Ford galaxy v's s-max?

Cal04

need to change my zafira and have been looking at these, budget for 06 or 07 diesel, any advise please?

colm_mcm

Depends on what you'll use the 3rd row seats for. The Galaxy has more rear headroom and overhead storage, but isn't actually that much bigger, it's only 5cm longer than the smax.
The smax is a lot more desirable than the Galaxy unless you absolutely need the space.
Neither have a massive boot with all 7 seats in use, but bigger than on the Opel.

I think the smax is probably the best all round 7 seater out there.

There's a new smax just launched, so you may see more used ones appearing.

Cal04

good stuff Colm thanks, not having much luck in finding what I need.

colm_mcm

Drive one in a dealer from any year at any price and see if it suits you first.

Do you need something bigger than the Zafira.

thomasm

Have 07 S-max for 5 years. 1.8 TDi Zetec. Think it's a great family car. Has the advantage of taking 3 full size car seats in individual seats across the 2nd row. Loads of boot room with third row down. Engine is according to our mechanic bullet proof and we never had an issue with anything apart from standard wear and tear. Better looking than Galaxy too.

Cal04

colm_mcm wrote: »

Drive one in a dealer from any year at any price and see if it suits you first.

Do you need something bigger than the Zafira.

yes i do.

Germancarfan

s-max owner here also. 08 1.8 tdci titanium.
Just watch for timing belt interval's on the 1.8's - they need to be done early. Most have a wet timing belt that's subject to failure if left to long
200k km;s is the recommended interval if memory serves me but 160k km's or 5 years is more realistic.

Other than that it's hassle free motoring from what I've seen so far. Great to drive and handles so much better than our previous french mpv.
try and get a titanium spec if you can. extra spec trim and seats are nice and they hold their value better also.
THe 2 litre has a dpf which if a lot of short runs are on the cards cna be a problem unless it gets a good regen drive thrown in.

i'd have on over the galaxy all day - just a better looking car IMO

Cal04

not having much luck finding what I need...

WildWater

Cal04 wrote: »

not having much luck finding what I need...

I'd sell you my 07 S-Max only I like her too much. In fact, I plan on keep her untill she is 15. She'll be old enough to make her own way in the world by then

If buying 3 major things to get checked.
1) the injectors, lots of bad diesel out there (although you hear less about it now than 12 months ago) and injectors are very expensive to replace
2) the belt as mentioned by Germancarfan. If you can't be certain that it was done then factor in the cost of getting it done. Otherwise you could find yourself with a nice car but no engine.
3) the flywheel. Has it been replaced and if not, does it need to be?


The 1.8TDCi 6 speed is a great car to drive. Best of luck with it.

Terrontress

Don't buy any UK import Galaxy.

I have never seen a Galaxy in London which is not a mini cab. And they're usually driven very badly.

bazz26

That's a bit like saying don't ever buy a Skoda Octavia or Toyota Avensis as every taxi here is one.

clogher71

We have an s max also, unless you need the extra two seats a lot or for taller people, I see no other reason to go for the Galaxy.

I would personally avoid the 1.8 for the reasons mentioned above.

I stand corrected , but none of them have a spare wheel!! , ours does not have one anyway. I saw a lot of people who bought one and only figured that out when they got a pumpture.