2004 Ford Galaxy petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Ford Galaxy petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Ford Galaxy petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  25% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers2.7× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  18% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Front strut mounts and bushes12.7× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  10.2% All 2004 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  15.4% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.9%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Ford Galaxy

  19.3% All 2004 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.8% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Ford Galaxy petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Ford Galaxy petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% 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
  55% 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
  46% 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
  40% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  22% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Ford Galaxy petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 Ford Galaxy petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 12.7× as often on the 2004 Ford Galaxy petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?