kbs wrote:
Brian_H wrote:
You should be able to pick up a mk1 or mk2 galaxy fairly cheaply - just be prepared for issues with door wiring (the wires used are rubbish and the insulation breaks off them). They do make a handy small van of sorts - the suspension in mine has been well tested with only drop links being replaced so far. The 2.3 seems a better bet than the 2.0l one to me though.
Thanks Brian,
Expect to change drop links most years. Its not that they wear out but there is an MoT exemption for the usual play in the top susopension mount (flaoting). As every tester finds some movement in the top mount (and are not able to fail it normally) they fail the drop links instead.
Hardend wiring, yes but also corrosion in the door socket causing really odd alarm/window opening in middle of the night job. Not bad for the age of things though.
I'm quite happy to bodge my way through the electrics. The only thing I really dont like is the PATS2 system (its a mk2 I'm thinking of). If it hasn't got two keys - forget it. If it has two keys then get a third cut whilst you still have the two working ones!
Looking frantically but not bending over (yet).
With you on the keys - I broke one of the ones on the Focus (the key wore to the point it wouldn't actually do its job anymore, and failed to open the petrol cap - twisted it a bit harder than i should have done and ended up with the plastic allowing the metal bit to turn inside it - luckly had 2 keys, Got a 3rd blank key with new remote cut without a problem at one of the motor factors I usually use, but they were dubious about being able to code it - Seemed much happier when i said don't worry about that bit think i can sort it, used the two keys i had to program a third with no problem at all!).
The other thing the galaxy suffers with (apart from internal flooding from various sources - the rear washer being one weak point, blocked scuttles another common one) is the design of the door locks - They have a paddle on the back of the lock barrel which seems to be made out of something with the structural integrity of an MFI bookcase, which routinely breaks with minimal resistance (ie cold weather). This also causes the window problems as there is global opening on the lock barrel. I found the most effective solution to that was a universal remote locking kit if you only have the manual locks. corroded pins can always be fixed with a drill bit and a piece of wire if they prove problematic, the boot is the biggest culprit for breaking the wires.
Theres not a massive amount of space for a tank either, though at least its under-slung so slightly easier to accommodate.
Range Rover probably nicer to drive though.