7 seater, vw sharan or ford galaxy

jimzy

With child #4 on the way it's now time to invest in a 7 seater. I am looking for a 7 seater with some boot space (realise they all have very little but would like some rather than none - and the back seats right up to the rear window freaks me out a bit safety wise....), good efficiency and good level of safety of course. At this stage I think i have narrowed the choice down to either a VW Sharan or a Ford Galaxy. Most other ones (Corrolla Verso, Renault Scenic & Opel Zafira) seem a bit more tight on space and not as solid overall (maybe im wrong here!). Not looking to spend over 10k so will be hunting back in the years 04 -ish or thereabouts...

My understanding is that both the VW and Ford are built on very similar (if not the same!) diesel engines. So Im sure they are actually very similar in lots of ways. Basically Im just looking for some feedback from people if anyone has experience with either of these cars?

They seem to suit my requirements pretty well but if anyone has recommendations on other cars either i would love to hear them.

Thanks in advance

vectra

jimzy wrote: »

. At this stage I think i have narrowed the choice down to either a VW Sharan or a Ford Galaxy. .

My understanding is that both the VW and Ford are built on very similar (if not the same!) diesel engines.

Have a look at the SEAT Alhambra.
Same thing basically and a good bit cheaper

bazz26

The Galaxy tends to be a little cheaper than the Sharan, also there is a wider choice of Galaxy models about. Most Sharans I've seen were pretty basic and didn't even come with a/c which is a must in a large MPV with lots of glass.

Diesel engines in both were VW TDi units however Ford used their own petrol engines in the Galaxy but I would stick to diesel in such a large car unless you do very small mileage. Personally myself I would go for a post 2000 facelifted Galaxy Zetec or Ghia 1.9 TDCi. Just avoid basic LX TDCi models as they only had 90bhp which is a dog.

johnos1984

Firstly may I recommend

However in all seriousness the Sharans et all are great for space but my sister has had various problems with the one they have had from new. Nothing bad just hefty running costs. Another sister has had a verso and its been great and very cheap.

Remember the Sharan et al has great head room but it's narrow in my experience.

If your not a brand snob why not try a Multipla or how about a Honda FR-v?

Guy:Incognito

jimzy wrote: »

At this stage I think i have narrowed the choice down to either a VW Sharan or a Ford Galaxy. Most other ones (Corrolla Verso, Renault Scenic & Opel Zafira) seem a bit more tight on space and not as solid overall (maybe im wrong here!).

The Verso , Grand Scenic and Zafira are a class smaller than the Galaxy/Sharon, hence the size difference.

Renault do the Espace which is in the Galaxy class. Toyota have things like the Previa but I'm not sure if they are actually sold here or all are imports (but seeign as your buyign 2nd hand it doesnt really matter)

johnos1984 wrote: »

If your not a brand snob why not try a Multipla or how about a Honda FR-v?

Both of those are in the Scenic/Zafira/Verso class that the OP says are a bit small.

bazz26

Toyota used do the Avensis Verso a few years ago which sat in between Corolla Verso and the Previa but don't think it was available in diesel here They are also still on the expensive side.

AgileMyth

A Volkswagon Carravelle is more spacious and more practical than any of the cars mentioned above. It'd be less soul destroying to own aswell.
Might be pricey though.

bazz26

AgileMyth wrote: »

A Volkswagon Carravelle is more spacious and more practical than any of the cars mentioned above. It'd be less soul destroying to own aswell.
Might be pricey though.

How is owning a VW Transporter van with rear windows and seats less soul destroying than an MPV??

pajo1981

jimzy wrote: »

My understanding is that both the VW and Ford are built on very similar (if not the same!) diesel engines.

The Galaxy is fitted with a PSA diesel (Peugeot) - nothing to do with VW.

bazz26

pajo1981 wrote: »

The Galaxy is fitted with a PSA diesel (Peugeot) - nothing to do with VW.

The MkI/II Ford Galaxy, VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra were all the same vehicle co-designed by VAG and Ford. The diesel engines used in all three vehicles were VAG TDi units.

The PSA diesel engines didn't arrive until 2006 in the current MkIII Galaxy which was solely designed by Ford.

MkI Galaxy:


MkII Galaxy:


MkIII Galaxy:

Fundthementals

The Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra up to 2006 are the same car with practically all VW running gear. The VW TDI engines are good performers and return around 40 mpg - go for post 2000 galaxy with 6 sp manual gearbox .

Reliability is ok - watch out for air con problems and electrical problems on MK 1's , DMF failures on early MK 2's. Like all VAG tdi pd engines ensure regular oil changes with correct pd spec oil and cambelt/ water pump change at 60k miles. They are not a bad drive overall, very comfortable, plenty of room, economical (TDI only!), handle well and have great versatility.

Personally I didn't like the MK3 ran one for two years - terrible turbo lag, very rough Ford engine -1.8 TDCI and poor quality trim. A '04- 06 facelift MK 2 Galaxy - 130bhp TDI 6 sp manual with full service history would be my choice.

jimzy

Hey thanks a lot for all the replys guys.
Really appreciate the informed advice, good to get some real knowledge from people who have dealt with this type of vehicle. Your replys have given me some more direction in the hunt for a second hand 7 seater; must be a deisel, with decent service history of course & stay away from the 90 bhp dogs!

I think im leaning towards a MKII Galaxy, hoping to pick one up in the next month or so, before the next sprog arrives!

Oh and thanks for the recommendation on the flavoured condoms johnos1984!

GTE

pajo1981 wrote: »

The Galaxy is fitted with a PSA diesel (Peugeot) - nothing to do with VW.

Im very sure you dont have the facts right there Im afriad.

The mark 1 Galaxy seemed to use the VE TDI from VAG. 90hp and 110 hp as well as some 2.8L VR6 petrol from a Golf.

Then with the mark 2 Galaxys they seemed to use the PD TDI from VAG. 110hp (maybe a VE) and 150hp(PD).

Maybe its the mark 3's you are on about.

A firm local to me use a small fleet of Ford Galaxy's and from seeing them come into the station for fuel they look in very good order. No smokey startups or things like that.

Fundthementals makes a good point about the oil use in the mark 2 PD TDI models. Its so essential you check the oil to make sure the right spec was used. VW505.01. Call the garages that crop up in the service history the most to check.

jimzy

So in the end, after much hesitation, (and cancelled appointments due to all that snow!) I bought a 02 ford galaxy. It's a nice spec 1.9 tdi, full leather, elec windows & mirrors, elec s/r, parking sensors and in great condition. I think its a 130 bhp model, although the previous owner wasnt entirely sure! Any simple way of finding this out? Its not specified on any of the documentation... well that I could see anyway.

The only issue im slightly apprehensive about is the fact that its an automatic/tiptronic. I wasnt exactly looking for an auto but when this car appeared I thought why not! After just driving it home I'm very impressed with the auto engine. I hadn't driven an automatic before so there were a few nerves.

I realise the obvious advantages/disadvantages of an auto car like being slightly thirstier on diesel. And it may not be as much 'fun' as a manual to drive, but this is a 7 seater after all... Are there any other concerns I should have with an auto engine?

Thanks a lot for all the advice & help guys!

sean1141

data sticker in the boot or on the service manual should give the power in KW. 96kw is the 130bhp. 110kw is 150bhp

jimzy

thanks for that sean, unfortunately I can't seem to find any reference to the Kw of the car. I have searched thorugh the service book and the boot, but could not find the KW reference. Any other ideas where / how this could be located?

sean1141

there should be a 3 digit engine code on the sticker. ASZ is the 130bhp code on the mk4 golf/bora/leon/a3. not sure if it the same on yours

sean1141

out of intrest is there an all red tdi badge on the back?

edit: ford galaxy owners club might have more info
http://www.fgoc.co.uk/forum.htm

VolvoMan

sean1141 wrote: »

out of intrest is there an all red tdi badge on the back?

Must be a serious weapon so.:D

sean1141

VolvoMan wrote: »

Must be a serious weapon so.:D

sur anything with any sort of a tdi badge is serious weapon.. everyone knows that.... sur feck it.. its could be a rs4 gt tdi for all we know:eek::rolleyes:

BostonB

This is the badge you want...V6 4 Motion. Would have been handy in the snow...

http://golfoo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62566

Yes there was a Ford version
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=12294

jimzy

BostonB wrote: »

This is the badge you want...V6 4 Motion. Would have been handy in the snow...

http://golfoo.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62566

Yes there was a Ford version
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=12294

yeah that would have been useful in the sneachta alright!

sean1141 wrote: »

out of intrest is there an all red tdi badge on the back?

edit: ford galaxy owners club might have more info
http://www.fgoc.co.uk/forum.htm

The letters aren't red, but there is a red trim around them... if you know what i mean. This is what made me think it was 130 bhp initially... but maybe its just a crappy 90 bhp thing!

it does seem pretty thirsty though, mpg seems to be under 30 most of the time...

BostonB

A boxy MPV is a bit of sail in fairness. Then theres an auto box. Then 5 or 6 bods and a full boot. Then theres all the screaming...

ninty9er

I'm loathe to use Wikipedia as a source but it appears (according to the author there) that the Galaxy auto was only availablr in 115ps (113 bhp)

jimzy

BostonB wrote: »

A boxy MPV is a bit of sail in fairness. Then theres an auto box. Then 5 or 6 bods and a full boot. Then theres all the screaming...

Yeah in fairness they are all pretty valid reasons for a thirsty motor! the screaming kids probably most so... I had heard people mention 600 miles to a tank of fuel, not a hope of that!

ninty9er wrote: »

I'm loathe to use Wikipedia as a source but it appears (according to the author there) that the Galaxy auto was only availablr in 115ps (113 bhp)

Thanks, I think ill take wikipedias word for it so, thats what i told the insurance company anyway... strange that the bhp of a car can be so tricky to pin down!

R.O.R

http://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do


Posted by Max Damage in a thread a few days ago. Reg or chassis in that will tell you everything you could possible ever want to know about your Ford.

kincaid

hi i heard the 6 speed manual gearbox in the 2001 on TDI galaxy, alhambra, sharan is produced by Ford and not VW and give quite alot of bother...