Ford Galaxy (1995 - 2006) - TDi 115/130?

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Sat 24 Jan 2009 22:04
TDi 115/130? - hillman1 {p}
Hi All,

We are updating to get a 7 seater due to the imminent arrival of the next baby and have pretty much decided that it will be a Galaxy (or one of the sister cars). Looking at probably an 03 or 04

We drove an Alhambra TDI 130 last week and liked it, and just wondered if there was much of a difference in real world between that and the 115 bhp? The more powerful varient appears to be a little more economical and very slightly quicker, but other than that not much else between them.

Would there be any differences between the 2 that I would need to know about, I guess in terms of reliability, or are they both essentially the same engine, but just retuned?

Thanks in advance.

Nick
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Sun 25 Jan 2009 19:22
TDi 115/130? - woodster
essentially the same engine, but the 115 wasn't around for long before the 130 turned up - as used in numerous VW's and Audis. I've driven a few and I think the 130 is more realistic for the size of car. Check servicing and oil type used, essential that's it's been the right oil with extended servicing intervals, and check cam belt and tensioner/roller change has been done and when it's next due. Loads of cars with this engine running to high mileage without problems and a fairly decent drive overall, considering it's shape and size. have you checked the car by car breakdown section on this site?
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Sun 25 Jan 2009 21:33
TDi 115/130? - hillman1 {p}
Thanks for that. I thought they were the same, but there appear to be a lot of 115s around. I have spoken to a VW specialist locally that my firm have used for years and sworn by and got prices for cambelt tensioner/roller and would certainly get it done if I am not satisfied it has been done.

I have checked the CBC guide thanks. I know there are certain problems with these cars, but feel it is really horses for courses, as whichever car you go for there are known problems- just have to hope that you get a good'un...

Thanks once again.

Nick
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Sun 25 Jan 2009 22:26
TDi 115/130? - DP
Have driven both engines extensively in the Golf mkIV and little in it in performance terms, but always found the 130 a little smoother and more refined.

In a big car like the Galaxy, you'll want as much grunt as you can have though.

These are good, reliable engines if serviced to schedule and with the critically important PD spec oil.

Cheers
DP
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Sun 25 Jan 2009 22:59
TDi 115/130? - the_bandit
I had a MK2 Galaxy Ghia (115) for 3 years and couldn't complain about the engine power or economy no matter how loaded the car was.

Reason why I ditched it in the end though was poor reliability. It seemed every three months something would go wrong costing a few hundred pounds to fix which quickly began to hack me off once it was out of warranty and I was paying.

The list includes : seized brake caliper, failed drivers side driveshaft, faulty EGR valve and headlight level motor jammed. During the warranty period the air-con system failed three times and would have cost north of £1000 to fix !!

Buy a MK2 Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra if you must but have some cash put to one side for repairs!



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