Faults:

The Ford Galaxy has been running perfect for 9 months.

Found it to be a very comfortable car, but 2 months ago it would not start. It has been in two garages and off the road for 2 months as the fault cannot be found. They are sure it is in the ECU unit, but I have paid out £600 pounds so far to a main dealer garage, and the fault does not come up on the Ford computer. They have got it running for a day, but the next day it has died again and they have put their hands up and said this electrical problem has stretched them to the limits.

The Ford main dealer helpline is of no use whatsoever; very rude and arrogant in their response.

Has any one else come across this problem? It is definitely a electrical problem and not the gear box, which I was told needed replacing, but the second garage says definitely not.

Faults:

Air-con never worked very well. It cools, but only just. In hot weather, 28C or above, it struggles to keep the interior pleasantly cool.

Heater direction controls failed at 40000.

Headlight height adjusting motor failed at 30000.

Eats front tyres (7000 miles per set on average, although this particular car is driven very hard)

Front brake pads rarely last between service intervals.

General Comments:

A nice car, pleasantly relaxed on motorways, surprisingly agile on twisty roads considering it's an MPV. Superb brakes, although will fade if really pushed; heated front screen a real bonus in winter.

Auto gearbox hunts a bit and is slow when driven in full auto mode, but in semi-auto it makes the car fun to drive so long as it's revved hard. The 2.3 engine has little pull below 4000 revs, but once above that pushes this heavy car along at a surprising speed, although the 4 speed box really needs another ratio to cover the big hole between 1st and 2nd.

The downside is its heavy fuel consumption, rarely over 22mpg. A 2200 mile motorway journey through Europe returned an average of 25mpg - admittedly mostly at 100-110mph, but even at 80mph it only improves to around 27mpg.

Its biggest failing is its terribly uncomfortable and unsupportive seats. Every single passenger who's ever been in the car for more than 30 minutes has complained that they need to hold on to support themselves. A real let down, probably only acceptable to those who'll potter along motorways and drive very slowly elsewhere.

If you'd prefer a Ferrari, but need an MPV and can cope with its terrible fuel consumption, a 2.3 Galaxy may well pleasantly surprise you. Mine's been driven fast and hard, and whilst clearly not close to being a sporting drive, is a fun, well balanced car, that doesn't suffer the horrible and sloppy understeer of some of its rivals.

Faults:

Frequent problems with the air conditioning unit, (leaks,malfunctioning)

Turbo blew with no warning @ 55000miles and rendered complete engine scrap, (cost to purchase and fit new engine £ 5000.

General Comments:

This car is a lovely motor to drive and look at, excellent comfort in all seats and vary spacious.

Faults:

5 miles rattles from dash board - you get used to them after the first 10,000 miles!

27000 miles new front tyres - very expensive.

30000 miles Defective rear break light switch.

General Comments:

Don't consider a Galaxy unless you really need the 7 full sized adult seats, (at the end of the day it will not handle like a car and you will pay a lot more for it. If you only have occasional use for extra seats go for a mini MPV like a VW Touran or a Vaxhall.

I had the Galaxy for three years and it was comfortable and reliable, but expensive to run!. However before you discount buying a 2.3 petrol consider this - the 2.3 is about five grand cheaper than a diesil and that buys a lot of petrol. I worked out that I would have to do at least 20000 miles a year before the diesil would be the cheaper option.

People discount the 2.3 petrol - but don't if you do less than 20,000 a year.

Seats are heavy to remove.

2nd row seats do not fold forward without jambing on 1st row limiting versatility.

No boot cover - everything on display.

Very small luggage space with seven up.

Poor rear visibility - make sure you get one with parking sensors they are not a gimmick and they work!

Poor air con and heating system you will stew in summer and freeze in winter, but heated screen very good.

Frightened of heights? then you'll never clean the roof - budget for a set of steps and a climbing rope- you will need them.

If you use a top box - try reaching it!

2.3 engine was smooth and quite and fast - pure joy to listen to, but also very thirsty!