Self levelling suspension
I'm in the process of buying a brand new Ford S max. I currently own one which has been brilliant these past 3 years.
I'm wonder whether to get self levelling suspension but I'm not sure it's worth the extra money.
I've been offered a lease deal for a titanium 150ps brand new for £255 a month for 3 years. (£1500 deposit).
Now it doesn't have a tow bar or self levelling suspension however I'd get ford to put a detachable tow bar on which may cost about £600.
The prices quoted for a factory build which includes a towbar and self levelling suspension is approx £320 a month.
I tow no more than 4 to 5 times a year.
Can you give me your thoughts on whether it's worth the extra money or not
Thank you in anticipation
Sean
Moderator Comment - Moved here from the Ask the Expert section
Comments
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Having experienced two cars of the same model one with SLS and one without I would be inclined to say always have SLS. However it seems a lot of money extra for a car you will never own and for the limited annual use so perhaps not as clear cut in your case?
David
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I have had an Smax since 2007 wihich was the 140 PS Manual. Brilliant towcar with plenty of power and very stable tow. I replaced it for the new Smax recently, 150 PS Zetec. Is equally as stable but I find the 150 lacks the power ofmy old car and am currently puzzled as in theory it has slightly more power. Whilst it does have sufficient power I miss the umph of my old one and am hoping it will be better once I have done more miles as currently only on 3500 miles. Wish I had gone for the 180 PS but then I buy mine outright and prob wouldn't bother in your position
i wouldn't bother with the SLS. I haven't found anything lacking at all.
Check the price re the towbar as the Ford dealer wanted £900 for it and also confided in me that they hadn't fitted one for 3 years...did I want them doing it and messing with the ECU. No thanks so went to a regular local towbar fitting company who fitted the same detachable for £550 with vehicle specific wiring kit (make sure you get the VSK). Also note that the electrics perform differently with the new Smax as there is a constant live feed for the fridge which wasn't there before so could flatten the batttery iff left connected. Also the lights on the van stay on for a couple of minutes after switching the engine off
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We've bought our last 3 Fords from a main dealer and obviously wanted a tow bar fitted. When I asked i was told they wouldn't have fit it themselves but would have taken the car to a local tow bar fitter and suggested I cut out the middle man ie. Ford and had it put on later and the same fitter and a lower cost....I did have the vehicle specific wiring kit too.
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But not all main dealers send them out. My local Vauxhall dealer used to use the local towbar fitter but do them themselves now ..... apparently its easier than sorting out electrickery problems caused by people without the proper diagnostic/coding kit.
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My Santa FE has self levelling suspension, l had the Hyundai dealer ship to fit the tow bar, l know for fact they sent it to a registered tow bar company but at least it does not invoke the warranty as they organised it, it was pricey but as it was a new car l have piece of mind, £800 for the detachable,l have heard l could have had it done for £650, good mark up
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