Ford Galaxy 1.9TDI (115PS) 2003 Ghia (Ford Galaxy Ghia 1.9 TDi (115ps) 6-speed)

Member Name: blattman

Product:	Ford Galaxy Ghia 1.9 TDi (115ps) 6-speed
Date:	23/09/04 (3681 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing VW sourced engine, Superb interior cabin and comfort, High driving position gives great visibility

Disadvantages: Aux heater ticking noises, Dashboard rattles

Purchase 09/2003 from Motorhouse 2000 in Cannock. Dutch import to UK spec & full warranty, new registration on my purchase. List price from Ford UK was £23,500 but this deal £17,999. Great people carrier. Typical MPG between 45-52mpg unless driven hard. 2004 summer hols to Austria included German autobahn at 110mph + aircon + 5 passengers and luggage = average 44mpg. Engine superb, if a little clanky at start-up and low gear pull away. Thereafter very quiet and almost petrol like. Good in-gear power to overtake and easy to find diesel sweet spot with choice of six gears. Creature comforts good inc. cruise control and fine hi-fi plus climate control. Don't bother with in-car dvd. Just hook up your laptop into the back of one of the front seats and power from 12v adapter. Benefit is bigger screen and no chance of kit being stolen as with in-car system. Engine is so efficient that there is an auxillary heater that kicks in when cold weather hits. Some cars make an annoying ticking noise while aux heater is operating and the seperate mid-length exhaust can billow white smoke with a jet engine noise - quite a novelty really! Very good on motoway cruise because diesel is just ticking over at 2,100rpm at 70mph and soundproofing OK. Better than most mpv's on country roads and not tiresome to drive but no Subaru either. Good fun to have. Supports lifestyle. Can remove seats and load bikes in back too! Seat Alhambra has less kit and spec inside. VW costs more and you need to add from the VW options list to get even with the Ford. With the aforementioned discount deal (still available from a few Supermarkets - 09/2004) who can complain. One year on and we are still in love with it. A few niggles sorted by local Ford dealer under warranty. Espace and newer people carriers now looking a bit more cutting edge but the Galaxy is still a good choice.

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