Thinking of buying a Ford Galaxy

Neiliboy

I want to know your thoughts,

I'm thinking of getting a low mileage 99 ghia x model. I think the interior dash layout is horrible but the one i've seen is fully loaded and reasonably priced with the only down side being that the service history has been lost.

Its also an auto diesel which means i can use it for work if my van ever broke down....and obviously its big enough for the girls and their double buggys and all the other gubbins.....

Just wanted to know if anyone else owns one and their thoughts.

Many thanks

Neil

Jorgan_2

I have run a '98 SEAT Alhambra for the last 3 years, currently 125k on the clock. I'v not had any real problems with the car in that time. You don't say what sort of mileage the one you are looking at has done, but I would budget on getting the cambelt changed straight away, even if the mileage doesn't warrant it, the age of the car may do.

Does the car come with the thid row of seats? Most did, but not all.

Front suspension top mounts have been replaced twice on mine, about £100 a time.

Make sure the air con is working & pumps out real cold aie on the lowest setting.

The only other thing to consider from a cost point of view is whether its running a 15" or 16" wheel. The 16" is supposed to run on a re-inforced tyre, which cost quite abit more.

fabwitch_2

I have a ghia 2.8 Galaxy 6 seater automatic which was imported from Japan. I am very happy with it havent had any problems and came with all the mod cons etc.

vansboy

Chack how many owners it's had - see if you can get in touch with any, to confirm mileage & maybe create a service history - some MIGHT have bills/invoices & let you know whats been done & when.

Check to see if it started out it's life as a taxi/private hire vehicle. Plenty get used for airport runs & work 24/7 in their eraly life & reach astronomical miles, in just a few moonths, before being sold on. Probably not a cause for concern, at this age, as it'll be showing any obvious wear & may well have beeen a good car, for it's owners.

Look for extra holes in roof & dash, for tell tale signs of extra radios - make sure the wiring has been removed properly, if you find any.

& depending on the way you want it to perform, a couple of hundred £$£$£ & it can be 'chipped' & you'll have more power & better speed from it, too.

VB

iluvmylexus

some of the ghia x models were six seaters with only two seats in the middle row. if it has been serviced by a ford dealer and you know which one it may be worth checking direct to see if they have any service records on their computer (did that on a focus this week)
also check out the seat alhambra and volkswagen sharan, both of which are identical to the galaxy , the alhambra may well be a little cheaper due to the seat name not having the kudos of vw also i wouldnt want to ride around in a vehicle called sharan

A_Nice_Englishman

vansboy wrote:

& depending on the way you want it to perform, a couple of hundred £$£$£ & it can be 'chipped' & you'll have more power & better speed from it, too.

VB

Don't forget to tell your insurance company though