Test drive Ford Galaxy 2000 - 2006 Minivan
Three of the casket
With the beginning of the vacation season, the demand for spacious family cars is activated. Today, the hero of our story will be the most popular trio of the minivans in the secondary market: Sharan, Algam and Galaxy. In fact, this is the same car produced under different brands. We are interested in the restyled machines of 2000 and younger. All three minivan brothers are twin brothers. They are even produced at the same factory in Portugal. The first two models are technically the same, and differ only in design elements.
And only Galaxy uses some Ford engines. Therefore, in order not to list all three cars by name every time, we will call them in one word minivan. And only where necessary, we indicate a specific brand.
Square and volume
Most people even those who really need a roomy car are difficult to imagine themselves to be the owner of our minivan. For acquisition for private use, he seems too cumbersome. In fact, the minivan is even a little smaller than the Passat or Mondeo. Just with the same dimensions, minivan provides much more useful area and useful volume of the cabin.
A carbon monoxide with a high ceiling provides the convenience of entering-output and landing behind the wheel, and the thought out interior provides the widest opportunities for organizing a cargo compartment, passenger salon and even a picnic under the roof.
In the basic configuration, the car is 5-seater. Two more chairs in the back row are installed for the surcharge. If you need them, say this with the distiller. He will either find a 7-seater car or buy a couple of seats in Europe. Finally, the top version is a 6-seater business class salon. All passenger chairs in it are equipped with hinged armrests, and in the middle row two are installed instead of three seats.
Restyling in 2000, of course, touched his appearance, but primarily the interior. The salon has become more convenient and expensive. In addition, the electrical system was processed, and there were fewer problems with the electrician. Many engines have undergone significant modernization. That is why the updated minivan deserves to consider it separately from the predecessor.
One of the strongest sides of the Trinity of Mini-Wenes is a huge number of transformation options for a wonderful functional salon
There are no serious complaints There were no serious complaints to the back of the minivan before restyling, and now it has not been increased. He is in no hurry to rust, and only some little things are noted according to the reinforcement of mechanics. The castle of the fifth door is periodically spaced (treated with adjustment). After 23 years, it acidifies and requires the replacement of the trapezoid of the front wiper. And if the rear glass washer tolls from the fitting, laid in the area of \u200b\u200bthe driver's seat, it is better to connect it with an adapter carved from a hose of suitable diameter.
Among the likely failures of electrical equipment, an failure of the Climate control temperature shaft of the climate control, the fuel level sensor, engine cooling fans (two of them) and the front windows control fans are noted. Since the electronic brains of the wiper are blocked with a motor -reducer, the node has to be changed assembly. It is rare, but it happens that the contacts of the central electrician block are burned, which controls almost all functions and is located under the torpedo. He himself is expensive and replacement may turn out to be laborious if it is required to restore the plugs of the bundles suitable to the block.
Achilles's heel air conditioner
Attention, this unit can cause you a lot of trouble. From the salt of the year, after three, its radiator and the tube of the rear circuit serving the third row of seats rot. Replace these tubes passing under the floor of the body, that is still umbilical. But, in the end, they can simply be drowned, leaving only the front circuit. But the radiator, not only that costs 590 euros, rarely manages to replace without consequences. It is worth touching the aluminum thread grabbed by corrosion, as the tube suitable to the radiator and, possibly, even a drainage, go under the replacement. In general, thousands of euros with air conditioning can come in.
In addition, when tangled by the bottom of the curb stone, the minivan often bursts the silumin stretching of the checkpoint, holding the power unit from longitudinal movements. The motor when serving gas begins to jump and breaks the tube air conditioner suitable to the radiator. If their carving has closed, then you already know.
How much does it cost (euro)
Replacement of the trapezoid of the wiper 320
Replacement of the glass wiper 530
Replacement of the fuel level sensor 200
Replacement of the radiator fan (1 pc.) 265300
Block Central Electric 1114
Two liters are not enough The Volkswagen engines are installed on Sharan and Algambra. The creators of Galaxy borrowed only diesel engines from the Germans and the most powerful gasoline V6, and more modest gasoline engines preferred their own. Perhaps the choice of the brand will be due to the engine.
The basic 2-liter Volkswagen and Ford motors are very similar in characteristics and give out the same 116 power forces. The engines themselves are not bad. They have been produced for a long time, so the design has been worked out to the smallest detail. Another thing is that for Minivan both engines are weak. After all, even empty it weighs 1700 kg, and with a full load of almost 2.5 tons. In addition, the minivan has a large area of \u200b\u200bthe frontal resistance, to hide the air wall at speeds is harder for it than a car.
The Volkswagenovsky 1.8-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 150 forces looks preferable for Sharan and Algambra, and a 2.3-liter engine of 145 liters for Galaxy. with. Possessing the same as in 2-liter counterparts, fuel consumption, they go much more fun (especially 1.8-turbo) and react less to loading.
At first, the Volkswagen motor was capricious. In particular, there were problems with the turbine. However, by the time of restyling, almost all childhood diseases were eliminated and today the 1.8-turbo is quite reliable by European standards. However, the turbine in any case has a limited resource and the prospect of its replacement for a used car is quite real.
Ford 2.3-liter is structurally more reliable. He does not have turbines, and in the drive of the timing instead of the belt a chain is used. True, over time, the chain is also stretched and requires replacement. But unlike the belt, it never breaks. That is why, ceteris paribus, I personally would prefer Galaxy.
Top versions are equipped with a 2.8-liter V6 with a capacity of 204 forces. With such a motor, minivan turns into a prestigious business class. The engine is very reliable, but in road repair. For example, replacing the timing chain, which stretches out on large runs and begins to rattle, takes 1112 normally.
Gasoline engines in operation
Volkswagen. Like most German engines, these are eaten up: according to the instructions, the consumption of up to 1 l/1000 km is considered the norm. So the oil level must be controlled regularly. On all gasoline, it is possible to fail a throttle (poor cold launch, unstable speeds, the engine stalls before stopping) and an air flow meter (the machine does not drive, fuel consumption increases, and speed swims). You can try to clean the damper, and the flow meter has to be changed.
Another likely fault of the refusal of the coolant temperature sensor, which is characterized by a difficult launch. Candles on all motors go on average 15,00030,000 km.
2.0. The famous eternal engine (it was so nicknamed for a large resource and a long life on the conveyor) is quite reliable. There are no characteristic sores for him. In addition to planned, the owner only needs to change the timing belt with rollers after 120,000 km.
1.8-turbo. Especially demanding on quality, replacement and oil level. First of all, because of the turbine. But even if you have to change the turbine according to natural wear, it is advisable to replace the oil supply pipe with it. If it is overwhelmed, a new turbine will experience oil starvation and will not last for a long time. When the motor suddenly loses power, do not rush to change the turbine in the collection. Perhaps you need to change only the turbine control valve or the tubes suitable for it.
The insufficient level of oil in the engine leads to the appearance of a clatter sound during gelding, similar to detonation. Its source can be a stretched chain of camshafts, its tensioner, a sticky valve in an oil filter bracket or an oil pump. Accordingly, the cost of repairs will be different from 170 to 370 euros.
Among the possible minor troubles, we note the failures of the ignition coils (for each candle), the leak of the camshafts and the valve cover. The timing belt with rollers on a turbo engine according to the instructions changes after 120,000 km. But mechanics recommend reducing the interval to 90,000 km.
V6. The engine is really reliable. Sins only by refusals of individual ignition coils. By about 150,000 km, the timing chain is stretched and begins to rattle, demanding a replacement along with the tensioner and shoes. But it is located from the checkpoint, so you need to remove the box.
Ford. At first glance, these motors look more reliable. But even 2.3-liter Galaxy we have much less than sharanov of any modification. And the 2.0-liter version is completely rare. So the Ford engines are simply few statistics. Both motors are similar in design. Only 2-liter has 8 valves, and a 2.3-liter 16. Candles on both serve 10,00020,000 km, and the timing is given by a chain that is stretched over time and it needs to be changed. Again, a set.
Russian dealers did not sell cars with a 2-liter engine, and the distillations are reluctant to carry them. Therefore, you can only talk about the possible malfunctions of the 2.3-liter engine. These are the failures of the ignition coils, air flow meter (quite rarely), freezing the thermostat in the open position and the leak of the valve cover.
How much costs (2.0/1.8t/v6) (euro)
Replacing candles 59/106/157
Replacing timing belt with rollers 210/350
Replacing the throttle of 870/810/410
Replacement of the flow meter 360/360/428
Temperature replacement 37
Replacing turbine with a pipe 1620
Replacing the valve of the turbine 115
Replacing the ignition coil, 1 pc. 69/69
Replacing the timing chain, shoes and tensioner 680
How much does it cost (euro)
Replacing candles 52
Replacing the ignition coil (1 pc.) 120
Replacing the flow meter 165
Replacing thermostat 95
Replacing the valve cover 80
Replacing the timing chain 480
Diesel minivan is right The feasibility of buying a diesel car in our conditions is doubtful. A different thing is a heavy and lobed minivan. Turgia and Galaxy have a turbodiesel with a 1.9-liter pump and a capacity of 90 or 116 forces on restyled Sharan, Algambra and Galaxy. At first glance, they are impressive only by the declared fuel consumption of 610 l/100 km, and their dynamic qualities are mediocre. But this is only at first glance.
Gasoline motors, as you know, are sensitive to a change in load. Therefore, the beautiful data on the dynamics and fuel consumption for engines with a volume of 1.82.3 liters are valid subject to partial loading of the machine. But as soon as 67 people are aboard, gasolines are noticeably dying and begin to do not child from the tank. Turbodisel is the same as taking two riders, that seven: he reacts only with a slight deterioration in dynamics and economy. Therefore, a real 90-horsepower turbodiesel rides no worse than a 2-liter gasoline, and 116-horsepower is on equal terms with 1.8T. In this case, the fuel consumption in diesel engines is much less. And note, not 95th gasoline, but diesel fuel.
If you are going to travel on Minivan not only one and not only in a straight autumn (diesel engines are especially economical in the city), it makes sense to think. Moreover, the Volkswagen turbodiesels of the new generation, with pumps, even in our operating conditions, have established themselves very well.
Diesel engines in operation
Modern diesel engines with pumps, instead of high-pressure fuel pump, became the further development of TDI engines, which are considered very reliable. In spare parts, pumps are delivered assembled by 800 euros each. Expensive. However, they are very durable. Even on our fuel there are 200,000 km each (cars with more runs of diesel centers have not yet been seen yet) and never refuse all 4 pieces at once.
Therefore, only the air flow meter (symptoms of refusal are the same as the gasoline motors) and the turbine really fall into the risk group. When buying a used car, you must be prepared for the replacement of the turbine. However, if you consider gasoline 1.8-turbo as an alternative, the disadvantages are balanced.
Thus, for the successful operation of diesel minivan, you need to regularly change oil in the engine (preferably after 750010,000 km), filters and a timing belt with rollers after 60,000 km. And also observe the general rules for the operation of diesel engines and turbine.
How much does it cost (euro)
Replacing timing belt with rollers 345
Replacing the air flow meter 425
Replacing turbine 1410
Protect the supports In general, the minivan chassis cannot be called flimsy. The only weak point in the suspension of the support of the front shock absorber racks, which serve half as much asmors. It would seem, what are the problems? Change supports even in a company service costs only 115 euros. But this is lucky.
The fact is that the supports are located so that they pour dirt from the windshield. Over time, rust tightly grabs the thread on the stems of shock absorbers. As a result, the replacement of the supports turns into half a day of squats and most often ends with the release of still quite living shock absorbers. And this is already completely different money. To avoid in vain expenses, mechanics are recommended immediately after buying the machine to treat the thread with WD-40 liquid and abundantly grease the nuts with consistent lubricant.
In the steering, over time, the hydraulic power pump can flow over time. It will have to be changed. But the steering rack on Minivan is not at risk.
The brakes are trouble -free. Disks withstand 23 sets of pads, and brake mechanisms, if they regularly clean them when changing the pads, work properly. On large runs, production on brake calipers may appear. But at the same time, the calipers do not change, but only the brackets themselves.
4-Motion is 4x4
The drive to all wheels can have a sharan and algam and a V6 gasoline engine and with a 116-horsepower turbodiesel. The front wheels are constantly leading, and only during their slipping is the rear axle automatically connected. After the 2000 restyling, in the rear wheels drive, instead of viscousyfts, a much more fast -acting huldex with electronic controls appeared.
The all -wheel drive transmission is trouble -free. From the owner it is only necessary to change the oil with a filter in the Haldex after 30,000 km (a special variety is used) and control the oil level in the rear axle gearbox. Here it is flooded for the entire service life.
Average service life of the chassis
Front suspension and steering
Rear suspension
45,000 - 60,000 km
90 000 - 120,000 km
upper supports of shock absorber racks 115 euros
Brake discs 235 euros
60 000 - 75,000 km
Stabilizer bushings 33 euros
stabilizer racks 105 euros
120 000 - 150,000 km
steering rods 165 euros
Shock absorbers 295 euros
brake discs 270 euros
more than 150,000 km
90 000 - 120,000 km
Silent Blocks of levers 185 euros
shock absorbers 445 euros
Possible unscheduled expenses
ball supports 160 euros
Replacing the front hub bearing 160 euros
steering rods assembly 295 euros
replacing the steering hydraulic power pump 430 euros
rear silent blocks of levers 115 euros
Replacing the front brake caliper bracket (1 pc.) 135 euros
more than 150,000 km
front silent blocks of levers 95 euros
The prices of original details, taking into account the work to replace them in the authorized technical center Volkswagen
Buy? If you do not take into account the category, you should buy a used minivan only when cars do not suit you in terms of trunk or ease of use.
Firstly, the minivan is initially more expensive than passenger classmates. For three -year gasoline (1.82.3 liters) or diesel sharan, Galaxy and Alhambra, they ask an average of $ 21,00023,000. For comparison, the station wagons and Mondeo of the same age cost about $ 3000 cheaper.
In operation, minivan is also more burdensome. Of course, you can reduce the costs of repair and maintenance if you go to the unauthorized technical center of Volkswagen (Seat there is also taken without problems) or Ford. But cheap non -original or used spare parts for a rare minivan is much more difficult than for the same Passat or Mondeo. And the fuel consumption in the minivan is higher. Even in the sink and in the parking lot, they will take you as for a minibus.
Therefore, I repeat once again, buying a minivan should be conscious. But if you have decided on her, any representative of our trinity will be a good choice.
New, with a guarantee, for the same money
Have you exactly decided to buy a used minivan for $ 21 000023 000? Or maybe it is worth celebrating again? After all, for that kind of money in Russia you can purchase a new car.
For example, the Kaliningrad Kia-rocked even more than our minivan. However, according to ideology, the car is clearly American to a greater extent passenger than a cargo. Carnival offers first -class comfort for six, but in terms of capabilities and ease of transformation of the salon, it is inferior to Sharana, Galaxy and Algamble. But in just 21,25023,300 you get a full-size minivan equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline V6 or a 2.9-liter turbodiesel.
Another possible alternative to compactwane Opel-Zafira, Citroen-Picasso and Ford-Si Max are created on the basis of golf class models. Therefore, they can be considered only if our minivan has interested you not so much the size of the salon as its convenience. Picasso and Si-Max 5-seater cars. Safira offers two additional chairs in the trunk. In transformation of the cabin, Opel also differs from Citroen and Ford. All three cars are equipped with 1.8-liter engines and cost approximately the same: $ 20,00023,000.
Alexander Konov
A source: Magazine "Limousine" [05/04]
