So what exactly have I got?

[kaiowas]

Having just got my Galant I'm now starting the long process of learning about the different variations available and how what I've got fits in. Seems this is all a lot more complicated than what I'm used to (Mk1 MR2s where there are far fewer variations to worry about). As my car seems to be a pretty high spec I'm interested to know what options were available from new and which ones I've got as well as generally getting a feel for mechanical differences between different versions as knowing what's what makes things a whole lot easier when trying to get hold of parts.

So, What I've got is a Manual, 2000 (W), UK V6-24 estate with the following goodies (which I've found) and possibly more that I haven't:

Cream leather
Electrically adjustable, heated front seats
Climate control
3 point belt on the centre rear seat
Cruise control
Nice big electric tilt & slide sunroof
A 'VDO' branded headunit and 6 disc changer under the passenger seat which looks like some cheap aftermarket tat (is this the case or is it factory?)
Couple of blanking plates to the right of the steering wheel indicating there are some options I don't have (handbook suggests TCS is one of them, was it available on n/a V6s or just VR4s?)
I think I've seen mention of self levelling suspension on estates, is this standard and if not how do I tell whether I've got it or not?

Also how much does the VR4 differ mechanically from the 2wd V6? As a lot of the discussion and advice on here relates to VR4s it's useful to know how much of it is still relevant to my car and how much of it can be ignored.

[orionn2o]

I can't comment on all the model differences etc but I think you have a V6 with factory options. I don't know which are standard and which aren't.

What I do know is that to test the self leveling suspension. You could fill the car with lots of heavy stuff, take it for a drive and when you get back it should be back up at the original height. If not then you dont have it. (or its broken)

With regards to mechanicals, they are mostly completely different.

VR4 engine is a V6 24v quad cam twin turbo DOHC

V6 is a V6 24v dual cam SOHC.

Gearbox are different. Autos - V6 has INVECS 4 speed, VR4 has INVECs 5 speed. Manual boxes are ratio'd differently.

The drivetrain is also completely different as the VR4 is AWD and the V6 is FWD.

Brakes are smaller on the V6 too and the hubs are different

[Confused]

I thought I recognised your username (from OcUK!)

Sounds like you've got a fairly standard-spec V6-24 - not much came as an option on them (most was standard!)

[kaiowas]

I thought I recognised your username (from OcUK!)

Sounds like you've got a fairly standard-spec V6-24 - not much came as an option on them (most was standard!)

heh, was expecting you to have found my thread on there. I think it vanished down the pages in a cloud of disinterest over the weekend some time. I am eligible for a "Fox Approved" sticker though

[Confused]

Just bumped that up to the top

Amazing the price you paid for it!

[Atik]

Yup, the UK Galants were generally well spec'd up cars so most of what you have are standard factory options.

The one thing I wanted to confirm is that you have a sunroof with the climate control too? I thought that the sunroof cars came with AC only and the CC cars had no sunroof unless it was a specified option.

The blanking plates could be for TCL, and the heated wiper pads on the front screen. Well, thats what I have in my VR4. My old GLS had a cruise control button, headlight aim adjust and one blank, which I assume yours will have anyway.

And as orion (Matt) pointed out, there are a number of engine/drivetrain differences. To be honest, many of the body parts and panels are interchangeable with the VR4, but the engine and various other mechanical parts will not be.

And the electric heated UK V6 leather seats are just AWESOME! I have some in my car and I love them!

Anyway, welcome and well done on a good choice of car And there is still plenty of help and advice on here for Galants even though most is aimed at VR4s.

[kaiowas]

Well there's definitely a hole in the roof and if my understanding of the difference between AC and climate is right then I've got CC as well.

As I understand it AC is in addition to a conventional heater, works independently of it and is either 'on' or 'off' whereas climate integrates the heater and AC into one system where you select a desired temperature and the system controls the AC and heater to maintain that temp?

[I-S]

V6-24 spec did indeed have both sunroof and AC/CC. It was 2 litre cars that had one or the other.

[Atik]

Ahh, that clears that up then

[HPRULZ]

The blanking plates could be for TCL, and the heated wiper pads on the front screen. Well, thats what I have in my VR4.

Yep I have same Atik I have TCL, wiper blade heater & Rear foglight switches where Kai has blanking plate.

[Scanny]

i dont know what options are available but comparing my old GLS to my GDi:
both had
cruise control
headlight levelling
power steering
all round one touch electric windows
electric antenna
front fogs
dim control for the instrument panel
remote central locking
ABS
alloys
speed control for wipers
electric heated mirrors
driver and passenger airbags

plus the GDi has
digital climate control
front demister
one touch electric tilt/slide sunroof
leather interior
side airbags
6 disc CD changer under passenger seat

the 8th gen galant is very well specced as standard compared to other family cars. i had the GLS for 3 1/2 years with no mechanical failures at all. the only faults were wear and tear items ie brakes, clutch, tyres etc.
good choice!

[kaiowas]

Looks like I've got some more stuff to investigate then. Not seen a button for heated mirrors so I'm guessing they either come on automatically at low temperatures or are they switched with something else like the heated rear screen? Also hadn't realised the sunroof is one touch, will have to play with that.

[elnevio]

Not seen a button for heated mirrors so I'm guessing they either come on automatically at low temperatures or are they switched with something else like the heated rear screen?

Correct! (as in come on with rear windscreen heater)

[Scanny]

Looks like I've got some more stuff to investigate then. Not seen a button for heated mirrors so I'm guessing they either come on automatically at low temperatures or are they switched with something else like the heated rear screen? Also hadn't realised the sunroof is one touch, will have to play with that.

it took me a little while to suss it out.

backwards to slide open.
up to tilt
forward to close from either position.

like the electric windows, you have 30 seconds after the ignition is switched off. i normally pull the key out, touch close and get out of the car while it closes itself. same with the windows

[Rambaud]

Seems you have a good deal, provided the mechanicals are sound. The leather interior must be worth nearly £446 on its own.

The previous owner vastly overpaid for it at £4650 in Nov 2007. It should have been nearer to £2000, depending on mileage.