Ford C-Max (2017)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 12,205 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,824
£152/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1,824/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Ford brand average of 85%.
89% of MOT tests on Ford C-Maxs from 2017 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 7 years old. That's based on 12,205 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 49,310 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,310
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2017 Ford C-Max had 49,310 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Ford C-Max by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 89% | 4,088 | 29,407 mi | |
| 2018 | 88% | 7,473 | 38,716 mi | |
| 2017 | 89% | 12,205 | 49,310 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 16,187 | 57,178 mi | |
| 2015 | 84% | 18,133 | 67,354 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 20,906 | 75,455 mi | |
| 2013 | 81% | 22,772 | 83,990 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 18,606 | 90,312 mi | |
| 2011 | 77% | 18,422 | 97,077 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 10,975 | 99,038 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 10,153 | 102,785 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 20,644 | 106,918 mi | |
| 2007 | 70% | 9,390 | 109,991 mi | |
| 2006 | 68% | 556 | 121,707 mi | |
| 2005 | 75% | 59 | 114,897 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 Ford C-Max
The 2017 Ford C-Max is a small family car. Our records list a 1499cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 12,205 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 49,310 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford C-Max owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 Ford C-Max Fuel Costs
The 1499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2017 Ford C-Max?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,824 (£152/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Ford C-Max Reliability Trend
Newer Ford C-Maxs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2017 Ford C-Max
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. With 12,205 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
What the 2017 Ford C-Max Fails Its MOT On
Share of the 1,396 MOT tests on the 2017 Ford C-Max that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.
- Tyres37%
Same age: 27% (fails on this more often)
- Lights and electrics24%
Same age: 28%
- Brakes22%
Same age: 20%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors20%
Same age: 15% (fails on this more often)
DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Ford C-Max reliability, common problems and years to avoid
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2017 Ford C-Max stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford C-Max(2017) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£150 |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824same |
| Mercedes A(2019) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£150 |
| Mercedes A-Class(2017) | 88% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2017 Ford C-Max
Is the 2017 Ford C-Max reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2017 Ford C-Maxs ended in a pass, from 12,205 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2017 Ford C-Max cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,824 a year (£152 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Ford C-Max?
89% of 12,205 MOT tests on the 2017 Ford C-Max ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 250th of 540 models first registered in 2017 (top half).
Which year Ford C-Max has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Ford C-Max has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2006 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2017 Ford C-Max?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2017 Ford C-Max is 49,310 miles, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Ford Models
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