joelmb

I was just looking at the specs of these engines on ford's website and find it odd that the 1.6 and 2.0 is a 16valve engine and 1.8 only 8 valve, although performance and horsepowers is greater in the 1.8 than the 1.6 this stuck me as a bit odd. It also says its a cast iron head on the 1.8 as opposed to aluminium on both 1.6 and 2.0. Can anyone explain this?

Well, after some hard bargaining and some nail biting waits, i've placed an order for a 1.8tdci, sea grey Zetec. Apparently the last in the country at time of ordering but who knows for sure with what they tell you ;). Was more than a little disapointed to be told that Frod nowq only ships Zetec's without the privacy glass that the brochure promises but at the end of the day I think I did quite well price wise by going for an old model just before new one comes out, saving around £4k altogether with a privilege voucher. There's no way they'd offer that much off the new model initially. I'm

i think ive made my mind up on this; its a question of big discount now or get less for older model (versus newer) when we resell. assuming we wont resell (hopefully) for quite a few years, gonna take the discount on old model now (as they try to shift their stock) rather than wait, and there'll prob be delays in getting new one too (and prob not anywhere near as good a dicount, as demand will be much higher). cheers for you advice guys!

Interesting! can i ask how you know this? And this is presumably if you order a factory (built to order) car not one from stock... which probably would be old model? (My garage told me I'd have to wait much longer and might not get the same discount on the zetec if i wait for a factory car). Any advice gratefullly received!

Any way to suss out what a dealer is like for after-care or is it just a case of potluck?! I cant find many reviews for my local one in cardiff (Fordthorne) on the web.

Thanks for that, slightly concerning you dfidnt find the 1.8 petrol decent performance, and the mpg is decidely iffy. Yes going for the dark seats, thanks for confirming that one! I actually prefer the Zetec interior to the Ghia - that walnut effect plastic i think is ghastly myself, and although i'd prefer the ghia's armrest i can put up with the zetec's punier one. my current stilo has auto wipers and lights, i might see if i can get those thrown in as an option on the zetec. i was going to get cruise as an extra too, but theres no petrol's in the factory ready to have it fitted this month,

i'm planning on going for 07 plate c-max zetec 1.8 petrol in panther black, only options - front and reverse parking sensors. (ive heard diesel engines are better but tested one, couldnt get used to the sound, and fuel economy isnt that vital as dont drive far each day). leaving the standard stereo, £200 a lot to justify the sony upgrade. £11,650 with discounts. any thoughts on this spec as it is? ive heard the 1.8 is pretty decent as 1.6 not enough power. any thoughts?

Good thought, although im already getting a decent discount as it is (about £4k off the list price) Would you say therefore not worth waiting for new model in that case? if i were to bother wait i'd prob go for newer...

does the aux socket on the sony head unit let you plug mp3 players in? or is it just for cd changers? wondering whether to upgrade when buying new car next week or so... is it worth it?

I'm buying a new 1.8 petrol Zetec Panther black prob next week. I knew there's a new c-max coming out but didn't want to wait til summer/autumn. but I read today it might be as early as May now to be released. So what's you guys opinion, old or new, wait or not? Body wise it doesn't looks all that different, in fact new model's front looks a bit 'grumpier' ;) I hear engines remain unchanged. But do you think improvements, what ever they are, to interior or elsewhere might be worth waiting for?Opinions anyone?