Ford Galaxy (2000 - 2006) 1.9 TD Zetec (115ps) 5d (2005/05) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It says I'm not wealthy, have lots of kids and I need to swallow my pride and drive something sensible that doesn't break the bank.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They think it looks nice but it is the motoring equivalent of Corduroy Slacks.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Only if I couldn't afford something better. It lacks the boot space I would want with 7 people in the car. Just about fits a stroller in the boot when all seats in use (giving lift to mother in law and 4 kids). I was impressed with the cost of filling the tank though, £30 less than a Grand Voyager.
What are you likely to buy next?
One I can afford to run that is big enough to swallow a small village with as many toys as possible.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,500
When did you buy the car?
November 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
Think the deal was ok. Car up for £6k and negotiated £5.5k with additional £100 for new drive belt to be safe. Condition was good, clean interior, few scuffs etc. Only 1 month engine warranty for price. £6k included year's AA warranty - not sure what extra work they do for the money or more importantly, what they don't do if you pay less than asking price??? Time will tell...
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Sold Grand Voyager for something more Frugal. Reviews suggest Galaxy is reliable and Diesel model economical.
What was the dealer like?
Seemed ok. Polite. Prepared to negotiate. Tyres were underinflated though and when questioned he said 'run flat tyres appear that way' - when I checked they were only 50% inflated. That's car salesmen for you, always dancing on the edge of the truth...
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It feels solid enough on the road. Wind noise is more than expected. Rear seats block view when checking rear mirror. Steering Wheel.
What's it like to park?
Easy enough - sensors help. Visibility poor reverse.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Privately sold an 05 Chrysler Grand Voyager for £5.4k with 54k on clock and bought this Galaxy with 77k on clock for £5.5k. It's like changing your nice quality leather jacket for a denim one from Burtons - does the job but you wear it with less pride. Reverse parking sensors just give one continuous tone - this concerns me - probably aren't working properly. It's early days but interior is cheap, doors wobble a bit when shutting them - just doesn't ooze build quality. Demand keeps price up but that's it. The interior plastic door handles are worn badly, this was the same on all Galaxys I looked at.
What's most practical about your car?
Plenty of room in middle row of 3 seats. Like the pop up storage in the dash. Nice solid locking fuel cap, flush with bodywork. Like separate rear heating/aircon.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Front parking sensors seem handy.
