Faults:

Aux heater packed up in 2005 and 2010.

Front anti roll bar links replaced twice.

Aircon pipes and condenser replaced.

EGR valve replaced.

Right gaiter replaced.

Thermostat valve replaced.

Brake light switch replaced.

Head lamp motors replaced.

Window regulator replaced.

General Comments:

The Galaxy is great to drive, and carries everything you want with ease. The TDI engine pulls well, and returns between 45 and 50 miles to a gallon. Let down by reliability.

Faults:

Smoking from pre-heater centre exhaust.

General Comments:

During the cold snap in January, blue smoke was billowing from the Central Pre Heater Exhaust and it appeared that the underneath of the car was on fire, which gave a diesel like smell.

After reading up about the issue, I had the Pre Heater disconnected as I was quoted some £700.00 to repair, based on the fact that this is only on at a temperature of less than 10 degrees C, there is no real point to it, and after disconnection there is no real noticeable difference in the speed the cabin heats up.

Therefore my conclusion would be, if you have this problem, is to get this needless item disconnected.

Faults:

Drop links started knocking at 10,000 miles - replaced under warranty without problem.

Booster (auxiliary) heater misfiring with plumes of grey smoke at 20,000 miles - replaced under warranty with upgraded glow plug kit. Dealer excellent and proactive in resolution.

Minor erratic electrical faults - e.g. one-touch automatic electric window switch works sometimes and at others you have to hold it down/up.

General Comments:

Performance is great both in pace and economy. The 115bhp TDi engine is VW's most modern unit for 2003 cars. It has a superb torque range and you can get into the right rev range because it is mated to the six speed gearbox. Cruises quietly at 1900rpm / 70mph so long journeys are effortless.

Handling is the best I've experienced for a full size MPV. Far better than Toyota Picnic or Zafira. Not a Subaru Impreza on the back roads, but is a competent performer and won't leave you exhausted at the end of your country lane / Scottish lochs tour.

Comfort is very good. Seats are superb, loads of room, great view, climate control, superb radio, cassette & six CD unit.

Space is great. Front seats swivel 180 degrees. All others move, fold forward and can be removed. Various seat layouts possible. This car does anything a family can possibly ask of it. Adults can comfortably seat in rearmost seats.

Final compelling point? 5 passenger, German autobahn, 110mph, aircon on with 38c outside, luggage and...45mpg!!!

Faults:

Heater controls failed 10,000 miles.

Switch on door for courtesy light broke 17,500 miles.

General Comments:

This car was purchased against my wishes, the family liked it, but I didn't. however I have to say that it has surprised me greatly with its versatility and practicality.

The car is used daily as my transport to and from manchester for work and returns around 50 miles to the gallon. however every three weeks the car is loaded up with two adults two children two dogs a roof box and one and a half tons of caravan on the back and it copes perfectly, the engine is strong enough to pull up any hill without any major loss of speed, at sixty miles per hour the rev counter shows only 1900 rpm in sixth gear and fuel economy only drops to about 35 mpg.

Comfort is great even on long journeys, the sound sytem is superb and the heating and air-conditioning work well.

Visibility does suffer with all the headrests, but parking sensors help.

My only complaint with this car is that you cannot manually switch of the auxiliary heater which suplements the engine heat when the temperature drops below 10 centigrade, the heater is needed when the car is full, but wastes a lot of diesel when I travel alone.