User reviews
This is a new section of the site set up to provide actual users thoughts on the vehicle they drive highlighting both the good and bad aspects.
Some reviews may be detailed, some short and too the point. Either way, if there is information that helps you then they serve their purpose.
I am always looking for reviews so please feel free to email me if you think you can offer one.
Astra 1.8 Auto
Many thanks to gerrys for this review -
i have a new astra 1.8 auto and i think its brilliant. the power steering is a little noisy but what the heck! it's only noisy when at standstill whilst turning the wheels and i'm afraid the key position is a little bit tricky....i get around this problem by leaving the steering wheel a little off centre when i park. petrol consumption is the only "bogey" i only get 22 mpg in heavy london traffic but it returns 37 mpg on high speed roads. (most people get 26 mpg in light urban conditions) if mpg means more to you than performance then give the astra a "miss" but if its performance your after, then this is one of the quickest autos on the road for less than £20,000 and it's quite refined for a car of this size. access is good for the driver but the rear is a little short on leg room....... "
Mondeo Estate
Peterhappy - thanks for the review!
I got a Ford Mondeo Estate on the motability scheme . First I applied for - and got - £350 towards it from Ford Magic , and the best thing about it is the space . Mob scooter , wheelchair , everything seems to go in the back no trouble , and being low down it is easy to load .
All in all a good car that will suit anyone with a scooter that needs transporting ( I use portable ramps )
Ford Cmax 2.0 Auto Ghia
Thanks to Tan for his very comprehensive review of the car.
I am 44 years old, a professional photographer and designer - I do not use a wheelchair but have mobility problems amongst other so many things. I have to take walking aids with me everywhere as my legs often do become very painful. I have had 3-hip replacements (1 revision) and expect to have another one soon. My main requirements for a car is for very easy access in and out, comfortable, fun to drive and with the continued congestion problems in London, it should be small enough to be able to park in most spaces and big enough for my needs.
I have broken down the assessment into good and bad points and in bullet form. Comparisons with my previous models are made and these cars were: Citroen C8 MPV, Vauxhall Zafira MPV, Ford Galaxy MPV; Micra 5 door.
GOOD POINTS
* Access is superb - much better than any of the other cars I have had. The worse was the Zafira because of its high sill which made getting in and out of the car a few times in a day very painful.
* General seat comfort is very good like all the other cars. Seats are a bit firm but I think they will soften up a bit.
* After driving for more than an hour in traffic I still feel relaxed.
* Auto transmission is better than I expected with smooth gearchanges and ride. Quiet engine and overall the car is quite well insulated.
* Car feels solid to drive - in fact more solid than any of the other cars.
* Handling is just excellent, by far the best of any car I have had. It grips the road well.
* Rear seats give excellent legroom when middle seat is folded away and seats moved diagonally - unusual design but effective.
* Storage at the feet rest of the rear seats is most welcome and useful.
* The front heated windscreen cannot be praised enough.
* Cruise control works well and is easy to use (Ghia models). It only works at speeds above 25mph. Have tried it on a short-run on the motorway and found it relaxing on the feet and legs.
* Steering is very precise - the three different levels of steering lightness allows you to custom to your liking, This is done via the menu stalk on the left side of the steering wheel - not sure if this feature is available on all models.
* Standard radio CD very easy to use and store radio stations.
* The car feels powerful and overtaking is done so smoothly.
MINUS POINTS
* The drivers door sill window creates a blind spot. This is not as bad as the similar one in the Zafira but you need to be aware of what you can miss.
* There is no handle just above the window of the driver's side to assist you getting in - My Citroen C8 had this very useful feature. Not a major disappointment though in the C-Max as entry is still easy because the seats are higher up. I just like to have something to hold onto.
* This car loves to drink!!! The fuel computer on its first tank of petrol indicated 18mpg on mixed but very careful driving. However, when I calculated it, it came to 22.2mpg. The computer has been reset by me and at the moment with mixed driving it is showing 25.5 mpg.
* Heating gets too hot or too cold. Sorry I have been totally and utterly spoilt by climate control. Not a major minus point just me being too picky!
* Do not like the recline seat adjustment which is done by a knob on the right hand side of the drivers seat. It is too far back and stiff. I wish they had put a lever type of control. However, this adjustment is not made much so can live with it.
This is still early days - I will try and give a report every 2 months. You can never be fully satisfied with any car but overall, at the moment, I am very, very pleased. I was at a photo-shoot this weekend, took the extra dosage of painkillers but at the end of the day I was totally and completely knackered. I then had to drive back 32 miles back home and for once, I was really looking forward to it. I was in pain, but the drive was so relaxing and comfortable. The seat support for my back and legs was just so right.
The low fuel consumption worry has become insignificant when compared to the enjoyment I get from driving this vehicle. The JD Power Reliability Survey put the C-Max at the bottom of the list. Please do not let this put you off as these were based on some of the earlier models and more importantly I believe a lot of people who had the C-Max 1.6 Diesel CVT auto transmission had many gripes and their complaints would reflect on the entire range.
Overall, by far the C-max drives better than any other car I have owned under the scheme, owned privately or others cars I have test driven. At the price Motability has set, this car offers excellent value for money. I ordered the car when the deposit was £650 for this model, I think it is now £1300. If I had to choose a car now, I would still happily pay this extra amount. I had to wait 5 months for my C-Max after placing the order and it was well worth the wait. For those who have to wait only three months, you are lucky, but be patient. If the car continues to give me the same satisfaction over the next 3 years, I will not hesitate in ordering another one. No other car, Motability or otherwise, has ever made me feel this way so soon after taking delivery.
Add-on options that I recommend are blind spot mirrors for each of the door mirrors (approx £6 for 2), parking sensors (factory-fitted ones are very expensive, £250 I think. However, I have heard of do-it-yourself ones made by JBL for about £30. I will check them out and let you know) I also strongly recommend front and rear bumper rubber guards and door guards.
