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Current 05+ Chrysler minivan... bigger than a Transit Connect... much bigger.
I had similar thoughts as you when I first learned the Transit Connect was coming to the US. "That looks perfect!" Then I saw one at the autoshow... it's just too damn small to really work well for what I'd want a van for - a secondary vehicle for hauling bikes and camping - what I used my old conversion van for. I will agree it was not the most pleasant car to work on.
I like the concept, but am kinda dismayed at the m3h fuel mileage. It needs a small diesel and 35mpg ratings.. Once it gets there, I'm on it like a Miley Cyrus on a bong.
Big ego wrote:I thought the same thing, "This thing really NEEDS a turbo diesel.I like the concept, but am kinda dismayed at the m3h fuel mileage. It needs a small diesel and 35mpg ratings.. Once it gets there, I'm on it like a Miley Cyrus on a bong.
It is offered with a 2.0L duratec now, aren't the 2.3 & 2.5 all in the same engine family? It wouldn't be a huge upgrade but any extra torque or more gears would be an improvement.
I look at a Transit Connect as a station wagon for Coneheads. And you can get it as a wagon (with 2nd row seating and windows all around). However, it really is a commercial vehicle, and is marketed that way, at least in Canada. Yo just don't get options like hour meters, taxi prep package, vehicle tracking, and a full PC integrated into the dash on vehicles aimed at the general public.
If you option out a wagon here, it comes to $35K CDN. Seems a bit high.
But I've driven one, and I really liked it!
If it came with a manual transmission and AWD, it would be awesome. No frills, practical, all-weather, fun-to-drive. What more do you need?
Booyah!
I would avoid a Sprinter, to whoever is looking to buy one. The one my employer owns loves to cold-weld glow plugs into it's cylinder head. Not cheap once the glow plugs need to be replaced. And it also has myriad other silly electrical issues...the parking brake indicator light (and insanely loud warning buzzer) is stuck on, regardless of whether the brake is on or not, etc etc.
Oh, and I had to jump-start it with my Saturn the other morning. It was about 15*F here, but the battery read fine voltage and current, diesel wasn't gelled, it just didn't want to start.
Astros aren't exactly easy to work are they?
Someone tell em otherwise.
That's really all I can about. I love vans, I just hate working on them. Old vans are easier (especially the Dodge Caravan 2.5L), but those are quickly becoming rust buckets.
it all depends on what work you are doing.
but those are quickly becoming rust buckets.
In some places. Mine is one of the rare rusty ones down here.. cuz it came from wisconsin.
