Models · Ford
Ford S-Max and Galaxy Mk2 buying guide
The second-generation S-Max and its larger Galaxy sister, sold from 2015 to 2023 with EcoBoost petrols and 2.0 Duratorq diesels, replaced by 2.0 EcoBlue diesels in September 2018. They are good to drive and practical, and the checks centre on gearbox care and recall work.
The versions
- 2.0 Duratorq diesel to 2018: 119bhp, 148bhp, 177bhp or 207bhp twin-turbo
- 2.0 EcoBlue diesel from September 2018: 119bhp, 148bhp and 187bhp (Galaxy also a 237bhp twin-turbo)
- 1.5 EcoBoost petrol, 158bhp (later 163bhp), and 2.0 EcoBoost petrol, 237bhp
- Six-speed manual or Powershift automatic, with an eight-speed automatic from September 2018
- Mostly front-wheel drive; four-wheel drive on some 2.0 diesels
What to check on a Mk2 S-Max or Galaxy
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Powershift automatic
What to look for: On an automatic, drive slowly in traffic, pull away on a slope and reverse. Note any judder, jerky or slow shifts. Look in the service history for gearbox oil changes with the correct oil.
Why it matters: The Powershift automatic needs careful maintenance with the correct oil to avoid problems, so evidence of gearbox servicing is a good sign. Smooth, clean shifts at low speed are what you want to see.
The diesel cambelt
What to look for: On a diesel, check the service history for a cambelt change. Ask when it was done and at what mileage, and whether the water pump was changed at the same time.
Why it matters: The diesels use a cambelt, due every 10 years or 144,000 miles. The earliest cars are now past the 10-year point, so a car without a recorded change is due one on age alone.
Diesel overheating and the sump recall
What to look for: On a diesel, especially an early one, ask a Ford dealer whether the March 2018 recall has been done. Check the coolant level and look under the engine for oil leaks from the sump.
Why it matters: On early cars, an overheating diesel engine could crack the oil sump in extreme cases. The fix was revised software that detects overheating sooner and acts to prevent cracking.
Also in the full guide
- Clutch, rear suspension and headlight recalls
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Mk2 S-Max or Galaxy
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Ford.