Please Advise On Which Galaxy Mk Ii Or Mk Iii

[tik33]

hi everyone,

 

I was a long time owner of a Ford Mondeo mk II which I loved. It was mechanically very sound when I had to put it to rest in the great scrapyard in the sky. I am currently driving an old hand-me-down Merc estate, but need to get some more space and I have narrowed it down to the Galaxy for its 7 seat appeal (we've got 3 kids all in child seats and my wife wants another one!). I think that the S-Max looks good, but I was thinking that the Galaxy probably a bit roomier.

 

So, having decided on a Galaxy, I'm torn between Mk II and Mk III - my wife is learning to drive and so I don't want to spend a lot on a car, but equally i don't like changing them that often. So, want something that will last (my Mondeo cost

[gregers]

welcome to the forum,as you have found in the past like any car there are good ones and bad,luck of the draw.

if your luckey you may find a decent mk2 ghia tdi with all the toys and leather,but be prepared they are still hold a fairly decent value especially if its a good mileage,now if you have read on this forum you will see a few members posting there general problems with the mk3(in there eyes)again this is there own opinions,i do regret EVER selling my old mk2 tdi but am now running a smax,again if you have a read up a bit the mk2 galaxy tdi is basically a vw,so dont forget to be looking at vw sharans and seat alhambras tdi's.

dont know how much your budget is but if your looking at mk2's then a decent mk3 may be out of reach unless its been hammered?

now if your looking at the smax,it is a lot smaller then the galaxy but in my opinion look a bit better then the mk3,it certainly doesnt drive like a mpv.the rear most seats really are for kids,i couldnt/wouldnt fit in them,but unlike the mk2 they fold into the floor.

oh and the mk2 tdi is HELL of a lot better on fuel then the mk3 and smax.

good luck in your search and keep us informed.

[tik33]

thanks for the reply.

 

have sat and driven a mkiii and liked it - but it was on ebay and i was a bit nervous about bidding so I didn't get it.

 

am off to see a 2007 mkIII in the morning - so we shall see - it seems pretty good value -

[gregers]

well the normal things really,does it start ok,does it brake in a straight line,does everything work inc aircon.if its from a dealer get a warrenty.check any of the history that is with the car,make a note who supplied it then give the dealer a ring to glean some more info about any work that has been carried out on it.

 

i bought my 08 smax tdci with 100k on it im the 2nd owner,its now got nearly 111k in the 3 years ive owned it,so its having a bit of a rest.

[Scorpiorefugee]

You may be better with an earlier MKIII as they were still working on the old Ghia standards etc. You may have read my comments on the MKIII and I have to admit that after fitting a cushion to the "sports" driver's seat I was beginning to learn to live with it. That is until I finally convinced my wife to drive it and then I rediscovered why the passengers hate it. This effect comes in after about half an hour on anything but a dead smooth straight motorway. Fuel economy in mine (2.0L mondeo type diesel Titanium) is improving slightly but it remains a struggle to get it above 40 wheras my old MKI never did less than 45 and was a hell of a lot more enjoyable to ride in and drive. Oh, and do avoid Run Flat tyres at all costs.

 The best one I ever found was a 1998 MKI Ghia and the owners from new have so far refused every serious offer.

Having said all that, If you want this sort of car then the MKIII is probably still the best of a very mediocre lot of recent makes and models unless you can find a very good example of an earlier model.

Of course, if you like all black interiors, hard uncomfortable seats with no lateral support and a bouncy ride you may love the MKIII.

 

Just one observation. The Citroen Picasso range can be a very good buy for a family as the interior is much less morose but they are far less durable.

 

Good look with whatever you choose.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Scorpiorefugee