Ford Galaxy or Renault Espace

[Thames Valley Discos]

Has anyone got either or used either. I am looking to buy either and just wanted to see if anyone had any good/bad points to make.

[kilmeedyman]

New or second hand?

The reason I ask is - I test drove a '55' Galaxy (for 24 hours) and rejected it because I found the rear wheel arches intrusive which inhibited loading space. (It was the first thing I did when I got it home - try my gear in it)

This is true for the Seay Alhambra and VW as well as they are all the same car with different trim and engines.

I understand the new style Galaxy has removed this problem.

[leighinstoke]

I got an Espace - P reg - but should really be 'N' (late registration) - it's the model before they went to the digital dashboard. Pulls like an ox with 2.2i engine but a tad thirsty on the petrol - but who cares - it's a big vehicle really.

As much room if not slightly more than a small van when you take the 7 seats out and seem to fetch about £2 to £3 grand upwards - also they don't rust as the body is a mix of dense alloy and polycarb - just get the steel underneath waxoiled.

Will chugg along at 70mph for hours and not too much body roll if driven sensibly!

Parts fairly cheap as they use common components from some earlier and smaller models and I think some design came from the old Fuego. Love ours and been all over the place in it - we had the Mk1 originally on a H plate and ran that into the ground too after my dad drove it for a few years.

I've driven a lot of MPVs including the Galaxy, Fiat, Kia Sedona, Chrysler and Nissan - and love my Espace over all of them.

When this one wears out - we will have another.

Leigh...

[Thames Valley Discos]

I was looking at the Kia Sedona, but engine is a bit big. Looking for a 3-4 year old vehicle so upto 6K ish. So does the Espace have more room than the Galaxy? Also do rear seats fold down if i used it for my gear, or do you take them out(unbolt). No point going for new as her in doors will be using it LOL

[kilmeedyman]

I was looking at the Kia Sedona, but engine is a bit big. Looking for a 3-4 year old vehicle so upto 6K ish. So does the Espace have more room than the Galaxy? Also do rear seats fold down if i used it for my gear, or do you take them out(unbolt). No point going for new as her in doors will be using it LOL

I dismissed the Kia as I didn't feel the interior (particularly the seats/backs, trim plastics and carpets) would be up to the rigours of equipment going in and out.

FYI, I went for the Hyundai Trajet which the seats both fold down and pull out and comes with an unlimited 5 year warranty. Obviously I would recommend it, or I wouldn't have chosen it ;) (it has a 2 litre diesel engine which is quite economical yet punchy).

Others on here had travelled in it - they could tell you what they think of it.

My brother has an Espace and loves it but finds it expensive to repair.

I must admit I also liked the Chrysler Voyager but 1. couldn't afford to buy one and 2. couldn't afford to run one!

[DMX Will]

Currently driving a 55 reg Renault Kangoo, no complaints despite the fact it makes me look disabled. :| Tonnes of space, back seats fold up beautifully. Easily fit a large rig in there. Had it at speeds going up hills, carrying 2 cabs, 2 subs, amps, entire CD collection and full lighting rig - everything!

Without gear, max speed i've managed to get mine at was 95 (on an empty dual carriage way)...so fast enough!

[BeerFunk]

Without gear, max speed i've managed to get mine at was 95 (on an empty dual carriage way)...so fast enough!
Ummm... it may have been empty but if there was a small patch of spilled oil or something, you wouldn't have been able to make that post! :eek: :D

My Dad has a Galaxy, it's pretty decent - you can rip all the rear seats out and use it essentially as a van - so you don't have to use the side doors so much.

[axeman]

i have a Peugeot partner combi, highly recomended, gear fits in and also ideal family vehicle, (make sure its a diesel tho)

[ian8limelight]

We've got a Citroen Synergie (similar to the Peugeot 806) and have been very happy with it for the three years that we've had it.

Caroline (my wife) wanted sliding doors as the passenger doors which limited the available range (which included the Kia Sedona). Her reasoning was that our kids wouldn't be able to dent other cars in the car park when getting out.

We had the windows blacked out for use in case I needed to use it for carrying gear around, but we have also got a VW Transporter van which has been converted (has got three seats in the rear) with plently enough space for the disco equipment.

[Thames Valley Discos]

i,ve gone for the galaxy, was unsure of the Renault when i test drove one, and the galaxy just felt better, and easier for the misses to drive. ( I Hope)