What To Replace A Mk1 2.3 Galaxy With?

[Gasman]

Hi

 

Despite various issues with our current Galaxy, we're thinking about upgrading slightly.

 

Current model is V reg, Mk1 2.3 Auto Ghia (or maybe Ghia X - depends which bit of paper I read).

 

Looking to spend as little as possible, but to make a significant upgrade.

 

We like the practicality of the Galaxy, but would look at other makes etc. But need 7 seats and some boot.

 

Current thinking is probably a Mk2 Galaxy / Sharan / Alhambra 1.9 Tdi. Is there any great difference between the makes, or is it more a question of finding a good condition and spec one at the right price?

 

Are there any things to either watch out for, or that are must haves etc?

 

Thanks for any thoughts / suggestions you may have!

[Gasman]

Oh - just because current model is Ghia, doesn't mean next model must be top spec. The car is not our main long distance car, but is used mainly for school runs, shopping etc by my wife. So, remote locking, a reasonable stereo/CD, electric front windows would probably be a good start. Things like cruise control are unlikely to get used.

 

Thanks

[Gasman]

Hi - Just thought I'd make my question a bit clearer!

 

We're thinking about a 2002-2005 / 30-70,000 miles Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra

 

Are there any particular models or specs we should either prioritise or aim to avoid?

 

I'm thinking the 1.9 diesel is a better bet than any of the petrol models - is that correct? Or are the petrol models worth considering too?

 

Any extras etc that are must haves or more troube than they're worth?

 

Thanks!

[cbv8]

Hi - Just thought I'd make my question a bit clearer!

 

We're thinking about a 2002-2005 / 30-70,000 miles Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra

 

Are there any particular models or specs we should either prioritise or aim to avoid?

 

I'm thinking the 1.9 diesel is a better bet than any of the petrol models - is that correct? Or are the petrol models worth considering too?

 

Any extras etc that are must haves or more troube than they're worth?

 

Thanks!

Hi,

As you have had NO replies i thought i would add my twopence worth in i am new to Galaxy's having just bought my first two weeks ago a 51 plate 1.9 tdi 115bhp Zetec lx automatic. I must say i am pleasently suprised by its performance economy and comfort for a derv slushbox ;) It has 97k miles and cost me

[Mirez]

Didn't see it to reply too ;)

 

The diesels tend to hold their value much better then the petrols but thats all down to economy - both the 2.3 (Ford) and the V6 (vw) engines are extreamly robust, the fords been around for a while being introduced in the bug-eyed scorpio and also featured in the older transit lineup whilst the V6 is the same one they fit to golfs (VR6). The diesels are all VW PD engines (except a few early Mk2's) available in 115, 130 and 150PS varients yet all 1.9. It really depends on what you value most, the V6 is the fastest of all the gal's, only the TDI150 will come close to it, the 2.3 isn't that much more progressive then either the 115 or 130 dervs.

 

Economy wise the petrols suck, sorry drink. The 2.3 will just about crack 30mpg, whilst the V6 will struggle for 25mpg. Diesels seem to average around 40mpg.

 

Spec wise, aim for Zetec or Ghia, the LX is a big to basic. There wern't that many options to be ticked on the extras list so if you aim for Ghia then you'll get a good spec anyway. Options were:

 

Sunroof or Dual A/C (not both)

RSE (Multimedia system)

Navigation

Xenon Headlights

ESP (standard on V6)

 

None of the options really give any trouble - xenon headlights are certainly worth finding if possible but everything else is only realy "as needed"

[WOODNOOK]

For what its worth I replaced a 1996 2.8 petrol last year with a 2005 1.9 Tdi. I looked at a lot of alternatives but couldn't find anything else that did what I wanted better than the Galaxy. Been pleased with the new one so far - although as quick off the mark as the V6 its not too slow, and gets a lot further between fuel stops.