Looking for a Galaxy

[Evileye]

I am looking for a diesel Galaxy to replace my 2003 C5 HDI Estate. I am grateful for information in this form for helping me choose.
As I don't do that many miles per year, the Mk2 seems to be the best choice for mileage/cost - and it does not have a DPF! However, there seems to be a shortage of good later Mk2 models about in my area (Somerset). Most seem to be 2002/2003. Very few 2004/2005.
My C5 is approaching 120K miles and is in very good condition. I would be happy with my replacement Galaxy having the same mileage with similar condition but I don't really want something older than my present vehicle. So, those members who have the Mk2, what are your views on the perhaps marginal benefits of the later models?
(Locally there is a 2003 Alhambra for about Ã,£1300 with 142K miles (and battered), and a 2003 Ghia for Ã,£2600 with 124K miles from dealers, a 2002 ghia for Ã,£1600 with 120K miles and a 2003 LX for Ã,£1800 with only 94K both these private sellers)

[2006ransome]

I was scouring eBay for months and ended up with a 2006 mk2 ghia with 123k and the 150 bhp engine for Ã,£1625 . They are about if you play the waiting game and prepared to act quick with cash in hand
Less mileage = less electrical niggles. Do a vosa mot check to hopefully ferret out clocked cars. Galaxy has usually more toys for your money over seat and sharan for the same motor. I like the Alhambra Stylance and viewed a few but snaffled the Galaxy . Read up on here using the search for things to look out for just to give you the foresight
Good luck on the hunt and please introduce yourself in the newbie section

[lambretta man]

i was after the seat version but ended up with an 02 galaxy gia for 1500 with full history and cam done 2000 miles before
when you buy take it for a good run up a big hill with a load on and check the cylinder head for leaks as it does not show up unless under load as i found out to my cost
seen a few posts on here regarding cars about 02 having similar problems cylinder head bolts over stretching was one of them
apart from a couple of problems its a great car for what i needed it for

read a few pages on here will give you a good idea of the usual problems to look out for when buying
happy hunting

[Evileye]

Thanks for your quick replies. So, it looks like I should be patient for a good post 2003 model?

The other issue for the Galaxys currently available are the colours. I don't want red and a couple I have come across are green - not a bad green but I prefer not.

[Evileye]

A bit older than I was hoping for, but there is a 02 Ghia 115bhp available locally with 121000 miles on the clock for less than Ã,£1500. I am tempted to have a look but on checking the MOT history it says Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive.
I assume this is at the top of the Macpherson strut.
It is a major problem on the galaxy? I remember this area used to get corroded on the old Fords (Cortinas etc) but as I have not had Fords (or should I say any vehicle with Macphersons) for a long time, I was wondering if this is a good buy or not. I have not come across this mentioned on other galaxy MOT history. Thanks

[johnnyroper]

Certainly sounds like top of the strut,wonder if they mean top of tower or the common issue with corroded but and top hat?

[Grant2012]

I reckon thats the box section near where the wishbone bolts and is very common.

Where in the SW are you? Mirez had a Sharan he was going to sell last week which may be worth a PM

[johnnyroper]

Oh right not heard about that area being common,mine is due mot soon might have a look in that area first.

I am in Westbury Wiltshire

[Mirez]

I will have a Sharan for sale shortly, I bought it to break but when it arrived its virtually immaculate and a very high spec so I'm going to fix the autobox now (N98 sticking) and then it will be for sale.