not entirely keen on the look of a Skoda (sorry, no offense ) But obviously I will go for whatever is practical as I will have the car for a few years and will be Childminding for a few years unless we get a windfall
To be perfectly honest, living in SW London, I'm not desperate for a car. All the playgroups and DS's school is within walking distance but it'd be nice to have the option of going somewhere a bit further out like fruit/veg picking and farm trips in the summer.

As a family we don't need to fit three seats in the back. It'd be useful though!

like this one though... Doubt I'd get 0% finance at that place

We are selling a CMAX Fruitbatlings but don't do 0% finance I'm afraid, need the trade in for a Galaxy (4th DC on his way)

Fruitbat - that Octavia looks interesting! Diesel engine too - and with only 51,000 on the clock, plenty of mileage to go. My company Octavia is currently at about 45k and has only needed 2 services so far. the last one cost £275 which I think's pretty good for just under 3 years, and that was at the main dealership and with a rear windscreen wiper in as well.

Octavia's definitely bigger inside than the Focus - although not much bigger on the outside!!!

Hope you find a car you like somehow.

Congrats on the pregnancy sweetkitty. I noticed on your profile you have 3 girls and you say "4th DC on his way"
You give me a lot of hope, I have two DS's and would love a girl but will be stopping at 4 (if I get that far)

I'm researching car loans, maybe I can get a cheap one somehow so I can broaden my car horizon a little - Octavia now in the mix!
Thank you so much for all of your help!

No thanks OK, yes I have 3DDs already (5,4 and 18 months) and found out on Saturday DB4 is DS, still in shock as I was expecting DD4. TBH as a family of 5 we had outgrown the CMAX already as I have resorted to putting DD1 in the front on her booster to do the school run, at weekends she goes in the middle and it is such a faff trying to get the seat belts done up, there isn't a great amount of space in it. No 4 has meant trading it in for a 7 seater.

Good luck with your car search