Mkiii Good Or Bad?

[jkspoff]

I prefer the S-max by far, so I am saving up at the moment. The design of the new Gal is a bit quirky for my liking, but the new s-max seems to have it all without the van look.

[mumof4]

Now there is nothing wrong with my veccy ;)..well..nothing that a bit of work wont sort :lol:

With me and the MKIII..its purely cosmetic......now if it came in metallic pink.......mmmm..then i might consider it!Purely just for the colour!!..Or ford focus Orange...now i do like that colour.

[Davetheref]

I prefer the S-max by far, so I am saving up at the moment. The design of the new Gal is a bit quirky for my liking, but the new s-max seems to have it all without the van look.

 

Quite agree. I've had my S-MAX for around 5 months now and love it. My last car was a Gal Mk 2 and must admit that I did'nt want a mark 3 and went straight to the S-Max. I only have the 1.8 TDCI but runs really well and I get around 53 MPG on average overall. Once again 1 or 2 little things it had to go back to Fraud for but it is a new design and you would expect this to happen I'm afraid.

[g4hlf]

I've got a MKII Gal 1.9 TDi, I looked at the MKIII and in fact had one on trial for a while, I didn't like it, how are you guys getting on with your MKIII's. My main dislikes are the lower roof at the back, seemingly thin seats and no spare tyre. I did like the engine though.

 

Regards - J

 

Very quickly as I have only had mine a few days, did previously have 1.9TDi Ghia, now have 2.0TCDi Ghia.

 

Ride and handling is like stepping into a new century (much much better)

 

No rattle, creaks or bangs

 

No aux booster heater to worry about :-)

 

Very refined

 

Seats are thiner but prefer that then having to remove and carry the old one into the garage everytime you want to reconfigure.

 

No spare wheel, not a problem to me... have repair kit and recovery membership

 

I really like it, the voice control that comes wit hthe bluettoth carkit option is great

 

So far I love it!

[Davetheref]

Forgot to add as well. I think the seats are great, for sitting on and the same fact as there is no having to lug them around to make room.

[g4hlf]

Forgot to add as well. I think the seats are great, for sitting on and the same fact as there is no having to lug them around to make room.

 

Last night I reconfigured the seats for maximum carrying capacity (middle and rear row flat) and it took 2 minutes. I reckon if you rushed you could do the whole lot in a minute! Previously it took ages, gave you a bad back and filled the living room with seats!

 

In terms of comfort then I have had no complaints from the kids yet...

[MadBaz]

No spare wheel, not a problem to me... have repair kit and recovery membership

 

Some recovery companies won't cover you if you don't carry a servicable spare, won't mention the one thats an anagram of car.

[insider]

Excerpts from the T&Cs of what is not covered by two well-known breakdown organisations:

 

"Please note: Motorised vehicles that are manufactured without the provision of a spare wheel will be considered on their individual merits."

 

"any additional charges resulting from Your failure to carry a legal and serviceable spare wheel or tyre, except where this is not provided as manufacturers standard equipment."

 

So, if you notify them in advance that the car was manufactured without a spare and they accept your payment based on that then they cannot refuse to assist you.

[JDHogg]

Hi guys. Love the forum.

 

I have an '03 MkII, TDI 130 Ghia, with all the toys (mo4!). And I have to say, its generally a good car, with a high-up seating position - I don't like the low position of the new Mk3 though I guess it gives better handling etc.

 

I'd also have to concur with previous comments regarding Ford's Service, or lack thereof. I've been back in a few times (won't go into detail) and its generally appalling, and with some rip-off parts prices too. I live in the Irish Republic, and it seems "Frauds" here have followed on the same poor UK service.

 

I think someone, somewhere should start a proper dealership with good service and value for money (I'm too chicken!). ;-) After all, there must be plenty of ex-Ford customers who like the product but not the service.

 

I for one, will probably never buy another Ford. I just got another car (still got the Gal) from a Mazda dealer, and they were marvellous. If others can do it, so can Ford. Unfortunately, Ford will probably never change unless customers stop buying.

 

Good luck with the Mk3!!

 

John,

(lets hope we beat the French tonight)

[insider]

You have to remember to make the distinction between the car manufacturers and the dealers. They are not the same.

The dealers are independent businesses that run a franchise. They buy the cars from the manufacturers, then sell them on to the customer. However, as the primary interface between the customer and the manufacturer it is in the manufacturer's interests to ensure that the dealers are competent and provide a good service.

 

Incidentally, Mazda are actually owned and controlled by Ford!

[NikpV]

Hi guys. Love the forum.

 

I have an '03 MkII, TDI 130 Ghia, with all the toys (mo4!). And I have to say, its generally a good car, with a high-up seating position - I don't like the low position of the new Mk3 though I guess it gives better handling etc.

 

I'd also have to concur with previous comments regarding Ford's Service, or lack thereof. I've been back in a few times (won't go into detail) and its generally appalling, and with some rip-off parts prices too. I live in the Irish Republic, and it seems "Frauds" here have followed on the same poor UK service.

 

I think someone, somewhere should start a proper dealership with good service and value for money (I'm too chicken!). ;-) After all, there must be plenty of ex-Ford customers who like the product but not the service.

 

I for one, will probably never buy another Ford. I just got another car (still got the Gal) from a Mazda dealer, and they were marvellous. If others can do it, so can Ford. Unfortunately, Ford will probably never change unless customers stop buying.

 

Good luck with the Mk3!!

 

John,

(lets hope we beat the French tonight)

 

a good idea but good service costs time and money and that eats into the profits

[Tigger]

Had a Mk1 and a Mk2 now have a Mk3.

 

Looked at the smax but unless you have midgets in the family the back seats are usless. I would say ride and comfort are better. Heating and Aircon far far better. Back seat passengers have thier own contols with vents in the door posts. the last row of seats have thier own if you have that option. We do and the air con is 3 or 4 times better than the old Mk2. Cold air from every vent. In fact you get waves of cold air comming from back to front as there are 2 cooling units one under the back seats. Global closing on the key is a big plus as is global opening before you get to the car to let the hot air out. Lights far better Panoramic sunroof is fab and makes the car feel very airy.

 

Down side not as high but not far off

 

I have had many comments regarding how much better looking the mk3 is especialy from the back. Engine not as refined but alot more responsive. Revs very freely. We get a little more mpg. just did 2000 miles on holiday and got 47mpg over all. Not towing but loaded. Love the retro air vents in the front and alot more dirctional than the old.

 

Storage all over the place. Cds all fit in radio no more groping aroung the back any more. More seats ,although I was concerned about the space they would take up, but have been far better Than thought as I don't have to have half a garage tp store them.

 

Extra space behind the back seats is far better. If I had a choice I would go for the mk3 after nearly a year with it. It is a completely differant car and one you have to get used to it.

 

It has massive carying space although not quite the head room for high stuff but over all volume I feel is far more

 

Also headrests go into the seat when down and do not cause as much opstruction for viewing

Edited September 26, 2007 by Tigger

[mk2vr6]

It has massive carying space although not quite the head room for high stuff but over all volume I fell is far more

 

it may have more space? but its load carrying limit is lower than the mk1/2 as is its towing limit! so be carefull what you stick in the boot or hook up to to tow bar!

[Tigger]

http://www2.fordconnection.com/fordconnect...yytmodelspc.htm

 

Looks like you can tow the weight of the car( I would not want to tow any more) how much differance is there in weight between the 2?

[AndeeeH]

Brochure quoted figures of kerbweight for Mk2, between 1669 and 1724 kgs,

Ditto for Mk3, between 1737 and 1829 kgs, ;) Andy.

[mk2vr6]

ooh a not a happy mk3 owner http://www.smaxownersclub.co.uk/forum/view...132&start=0

[mumof4]

That sounds familiar..i believe it has been posted on here aswell...

[mumof4]

Knew it had been.

 

http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?showtopic=13978

[Tigger]

Interesting read. thankfully I have not had those probems. I do however lookforward to the winter knowing I don't have to live with the costant buzz and smoke of the aux heater. It must be just getting to that time for many Mk 2 owners.

 

Joking aside I do like the Mk2 with all its faults. As I say the Mk3 is not a better mk2 but a differant car completely with some faults but not the same as the Mk 2. I was always on edge with my Mk2 wondering when the aircon would pack up. Instead the turbo blow up!!!!!!!! Did not trust it after that.

Edited September 27, 2007 by Tigger

[adrianf.]

There are a couple of the new Gals driven by mums on the school run i see each day.

 

I must admit i do like the look of it very much ( car not the mums).

 

If money allowed i would take a chance on one (mum not the car) :P :P :rolleyes:

[mumof4]

you norty boy adrian! :rolleyes:

[Littlematt_2007]

is it just me or is teh smaxownersclub not working for some reason :S

 

Matt

[mumof4]

works for me.But the same letter is posted on the link i posted.

[Davetheref]

is it just me or is teh smaxownersclub not working for some reason :S

 

Matt

 

 

Just joined the SMAX club as I thought it would be the same as here but to get to all the really good posts you have to pay

[mumof4]

mmm..i noticed you there yesterday :D