Transit Connect

[Gaolee]

I am thinking about downsizing from my current van, and have found a 2011 Transit Connect for cheap because it has minor body damage. I could probably just replace the headlight and drive it as-is. It belonged to a water district or something like that, so it was probably a bit neglected by drivers and overmaintained by the owner because that is what the rules say. It has less than 30k miles on it. I know nothing about cars or anything else of that vintage, let alone Transit Connects. So I am asking here, where I will get the best information and the most entertaining hijacks. What is the collective TB advice? Carrots welcome. Vote early, vote often, and reply in full confidence that I will take everything you say as seriously as everything I ever say.

 

[RoadRanger]

I've been lusting after one of those since they came out in the US...

 

[catcauphonic]

You mean like an airport shuttle bus???

 

[shadowtippy]

I choose not to vote at this time. I had been of the opinion that there is always an answer, even if it is wrong.

 

[Gaolee]

You mean like an airport shuttle bus???

No, like a dorky short sawed off version of a van driven by plumbers or really creepy people who tuck their t shirt into their hiked up tightly whities. And bass players.

Microsoft autocorrect made me edit. Maybe I should have left it. It made no sense but sure was funny.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I think a Transit is a great idea provided you are really good with rear view mirrors since it does not have rear windows. You can probably anything you want inside of one, and it probably won’t Be a target of thieves either unless they think you have something cool inside it.

 

[sissy kathy]

What is your current van? Do you use it to capacity? Will you use the transit to capacity? Will it get out of it's own way? Will it pass inspection with the body damage? (it won't here.)

OR

Carrots.

 

[RobTheRiot]

I believe there are many models; the smaller vans have passenger & cargo versions, so you can get one with windows in the back.

They also have the larger, 12 or 15 passenger ones, and those also come in cargo variations I believe - So sans windows & seats in the back.

I got to drive the smaller version for work for a while, and I really liked it. A ridiculous amount of cargo space, especially if you can stack vertically, and not a bad driver.

I’ve also rented the larger version for a band trip and thought that was awesome also... comfortable, spacious, & a good ride.

I’m not a car guy at all, but I have nothing but good things to say about them. Take that with a grain of salt, however, because I’ve never been responsible for maintenance or upkeep on one. From what I’ve seen they seem to be reliable, but I can’t really speak to that side of ownership.

 

[KohanMike]

Interesting how coincidences happen, just a couple of days ago I got online to find a replacement for my 2000 Pontiac Montana short wheelbase 8 passenger minivan. The only one I could find that fit the size is a new Ford Transit Connect Passenger XL, but one very important element for me with a new car is that the dealer be nearby for service. There's not one close enough to be at all convenient, also, it's missing a couple features I really want, power sliding passenger doors and power folding side mirrors.

The two closest dealers to me are Mercedes about 8 blocks away, and Lexus, about 6 blocks away. The only thing Merceds has is the Metris Van, which is gigantic compared to mine, and costs about $45,000. There's no Lexus van, BUT... I realized that Lexus is a Toyota premium line, so I called the Lexus dealer to ask if they service Toyota, they sure do under the Toyota warranty. So I checked out the Toyota Sienna. It's about $35,000 and has all the features I want, it's a little bigger than my Montana, but I decided when the time is right, I'm buying the Toyota.

 

[saabfender]

I've been lusting after one of those since they came out in the US...

I came here to write the same thing. Thank you for saving me so much typing. I truly appreciate it.

 

[catcauphonic]

No, like a dorky short sawed off version of a van driven by plumbers or really creepy people who tuck their t shirt into their hiked up tightly whities. And bass players.

Microsoft autocorrect made me edit. Maybe I should have left it. It made no sense but sure was funny.

Had to look that up just now despite your eloquent description

 

[fhm555]

I know an ATM repair guy who drove the wheels off one for around two years. When he got a new van it was a Chrysler mini and he’s been in that since. He’s a big guy and he likes the mopar because of the room behind the wheel. He said he never had any problems with room in the Ford.

 

[charlie monroe]

No, like a dorky short sawed off version of a van driven by plumbers or really creepy people who tuck their t shirt into their hiked up tightly whities. And bass players.

You aren’t a plumber, are you?

 

[Flashback Bass]

Just for reference.

 

[bholder]

I'm halfheartedly searching for a new cargo van (or XL passenger van with removable seats) and these keep popping up - not really interested, should I be?

 

[Pilgrim]

I like the idea. At 30K miles, that vehicle would have to have been unmercifully punished to have significant problems. That's highly unlikely to be the case. 30K really isn't more than broken in. Ford makes decent vehicles.

I checked Edmunds reviews: Invalid Link Removed

Sounds like there are drivers who can't navigate using only outside rear view mirrors, and it might also help to add some convex mirrors to help you see the blind spots. I've never been bothered by losing the center rear view mirror, it just means you need to use the other mirrors effectively and pay attention to the traffic around you.

It does sound like parts may be less readily available than for their passenger cars.

 

[Frank Tuesday]

I think a Transit is a great idea provided you are really good with rear view mirrors since it does not have rear windows. You can probably anything you want inside of one, and it probably won’t Be a target of thieves either unless they think you have something cool inside it.

Paint it like a Florist's delivery van. Nothing of note that can be pawned or sold in a florist van.

Better yet, paint it like this:

My brother had to drive one for work a few years ago. Said it was way under-powered. Makes sense, as it uses the same engine as the Focus.

 

[mellowinman]

I hate it, and I love it. Frustrating.

 

[JRA]

it uses the same engine as the Focus.

would that make it underpowered for heavier equipment loading? (not really a car guy, here.) thanks.

OP: i like the idea. i voted as such. good luck with your hauling choices!

 

[Gaolee]

You aren’t a plumber, are you?

Nope. Creepy guy or bass player. You decide which. I have heard all the jokes, since I have had vans for a long, long time. The sign on mine says "Free Champagne." I'm a different demographic of creepy. Or maybe just a bass player who will try anything and find out it doesn't work, either.