Ford S-Max Automatic - Reliability

[smr]

Seen a good deal for an s-max as we need to upgrade to a 7 seater MPV... but it's automatic, I've had 4 cars but they've all been manual so I've no idea how automatic cars are for reliability / repair costs etc.

The car I'm looking at has 60,000 miles on the clock and a FSH, 2008 2.0 TDCi... I spoke to Ford a minute ago and was told that the only problem with auto gearboxes is that if they fail they can cost up to 3k to repair...

Just wanted a second opinion if anyone here has any knowledge about them?

 

[paradigm]

Is it an automatic, or one of those dual-clutch semi-automatic thingymajigs?

17-8-2014: Significant problems reported with 42k miles 2010 Ford S-MAX 2.0 Ecoboost Powershift transmission. ( Getrag 6DCT450.) Judders or wheelspins on take-off since purchase in November 2013. Transmission fluid and filters changed and improved for 2 weeks then fault returned. Apparently needs new clutch dampers at a cost of £1,800. Apparently automatic transmission independent who works for Addison Lee said " these gearboxs are a complete disaster known to be so by the trade." The dampers often go, but once changed often don't recalibrate property so you end up having to replace the Mechatronic unit or full transmission.

 

[smr]

full auto. No powershift.