Looking At Buying A Galaxy 2.0 Ghia

[maglite]

Hello all, I was quite surprised to find this forum. But I'm glad I did. I'm after buying a used Galaxy and I have seen 2 that have cought my eye. The thing is that because I've never had one before what would be the major things I need to check before buying. (I am not advertising any company, I just would like some plain and simple advice)

 

The 1st one I have seen is this here

 

It's on the stock list and it's the 4th one down.

 

The other one is here:

here

 

The second one seems to be better as it has service history with it. Also what is the 2.0 like on fuel economy? The rear seats will be removed and the Galaxy is going to be used as a van (kind of) for my IT work.

 

I hope those links still work when any of you guys looks at them.

 

Thanks in advance. :lol:

[johnb80]

Obviously theyre both ageing vehicles soooooo:-

1) Check everything mechanical

2) Service history would be useful (cambelt?)

3) Check all electrics for operation (Windows, Locoking, Lights, Alarm etc)

4) Neither mention aircon, remeber you're driving round in a greenhouse - lots of glass. If aircon id fitted a warranty is a must and it must be working.

5) Make sure the abs light is on when you switch on the ignition, and goes off and stays off afterwards.

6) Check for leaks

7) Make sure the electric cooling fan is not seized

8) Check for signs of abnormal tyre wear.

 

You should be aware the Gal is a big vehicle and the 2.0 is the smallest engine, the performance won't be sparkling, the fuel consumption won't be good either.

 

Hope this helps, I'm sure some of the others will have lots to say.

 

Regards - John

[Tigger]

Not sure if any have aircon. Blacked out windows would help cool the car. It can get hot inside with the sun out!

 

If you are doing alot of miles then The TDi is best, but not sure if you can pick one up for the right price?

 

We had a P reg aspen with not many extras on it no AC But had the sunroof. We still loved it very little went wrong apart from front links and a dodgy eletric front window.

 

How far are you willing to travel. If you cast your net wider you may get more choice?

[Ivor]

You don't need to be doing a lot of miles to justify a diesel.

I swapped my V6 for a diesel because I only drive 5 miles to work.

I was driving a cold engine all the time so only got max 18MPG, now I get 40MPG in my Diesel (that was until my aux heater packed in, now I get 35MPG) over the 5 miles.

 

I was really worried that it wouldnt have enough power - it has plenty!

The reason I bought a V6 was on advise from collegues at work. They said such a big car needs a V6 - they all had V6's. What they were really doing was justifiing their fully expensed company cars, they didn't have to pay for the fuel. As soon as company car policy was changed and they had to buy their own, they swapped to diesel (B**stards). Interestingly, they stuck with Shalaxys because we all like them.

 

Another reason I swapped was that the V6 GLX was unbearable in summer without aircon. Yes, it's like sitting in a greenhouse with all that glass - a must have.

 

I lost a lot of money swapping, but I have made it back up on fuel savings now. It's like paying half the price for your fuel.

 

Do the sums:

I do 10,000 per year, I've had my Alhambra Diesel almost four years.

10,000 / 500 miles per fill up = 20 fill ups =

[maglite]

Wow, 3 responses within a few hours. Thanks guys, the information you provided is very helpful. I'm now thinking about going for a diesel. I actually have a 406 Diesel which has never given me any major problems. I was looking at the Ghia model of the Galaxy because of the air/con. I have also been thinking about the quad headlight conversion kit, but the only one I can find on the net is a morret one, and it's like

[GSMGuy]

Maglite, I'd have a mooch a bit more and get a TDi if you can, the fuel savings alone will pay for a vehicle of that cost in a couple of years..

 

If you are thinking about upgrading your headlamps, I can get you a nice HID kit for a lot less than you have been quoted too..

 

See this thread.. http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.ph...27&hl=hid's

 

HTH

 

Mike

[Ian in Northampton]

One thing to watch out for: some Galaxy Ghias come with six seats, some with seven - depending on who/what you're planning to carry, that may make a difference. I can also confirm that the 2.0 litre is very underpowered - I embarrassed myself with one of those in the Lake District... From memory - someone else will confirm - the cambelt change on the diesel is at 40,000 miles: I think the belt change interval on the petrol is much longer (if at all?) DEFINITELY need aircon, but if you search this forum, you'll find that's one of the biggest sources of heartache for Shalaxy owners: if it's working, see if you can get a warranty on it anyway... Having owned both diesel and petriol Galaxies, I can confirm what people say about power and fuel consumption - both good on the diesel - but I believe servicing the diesel is more expensive (my diesel was a comopany car so I never found out... :lol: ). Judging by the number of TDi's you see on the road relative to e.g. 2.3s, you have to believe that the diesel is the much more popular option and therefore likely to hold its resale value better.

[maglite]

That's good to know Mike, but I actually sell HID kits myself. Don't worry I won't step on your toes in this forum.. But the headlights I'm after are these ones:

 

http://www.body-kit.co.uk/acatalog/galaxy.jpg

 

Does anyone know where I could get these cheaper than

[johnb80]

You don't need to be doing a lot of miles to justify a diesel.

I swapped my V6 for a diesel because I only drive 5 miles to work.

I was driving a cold engine all the time so only got max 18MPG, now I get 40MPG in my Diesel (that was until my aux heater packed in, now I get 35MPG) over the 5 miles.

 

I was really worried that it wouldnt have enough power - it has plenty!

The reason I bought a V6 was on advise from collegues at work. They said such a big car needs a V6 - they all had V6's. What they were really doing was justifiing their fully expensed company cars, they didn't have to pay for the fuel. As soon as company car policy was changed and they had to buy their own, they swapped to diesel (B**stards). Interestingly, they stuck with Shalaxys because we all like them.

 

Another reason I swapped was that the V6 GLX was unbearable in summer without aircon. Yes, it's like sitting in a greenhouse with all that glass - a must have.

 

I lost a lot of money swapping, but I have made it back up on fuel savings now. It's like paying half the price for your fuel.

 

Do the sums:

I do 10,000 per year, I've had my Alhambra Diesel almost four years.

10,000 / 500 miles per fill up = 20 fill ups =

[Guest vr6galaxy]

That's good to know Mike, but I actually sell HID kits myself. Don't worry I won't step on your toes in this forum.. But the headlights I'm after are these ones:

 

http://www.body-kit.co.uk/acatalog/galaxy.jpg

 

Does anyone know where I could get these cheaper than

[maglite]

Yep it looks like those quad conversions are like gold dust. But I have to admit, it does make the Galaxy look kind of sporty and more unique. I guess I'll have to keep hunting. But as soon as I do find a Galaxy that tickles my fancy I will definately be adding the quad conversion with some 8000K Hid's.. Oh and if any of you are coppers, The HID's will be used strictly off public roads :lol:

[Tigger]

I think you will find that the mk1 TDi you have to change the cam belt every 60 000. I know that the new mk2 is 40000

 

I am sure you have read about the problems with the AC so check it out?

[Guest asylumhouse]

just a quick question on the headlight subject, can you fit xenon bulbs in the galaxy without any other conversion?

 

 

i,m probably just being thick but i,m a hgv driver!( i hope this explains all!*!?$!)

 

:lol: :o :( :D

[gregers]

im no expert but i thought the 2ltr petrol had a chain instead of a belt?

[maglite]

just a quick question on the headlight subject, can you fit xenon bulbs in the galaxy without any other conversion?

 

 

i,m probably just being thick but i,m a hgv driver!( i hope this explains all!*!?$!)

 

:D  :D  :D  :D

 

Yes you can fit HID xenons without cutting wires or modifying any mechanisms. There are many retro kits available on the market which fit into the most common fitments. IE: H4's H7's etc..

 

A complete video explaination & report about HID kits can be found here

 

(Plays in Windows media player - report comes after the intro)

 

So lets say you have a mk1 Galaxy and you would like to fit proper HID xenon lights. All you would need to do is purchase a H4 HID kit and fit it in. There is a box about half the size of a video tape which is called a "Ballast". Once you have found a place for this to be neatly hidden, then you are all set. Wire it up and thats it!

 

Be warned though because these retro kits are for off road use ;)

Thats because the standard reflectors are not designed for HID bulbs.

Some people choose to ignore this fact and simply adjust the beam to a lower position so not to blind on-coming traffic.

 

But once you have driven a car with HID headlights, you wouldn't want to go back to halogen. Seriously it's like comparing dial up with broadband.

 

Hope this helps.