1999 Ford Galaxy Zetec from UK and Ireland - Comments

Air conditioning compressor failed at 500 miles.

Drivers door lock failed at 40000 miles.

Speaker grills are always getting broken as they are very thin.

Intermittant wiper has intermittant fault.

I'm very impressed with the versatility of this car, you can get a single bed and mattress in the back of it without any problems. After that, you can accommodate 7 adults in after you have struggled with the 5 removable back seats which weigh in at heavy at 42lbs each. Luggage space is very restricted with all 7 seats in though.

The tyres on the back go on forever, but it gets through front tyres at a alarming rate, 12,500 miles for special Dunlop 2020 reinforced tyres at about £100 a go adds significantly to the running costs. (Why does it have to be only these "special" tyres and nothing else will do I wonder?)

It goes like a rocket, especially when 210 lbs (5 chairs) have been removed. But there is a price to pay... The fuel consumption is rather heavy, over the 41,000 miles I managed an average of just 24MPG.

Only consider a Galaxy if it has air conditioning, A/C is essential to keep the acre or so of glass condensation free in the colder months.

The Zetec needs central remote locking, rear electric windows and an alarm.

Pepper Red's 3 year lease is up next week and although I could have opted for any other MPV including the Sharan, Voyager, or an Alhambra, I've chosen another Galaxy. This time I'm going for a properly equipped 2.3 Ghia though.

Reference your tyre wear problems- my 2.0L petrol Alhambra was supplied with Continental CT22 Reinforced tyres. The car has now covered 132,000 miles, and I guess my third set of 4 Continental tyres will need changing in about 5000 miles. The Continentals offer grip beyond the capability of the suspension, and are very surefooted in the wet. In the wet the ABS has never needed to operated even in "brown trouser" emergency stops! Very low tyre noise is another benefit. It should also be noted that I have always changed tyres before reaching the legal limit.

Reference, tyre wear, I too own a Ford Galaxy 1.9tdi Zetec yr2k.

For me, tyre wear was very noticable as I drive mine for a living, (taxi). I too went thruogh many front tyres all Dunlops for the first two years. However, I now use continentals they are a much harder rubber and as such last much longer. Though very comfortable the galaxy is frought with mechanical and electrical problems. I can honestly say it is the most expensive car I have had to run and would not buy another one. A large percentage of my profits go on repairs. I'm sure it would be a very nice family car, provided low mileage use.