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You're a parent. You've two or three children - maybe more. Probably a dog. Certainly a stack of paraphernalia to carry on almost every journey. For years, you've managed quite happily with a family-sized estate car.
But then you noticed the growing popularity of People Carriers and wondered whether you could live with one. Your preconceptions suggested a van-like vehicle, heavy to drive, difficult to park and expensive to buy and run. Your preconceptions were wrong.
The latest generation of People Carriers handle just like your average family saloon - probably better in fact. Sales have taken off, with one model standing head and shoulders above the rest in terms of volume - Ford's Galaxy.
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What you get
Though at first glance every inch an MPV, the Galaxy, say Ford, is something quite different. Sure enough, though it seats between five and seven people depending on the model you choose, it's easy to drive, simple to park and no more expensive to run than the car you have at the moment.
This, say Ford, is the future; car-like qualities in what, until pre-Galaxy times, was a van-like sector of the market. Prior to the original launch, one of the most comprehensive customer surveys ever undertaken by the company established that though wealthy families would continue to buy large, cumbersome van-based MPVs, everyone else would probably ignore them until they became cheaper and more user-friendly.
Hence the demand for what the blue oval calls "the Galaxy class" vehicle. In the showroom, the car costs about the same as a mid-range Ford Mondeo estate, measures in at about the same length and takes up no more space on the road. Behind the wheel, it's exactly like a medium range estate - only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin.
Whichever version you choose, you'll be looking for flexibility - and you shouldn't be disappointed. Whatever configuration of seats you choose, you'll find that all of them can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely. Above Aspen specification, the front seats also swivel round to face the rear passengers, facilitating picnics or on-the-spot conferences.
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What to look for
Check for faulty trim and excessive transmission noise caused by the specially lengthened gear linkages. On the popular 2.0-litre, listen for clattery camshafts and make sure that the drive-belt has been replaced on schedule.
If you're buying a baseline model, make sure you're getting seven, rather than five seats (some basic cars miss out the back two). Also, all Aspens and early GLX models do without air conditioning (well worth having in a car with this glass area) so think carefully before you do without, remembering that a car with air will be easier to sell on later.
Bear in mind too that most Galaxys will have been used by people unused to cars of this size. It's worth checking therefore for body scrapes and scuffed mirrors.
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Replacement parts
(Estimated prices, based on a 2.0 GLX (inc VAT) A clutch assembly is around £110, an exhaust system around £800 (incl. catalytic converter) and an exchange alternator around £320. Front brake pads are around £50 and a headlamp unit will set you back just over £100. Front shock absorbers are about £45 and rears just under £35.
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On the road
This car (along with its Sharan and Alhambra stablemates) is the best handling people carrier you can buy. The Galaxy doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its MPV counterparts. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive.
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Overall
The Galaxy is deservedly leading the way in the expansion of the People Carrying sector to what Ford reckons will soon be nearly half a million vehicles in Europe and at least 7% of the UK market.
That means a growing second-hand market for MPVs. Right now, the Galaxy looks the best bet if you're shopping for one.
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