Ford - Petrol Manual or Diesel Auto?? Duratec or TDCi?
Discussion
Now then.
I've finally decided that I want (need) a Ford Galaxy to replace my current car which is just too cramped in the back to easily get 3 kids all crammed in (aged 4, 2 and 0). They are all in some form of car seat/booster so it's a right PITA getting them all clipped in.
I'm looking at the newer shaped Ford Galaxy with the 2.0 TDCI engines, these come in both manual and auto flavours. I get the impression that clutch/DMF failure is pretty much guaranteed on the manuals so I'm thinking that going for an Auto would reduce this risk. But then is the auto box on these reliable?
Alternatively the other option is the 2.0 Petrol variant, wouldn't consider the 2.3, too juicy. Would it be realistic to expect 30mpg+ with a mainly town/local driving and the odd long journey?
I think it pretty reasonable to assume that although the petrol may give less MPG, it is very likely to be offset by the reduced risk of expensive diesel related issues? I'm open to getting either really and would be interested to hear others experiences.
Budget would be max 8k so would hope to get one with a pano roof and as many other gadgets as possible.
I've finally decided that I want (need) a Ford Galaxy to replace my current car which is just too cramped in the back to easily get 3 kids all crammed in (aged 4, 2 and 0). They are all in some form of car seat/booster so it's a right PITA getting them all clipped in.
I'm looking at the newer shaped Ford Galaxy with the 2.0 TDCI engines, these come in both manual and auto flavours. I get the impression that clutch/DMF failure is pretty much guaranteed on the manuals so I'm thinking that going for an Auto would reduce this risk. But then is the auto box on these reliable?
Alternatively the other option is the 2.0 Petrol variant, wouldn't consider the 2.3, too juicy. Would it be realistic to expect 30mpg+ with a mainly town/local driving and the odd long journey?
I think it pretty reasonable to assume that although the petrol may give less MPG, it is very likely to be offset by the reduced risk of expensive diesel related issues? I'm open to getting either really and would be interested to hear others experiences.
Budget would be max 8k so would hope to get one with a pano roof and as many other gadgets as possible.
Ours is a 2007 and has done 53k, no issues as yet, brilliant at what it does, the petrols are rare, I can see why, rented an old shape 2.3 and it seemed to struggle and was very thirsty, don't be tempted by the old model, the later shape is far far better, have had both, from new and I have to admit I quite like it. We don't really need it much but I am loathe to get rid for something else as it is so useful, five up the load space is huge, great for tip runs.
I suspect the 2l would struggle with the weight and won't be pleasant but the diesel won't get decent mpg on short journeys (and the auto will exacerbate that) and the dmf/clutch will give up on the manual.
So the obvious solution is the 2.5T SMax. Which has the bonus of being cheaper like for like as peop,e are put off by the mpg.
So the obvious solution is the 2.5T SMax. Which has the bonus of being cheaper like for like as peop,e are put off by the mpg.
Yeah the newer shaped one is the same platform as the mondeo/S-Max AFAIK. Nowt to do with the VW group as previously.
Interesting to hear the 2.3 petrol was hard work, I assume they need to be worked a bit harder to get things moving whereas the torque of the diesel makes it feel a bit less of an effort.
Interesting to hear the 2.3 petrol was hard work, I assume they need to be worked a bit harder to get things moving whereas the torque of the diesel makes it feel a bit less of an effort.
Bill said:
I suspect the 2l would struggle with the weight and won't be pleasant but the diesel won't get decent mpg on short journeys (and the auto will exacerbate that) and the dmf/clutch will give up on the manual.
So the obvious solution is the 2.5T SMax. Which has the bonus of being cheaper like for like as peop,e are put off by the mpg.
The S-Max was a contender but the 3rd row of seats are only good for kids apparently. There will be occasions when we are out with the in-laws too. I also don't want to piss about changing cars only to find I need more space. Might as well just bite the bullet and get a big bus for a few years.So the obvious solution is the 2.5T SMax. Which has the bonus of being cheaper like for like as peop,e are put off by the mpg.
Edited by dave_s13 on Wednesday 23 October 10:50
J4CKO said:
Looks like the newer shap is only diesel at the age you are looking, no 2.3 or 2.0 petrol in this shape, economist petrol turbos are recent additions and will be above budget, there was a 100 bhp diesel, bet that is fun, moves ok with the 140 diesel though.
There's a few 2.0 petrol variants on Autotrader at the moment. Performance figures for them seem reasonable but I bet you have to wring it's neck to get a shift on, whereas the diesel probably feels quicker. The priority here isn't straight line speed although my current car with a 125bhp 1.6 petrol is feckin dire, great engine, wrong car.I'm tempted to risk the diesel to be honest. There's millions of the things on the road, surely they can't all destroy themselves?
Bill said:
We've had adults in the back of ours - tended to be wife (at6ft tall...) and MiL due to FiL's arthritic hip. The issue with both cars is getting people into the rear row when the middle row is full of child seats.
Interesting. I suppose you just have to do it in a specific order.Me and 4 pals were picked up in one as a taxi recently, we are all 6' plus and all had loads of room. I was impressed by it really, the panoramic roof was also pretty cool, would keep the kids entertained for 24 seconds at least.
Just looking at S-Max again. The 2.5T is appealing but I'd expect realistically that early 20s MPG average is probably the reality, rather than the published 30.1mpg. Also bigger wheels (on some) means expensive rubber, with all that weight and power I bet tyres are a frequent purchase.
Worth a look though and they do seem to be better value for money.
Edited by dave_s13 on Wednesday 23 October 10:59
dave_s13 said:
Interesting. I suppose you just have to do it in a specific order.
Just looking at S-Max again. The 2.5T is appealing but I'd expect realistically that early 20s MPG average is probably the reality, rather than the published 30.1mpg. Also bigger wheels means expensive rubber, with all that weight and power I bet tyres are a frequent purchase.
Worth a look though.
I have the 2.0 Ecoboost 200bhp with the Powershift auto on a '10 plate. I live in London and my wife uses the car for the school and supermarket run. Economy is predictably shocking, just scraping into the 20's, but you'd expect that. I spent ages looking for the petrol as I was worried about the DPF clogging, and thought that the diesel would never get warm enough to heat the cabin on a short run. I'm very happy with the petrol / auto combo actually - and the car itself is amazing, a lot nicer to drive than anything comparable.Just looking at S-Max again. The 2.5T is appealing but I'd expect realistically that early 20s MPG average is probably the reality, rather than the published 30.1mpg. Also bigger wheels means expensive rubber, with all that weight and power I bet tyres are a frequent purchase.
Worth a look though.
With the kiddy seats in place, the 3rd row is pretty useless for adults but is bearable for a 5 minute journey.
If I'm shipping adults, I put my 5 year old's seat in the 3rd row (seatbelt goes around him and the seat) and he climbs in through the boot and can pull the seat belt on himself. I can reach the buckle through the boot standing at the rear to make sure it's ok. That leaves seats in the middle row free for adults.
Couple of points on the SMAX - front pax airbag deactivation kit is a dealer fit option (couple of hundred quid) if you intend to use a rear facing carrier. Also, the jack/tyre kit is stowed in under floor boxes in the rear footwells covered with lids meaning you can not use the isofix bases with legs. Also the read boot lid is very long, meaning you have to park miles away from a wall to be able to open it if you have reversed into a space.
Otherwise, it's a superb family car and good fun to drive.
For a proper people carrier, and also a bit of a bargain have a look at an Espace.
Now I know your all sucking your breath in, saying that's French, but the later one's are actually very good - good enough that dealers were complaining about the lack of warranty work.
Only choose the 2.0 chain driven diesel, not the 1.9 which self destructs when the turbo fails and needs expensive cambelt changes.
The 2.0 150 that we had for 3 years, wasn't perfect, but was pretty close, was good to drive, and had perfectly adequate performance.
37 mpg as well. I actually miss it.
Now I know your all sucking your breath in, saying that's French, but the later one's are actually very good - good enough that dealers were complaining about the lack of warranty work.
Only choose the 2.0 chain driven diesel, not the 1.9 which self destructs when the turbo fails and needs expensive cambelt changes.
The 2.0 150 that we had for 3 years, wasn't perfect, but was pretty close, was good to drive, and had perfectly adequate performance.
37 mpg as well. I actually miss it.
Bill said:
Do you mean leg room or getting in? In the older one the middle row moves forwards to increase rear left room.
Yes, the middle seats move fore and aft (and recline) but if the kiddy seat is strapped in tightly in the middle row, you can't move the seats forward. However, if you aren't restricted by the car seat, then access to the 3rd row and legroom is very good, but the 3rd row seat is pretty much on the floor, so you have to sit with your knees around your ears which is why I don't find it great for adults!surveyor said:
For a proper people carrier, and also a bit of a bargain have a look at an Espace.
Now I know your all sucking your breath in, saying that's French, but the later one's are actually very good - good enough that dealers were complaining about the lack of warranty work.
Only choose the 2.0 chain driven diesel, not the 1.9 which self destructs when the turbo fails and needs expensive cambelt changes.
The 2.0 150 that we had for 3 years, wasn't perfect, but was pretty close, was good to drive, and had perfectly adequate performance.
37 mpg as well. I actually miss it.
I like the look of these now too!Now I know your all sucking your breath in, saying that's French, but the later one's are actually very good - good enough that dealers were complaining about the lack of warranty work.
Only choose the 2.0 chain driven diesel, not the 1.9 which self destructs when the turbo fails and needs expensive cambelt changes.
The 2.0 150 that we had for 3 years, wasn't perfect, but was pretty close, was good to drive, and had perfectly adequate performance.
37 mpg as well. I actually miss it.
Something like this one is appealing.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Are these just a mad second hand buy though, the one linked to above would still have a fair amount to depreciate too I reckon?
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