2002 Ford Galaxy petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  31.8% All 2002 cars

  18.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Chassis rust or damage3.7× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  14.4% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  20% All 2002 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Steering rack6.1× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  10.9% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  20.7% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 4.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  51% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Rust and bodywork
  23% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Ford Galaxy petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?