FORD GALAXY
Launched almost 30 years ago and only recently discontinued, Galaxy became as much a byword for MPVs as Transit is for vans, even though the original (V191) was essentially a VW. They’re still available for around £1000, with the much superior second-gen from 2006 holding their values well. 2010-12 dealer buys breach £7500 depending upon spec and the bulk are diesels which needs consideration if you’re CAZ-ULEZ influenced.
The CD390 design from 2015 has much in common with the smaller albeit sportier S-MAX but you’d be very lucky to find one under £10,000 unless with mega miles or bought from auction. Not that the older Mk2 is found wanting. It boasts a clever and commodious cabin yet for such large people carrier it’s also very good to drive, majoring on comfort and refinement while still retaining fair driver appeal thanks to a vibrant all Ford, engine lineup and commendable road manners due to the Mondeo-derived underpinnings.
There are some good engines – 148bhp depending upon year, choose between a 2.0-litre petrol, complimented 2.3-litre and 2.5-litre options, plus 126mph newer 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBoost versions. The TDCis come in many tunes from 1.8-litre packing 100bhp or 125bhp plus a 2.0-litre range and even a 240bhp twin-turbo. That said the 150/180bhp tunes are the best all-rounders. Of the myriad of trims the very civilised Titanium is the most found on the forecourts and look out for the optional and pleasant glass roof.
Being Ford, you won’t find an easier people carrier to own although the Galaxy isn’t without its faults – the chief ones being dodgy autos and DMFs, overheating, poor running diesels, worn suspensions and electrical issues which include LED headlights which turn themselves off.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Along with its kissing cousin Kia, Hyundai has enjoyed one of the greatest rebirths in terms of brand awareness and image. And what was once cheap and cheerful now ranks as some of the wisest buys on the block and few other models highlights this more than the Santa Fe. Available in five- or seven-seat configurations, front- or four-wheel-drive, it’s hard to find a better value SUV for the money. There’s four generations, first launched as an ungainly looking ‘soft-roader’ in 2000 with the replacement of 2006 a demonstrably superior vehicle all-round and gen-3 better still. However, the 2013 iteration is like chalk and cheese again.
Granted it’s not a driver’s delight – and off-road capability merely average – but as a comfortable and spacious family ferrier and towcar, owners commend this South Korean. Power comes from singleton and more than adequate 194bhp 2.2-litre diesel. All are now four-wheel-drive with six-speedGranted it’s no
