I currently drive a manual S Max which I have had for the past 6.5 years. It's a manual as I was put off a powershift due to the number of failures that I have heard about. But after 6.5 years I fancy a change and need a bigger car - so looking at a Galaxy, and I fancy an auto this time. 

So my question is, are the Powershift gearboxes still as problematic as they once were (I know that the VAG DSG has developed to be a fairly reliable box over the years). I am looking at the current shape Galaxy's (2016+) as I need to get a ulez compliant car, but if the powershift is still as bad as it's reputation suggested then I will stick with a manual.

Any thoughts / comments ? Thanks in advance.

The Galaxy (diesel) will have a 'wet' powershift box, as long as it's been serviced at the regular intervals and had the fluid changes done you shouldn't have any issues. It was the earlier dry systems that were problematic. 

2 minutes ago, Jonro2009 said:

The Galaxy (diesel) will have a 'wet' powershift box, as long as it's been serviced at the regular intervals and had the fluid changes done you shouldn't have any issues. It was the earlier dry systems that were problematic. 

Thanks for the reply - time to change my Autotrader search !

They aren't quite as smooth as a traditional 'slushmatic' and need a filter/oil change every 3 years at £400 a time (Ford dealer price).

I think service history is key, but remember that a FSH doesn't mean the gearbox oil/filter has definitely been changed every three years. Make sure it's actually mentioned on the service record or invoice.

Oil and filter service is a MUST every 3 years or 37,500 miles whichever occurs first.

If there is no actual proof (invoice) of it being done walk away

It is an "addition" to the scheduled service and some don't have it done

18 hours ago, Jonro2009 said:

The Galaxy (diesel) will have a 'wet' powershift box, as long as it's been serviced at the regular intervals and had the fluid changes done you shouldn't have any issues. It was the earlier dry systems that were problematic. 

Not entirely true, beware of electrical issues, especially on S-Max/Galaxy, they suffer from broken wires in the main harness connections which act like the transmission is faulty, but it's actually because the COMMS have gone down and the transmission doesn't know what to do.

And poor battery and earth performance can give lots of issues too.

My recommendation would be buy a VAG