Test Drive Volkswagen Sharan since 2000 Minivan

Three from Lartz

With the beginning of the selling season, the demand for spacious family cars is activated. Today, the hero of our story will become the most popular on the secondary market of the minivan trio: Sharan, Alhambra and Galaxy. In essence, this is the same car produced under different brands. We are interested in restyled cars of 2000 and younger.
 
All three minivan twin brothers. They are even produced at one factory in Portugal. The first two models are technically the same, and differ only in design elements.
 
And only for Galaxy uses some Ford engines. Therefore, in order not to list every time all three cars will be named, 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 spacious car are difficult to imagine themselves by the owner of our minivan. For purchase in private use, he seems too cumbersome. In fact, places on the road minivan takes even a little less than the Passat or Mondeo. Just with the same minivan dimensions provides much more useful area and useful salon volume.
 
The wagon layout with a high ceiling provides the convenience of entering out and planting driving, and the thoughtful interior provides the widest opportunities for organizing a cargo compartment, a passenger compartment and even a picnic under the roof.
 
In the basic configuration, the car is 5-seater. For extra charge, two more chairs are installed in the back row. If you need them, put it with a distiller. He will either find a 7-seater car, or get a couple of chairs in Europe. Finally, the top version is a 6-seater business class salon. All passenger seats in it are equipped with folding armrests, and in the middle row instead of three seats are installed two.
 
The restyling conducted in 2000, naturally, touched the appearance, but first of all the interior. The salon became more comfortable and expensive. In addition, the electrical equipment system was recycled, and there was less problems with the electrician. Many engines have undergone significant upgrades. That is why the updated minivan deserves to consider it separately from the predecessor.
 
   
   
One of the strongest sides of the Trinity of Mini WaNs A huge number of options for transformation of a remarkably functional salon


There are no serious claims
To the body of minivan and before restyling, there was no serious complaints, and now it was not added. It is not in a hurry to rust, and only some little things celebrate mechanics on the reinforcement. Periodically breaks down the lock of the fifth door (is treated by adjustment). After 23 years, it takes and requires replacement of the front wiper trapezing. And if the rear window washer tube is jammed from the fitting, laid in the area of \u200b\u200bthe driver's seat, it is better to connect it with an adapter cut out of a suitable diameter hose.
 
Among the probable failures of electrical equipment, there is a failure of the motorcover motorcover of the temperature damper of climate control, the fuel level sensor failure, the engine cooling fans (on the machine two) and the front wiper control unit. Since the electronic brains of the wiper are scored with a motor deuctor, the node has to be changed assembly. Rarely, but it happens that the contacts of the central electrician block are tightened, which controls almost all the functions and is located under the torpedo. He and the roads, and the replacement may be time consuming if it takes the restoration of plug connectors suitable to the harness block.
    
Air conditioning Achilles Pyat
ATTENTION This unit can deliver you a lot of trouble. From the salt of the year, through three, its radiator and the rear circuit tube, serving the third row of seats, rotates. Replace these tubes under the body of the body, the pasta. But in the end, they can be simply drowning, leaving only the front contour. But the radiator, just that it costs 590 euros, it is rarely possible to replace without consequences. It is worth touched by corrosive aluminum threads, as under the replacement there are suitable tube to the radiator and, possibly, even the desiccant. In general, thousands of one and a half euro with air conditioning can be left.
 
In addition, when touched by the bottom of a curb stone, a silhuman stretch of the gearbox often bursts, holding the power unit from longitudinal movements. The motor when the gas is reset starts jumping and breaks the suitable air conditioner suitable to the radiator. If their carving is bought, then you already know.
    
How much is (euro)
Replacing the wiper trapezus 320
Wiper motor replacement 530
Replacing the fuel level sensor 200
Replacing the radiator fan (1 pc.) 265300
Central electrician unit 1114

Two liters little
Shedra and Alhambra install Volkswagen engines. The creators of Galaxy borrowed only diesel engines and the most powerful gasoline V6, and more modest gasoline motors preferred their own. Perhaps the selection of the brand will be due to the engine.
 
Basic 2-liter Volkswagen and Ford motors are very similar in characteristics and give the same 116 power forces. By themselves, the engines are not bad. They are produced for a long time, so the design is worked out to the smallest detail. Another thing is that for minivan both motor are weak. After all, even empty it weighs 1,700 kg, and with full load almost 2.5 tons. In addition, the minivan is a large area of \u200b\u200bwindscreen resistance, to tash on the speed of the air wall heavier than the car.
 
It is preferable to Sharan and Alhambra to look like a Volkswagen 1.8-liter turborate with a power of 150 forces, and for Galaxy 2,3-liter engine at 145 liters. from. Possessing the same as the 2-liter fellows, fuel consumption, they go much more fun (especially 1.8-turbo) and are less reacting to the download.
 
At first, the Volkswagen motor was capricious. In particular, problems with the turbine were observed. However, by the time of restyling, almost all childhood diseases were eliminated today, 1.8-turbo is quite reliable for 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.
 
Fordovsky 2,3-liter constructively reliable. He does not have a turbine, and in the timing drive instead of the belt, a chain is applied. True, over time, the chain is also drawn up and requires replacement. But in contrast to the belt never breaks. That is why, on other things being equal, I would personally prefer Galaxy.
 
The top versions are equipped with a 2.8-liter V6 power of 204 power. With such a motor minivan turns into a prestigious business class. The engine is very reliable, but in the repair of roads. For example, the replacement of the timing chain, which pulls out on large runs and starts threatening, occupies 1112 norms.
    
Gasoline engines in operation
Volkswagen. Like most German engines, these are approaching the oil: according to the instructions, consumption up to 1 l / 1000 km is considered the norm. So the oil level is controlled regularly. At all gasoline, it is possible to fail the throttle valve (bad cold start, unstable revolutions, the engine stalls before stopping) and air flow meter (the machine does not go, the fuel consumption increases, turn turns). The damper can be tried to clean, and the flow meter has to be changed.
 
Another probable malfunction failure of the coolant temperature sensor, which is characterized by a difficult launch. Candles on all motors run on average 15 00030 000 km.
 
2.0. The famous perpetual engine (it was so nicknamed for a big resource and a long life on the conveyor) is pretty reliable. No characteristic sores behind it is not observed. In addition to the planned, the owner must only change the timing belt with rollers in 120,000 km.
 
1.8-turbo. Particularly demanded for quality, replacement timing and oil level. First of all, due to the turbine. But even if you have to change the turbine on natural wear, together with it it is desirable to replace the oil pipe. If she was stuck, the new turbine will experience oil starvation and will not last long. When the motor suddenly loses its power, you do not rush to change the turbine. It is possible to change the turbine control valve or suitable tube to it.
 
The insufficient oil level in the engine leads to the appearance of a clawing sound in progask, similar to detonation. Its source can be a stretched camshaft chain, its tensioner, a pitch valve in the oil filter bracket or an oil pump. Accordingly, the cost of repair will be different from 170 to 370 euros.
 
Among possible small trouble, we note the refusals of the ignition coils (for each candle), leaks of camshafts and valve lid. The timing belt with rollers on the turbo engagement according to the instructions changes through 120,000 km. But mechanics are recommended to reduce the interval to 90,000 km.
 
V6. The engine is really reliable. It sins only the failures of individual ignition coils. Approximately 150,000 km of timing chain pulls out and begins to grow, demanding replacement with tensioner and shoes. But it is located on the side of 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 any modification. A 2.0-liter version is rare. So the Ford engines are just not enough statistics. Both motors are similar in design. Only a 2-liter has 8 valves, and 2,3-liter 16. Candles on both serve 10,00020,000 km, and the timing is driven by a chain that is pulled out with time and need to be changed. Again, a set.
 
Cars with a 2-liter motor Russian dealers were not sold, and the distiller is reluctant. Therefore, you can only talk about possible faults of a 2.3-liter engine. This refusals of ignition coils, air flow meter (rather rarely), freezing the thermostat in the open position and flow the valve cover.
    
How much costs (2.0 / 1.8t / v6) (euro)
Replacing candles 59/106/157
Replacing the timing belt with rollers 210/350
Replacement of throttle 870/810/410
Replacing the flow meter 360/360/428.
Replacing temperature sensor 37
Replacement of turbine with tube 1620
Replacing turbine valve 115
Replacing the ignition coil, 1 pc. 69/69.
Replacing the timing chain, shoes and tensioner 680
    
How much is (euro)
Replacing candles 52.
Replacing the ignition coil (1 pc.) 120
Replacing the flow meter 165.
Replacing the 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. Other business is heavy and lower minivan. On restyled shaman, Alhambra and Galaxy are installed turbodiesels with 1.9 liter pumps and a capacity of 90 or 116 forces. At first glance, they are impressive only by the stated fuel consumption of 610 l / 100 km, and they have dynamic qualities. But this is only at first glance.
  
Gasoline engines are known to be sensitive to changing the load. Therefore, the beautiful data on the dynamics and flow of fuel for motors with a volume of 1.82.3 liters in the technical characteristic of 1.82.3 liters, subject to partial loading of the machine. But as soon as 67 people turn out on board, the petrols are noticeable and begin not in orphanage from the tank. The turboodiel is the same as the two saddles carry that seven: he reacts only with a minor deterioration of dynamics and efficiency. Therefore, a real 90-strong turbodiesel is driving no worse than 2-liter gasoline, and 116-strong ones are trained with 1,8T. In this case, the fuel consumption of diesel engines is significantly less. And notice, not 95th gasoline, and diesel fuel.
 
If you are going to ride a minivan not only one and not only in a direct motorway (diesel engines are especially economical in the city), it makes sense to think. Moreover, the Volkswagen Turbodiesels of the new generation, with pump-nozzles even in our operating conditions have proven itself very well.
    
Diesels in operation
Modern diesel engines with pump-nozzles instead of the high-pressure fuel pump have become the further development of TDI motors, considered very reliable. In spare parts, the pump-nozzles are supplied assembly at 800 euros each. Expensive. However, they are very durable. Even in our fuel, there are 200,000 km (cars with bo / righter mileagers of diesel-centers have not yet seen) and never refuse all 4 pieces at once.
 
Therefore, only air flow meter (symptoms of failure, as well as gasoline engines) and turbine fall into the risk group. Buying a used car, to replace the turbine you need to be prepared. However, if, as an alternative, you are considering petrol 1,8-turbo, minuses are balancing each other.
 
Thus, for the successful operation of the diesel minivan, you need to regularly change the engine oil (preferably through 7,50010,000 km), filters and timber belts with rollers through 60,000 km. As well as comply with the general rules of operation of diesel engines and turbines.
    
How much is (euro)
Replacing the timing belt with rollers 345
Replacing air flow meter 425
Replacement of the turbine 1410.
 
Protect support
In general, the chassis of minivan chlipiki will not call. The only weak place in the suspension of the support of the front shock absorbers, which serve twice as fewer shock absorbers. It would seem what problems? Change the supports even in the conditions of branded service worth only 115 euros. But this is if lucky.
 
The fact is that the supports are located so that the dirt is pouring from the windshield. Over time, rust tightly grabs threads on shock absorbers. As a result, the replacement of the support turns into a half day of the squats and most often ends with a release of even completely live shock absorbers. And this is completely different money. To avoid vain spending, mechanics are recommended immediately after buying a car to handle the WD-40 fluid thread and abundantly lubricate the nuts with a consistent lubricant.
 
In the steering control over time, it can flow a pump of the hydraulic agent it will have to be changed. But the steering rail on the minivan in the risk group is not included.
 
Brakes troubled. Disks withstand 23 set pads, and brake mechanisms, if they are regularly cleaned when changing the pads, work properly. On large runs, it may be produced on brake calipers brakes. But at the same time, no calipers are changed, but only the brackets themselves.
 
4-motion is 4x4
The drive for all wheels may have Sharan and Alhambra with the V6 gasoline engine and with 116-strong turbodiesel. Permanent wheels are constantly leading, and only when they are slipped, the rear axle is automatically connected. After restyling 2000 in the rear wheel drive instead of the Viscuples, a much faster Haldex coupling with electronically controlled appeared.
 
All-wheel drive transmission is fragile. The owner requires only to change the oil with a filter in Haldex after 30,000 km (special variety is used) and control the oil level in the rear axle gearbox. Here it is flooded for the entire service life.
 
Average chassis details
Front suspension and steering
Rear suspension
 
 
45 000 - 60 000 km
 
90 000 - 120,000 km
 
upper supports shock absorbing 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
 
tips Steering Tag 165 Euro
Shock absorbers 295 Euro
 
brake discs 270 euros
more than 150,000 km
 
90 000 - 120,000 km
Silent blocks levers 185 euros
 
shock absorbers 445 Euro
Possible unscheduled spending
 
ball supports 160 euros
Front hub bearing replacement 160 euros
 
 
steering thrust assembly 295 euros
 
replacing the Power Supply Pump 430 Euro
 
rear Silent-Blocks Levers 115 Euro
Replacing the front brake caliper brake (1 pc.) 135 Euro
 
more than 150,000 km
 
 
front Silent Blocks 95 Euro
 
 
 
Prices of original parts, taking into account work on their replacement in an authorized technical center Volkswagen
 
 
We buy?
If you don't take into account category like, buy a used minivan only when passenger universals do not suit you by the volume of the trunk or ease of use.
 
First, minivan initially costs more passenger classmates. For those brought from Europe three-year gasoline (1.82.3 liters) or diesel shaman, Galaxy and Alhambra are asked on an average of $ 21,00023,000. For comparison, the department stores and the Mondeo of the same age are approximately $ 3000 cheaper.
 
In operation minivan is also more burdensome. Of course, you can reduce the cost of repair and maintenance, if you go to the unauthorized Volkswagen technical center (Seat there are also taking without problems) or Ford. But cheap non-original or used spare parts for rare minivan find much more difficult than for the same Passat or Mondeo. And fuel consumption at the minivan above. Even on the car wash and in the parking lot with you will be taken as a minibus.
 
Therefore, I repeat once again, buying a minivan must be conscious. But if you decide on it, any representative of our Trinity will be a good choice.
    
New, with a guarantee for the same money
Have you already decided to buy a used minivan for $ 21,000023 000? Or maybe it is worth measure again? After all, for such money in Russia, you can buy a new car.
  
For example, Kaliningrad Kia-Carnival with dimensions even more than our minivan. However, according to ideology, the car is clearly American to a greater extent passenger than cargo. Carnival offers first-class comfort for six, but the possibilities and convenience of the interior transformation is inferior to Sharan, Galaxy and Alhambre. But in just 21 25023 300, you get a full-size minivan, equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline V6 or 2.9 liter turbodiesel.
  
Another possible alternative to Opel-Zafira, Citroen Picasso and Ford Si-Max are based on golf class models. Therefore, they can be considered only if our minivan interested you not so much the size of the cabin as its convenience. Picasso and Si-Max cars are 5-seater. Zafira offers two additional chairs in the trunk. Opel interior transformation is also different from Citroen and Ford. All three vehicles are equipped with 1.8-liter engines and are approximately the same: $ 20,00023,000.
  
 
Alexander Konov
 
 

A source: Limousine magazine [05/04]