Ford Transit van question.

I sort of have a thing for the new Transit Vans. Any good or bad experiences from any one on the board?

I liked them too until I was told that they were all automatics.

If your area is like mine, you won't find a passenger version. I'm interested in them, but I'd have to special order it.

I didn't know this.

From Wikipedia.

Assembly

Kocaeli, Turkey Craiova, Romania

The Transit or the Transit Connect? I'm guessing you're talking about the latter...

Powar wrote: I liked them too until I was told that they were all automatics.

That's a problem for me too.

RossD wrote: The Transit or the Transit Connect? I'm guessing you're talking about the latter...

Ya the new(er) smaller FWD ( I think) version.

The big Transit is going to built in KC, KS I think.

might make a good DD for me cuz I don't haul ppl n e more just stuff. one example on autotrader is a 2010 XLT w/ 7K for $19.5K

they're so odd/ ugly/ different that they're awful cute in a utility kinda way

Powar wrote: I liked them too until I was told that they were all automatics.

Breaking my heart!

There are tons of passenger versions around here. I like 'em

Don't they use the Focus drivetrain? So a manual could be swapped in.

In reply to EvanB:

That's what I recall.

Here let me help

ditchdigger wrote:

Powar wrote: I liked them too until I was told that they were all automatics.

Breaking my heart! There are tons of passenger versions around here. I like 'em

I like the black panel created here:

Are there really front end body kits available for these? It makes a great improvement.

ditchdigger wrote:

Wow, lowering helps a lot in the looks department. I love little boxy wagons and such, but could never click with the TC. But I could definitely dig that in a dark color.

Is there a Truckin' article on them that goes into detail on that one, or just that picture?

hmmm... Transit Connect SVT

mad_machine wrote: hmmm... Transit Connect SVT

Yes.........that would be super cool. And if it is a Focus drivetrain then there already aftermarket parts available.

Hmmmm. Waiting to see a Bosozuku Transit.

they use the lil fwd ones now in nyc as yellow cabs, made me wonder about getting an ex-cab one for a useful DD

Supposedly, there will soon be an electric or hybrid version...not sure which. Between "funky" gearing in the auto, and barn-door areodynamics, they get crummy mileage.

Finding a passenger version is difficult, but worthwhile. Just make sure yours has the necessary cruise control. In a move to de-content, Ford stopped "giving away" cruise on the XLT vans.

I don't know if it's still active, but you might also want to check out

Http://www.fordtransitconnectforum.com

I have never seen a people carrying Connect.. they all seem to be cargos around here. I would be interested in one as a DD

The sad part is you can get a better equipped grand caravan for less.

Mazda 5 too - and the 5 is available with a manual transaxle.

mad_machine wrote: I have never seen a people carrying Connect.. they all seem to be cargos around here. I would be interested in one as a DD

There's a fella here on GRM with a red people-carrying version (FWD Transit Connect). It's in the Reader's Rides.

Also, they already have an all-electric one out. One of our local delivery places has one. It's neat.

Javelin wrote: There's a fella here on GRM with a red people-carrying version (FWD Transit Connect). It's in the Reader's Rides.

<-- Raises hand. I have ~12K miles on it now and it is exactly what I wanted. You can check out some of my modifications on my web page

We wanted a combination people/stuff mover that was easy to drive in the small city we live in and would get decent gas mileage. So far the gas mileage averages 24 mpg with 95% city driving. So I am happy with the mileage. The second day we had it I put a 48" round patio table with 4 chairs and 3 passengers in it. so it passed the hauling test.