Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Rethinking the Transit 1 2

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  Dec. 9, 2010 11:47 a.m. PHeller Dork

  I've moved from smaller cars to bigger cars (wagons) just because I've found I like having space to haul stuff. Now comes the real problem, I'm finding uses for a truck more and more.

  I recently purchased a trailer (with a bent axle, no less) and it works for what it is, but I couldn't imagine using one every day for work duties.

  So, a van make a lot of sense...until you've gotta maintain one.

  It seems like every van ever made has the engine shoehorned under the firewall. This makes doing even simple spark plug changes a major PITA.

  The Ford Transit offers more space than a typical passenger van, but easier access to the engine than a larger E-Series or similar.

  Are there any other easy-to-work-on vans out there?

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  Dec. 9, 2010 11:54 a.m. alfadriver SuperDork

  You are thinking the Transit Connect, right?

  The regular transits won't come to US shores for a few more years. AFAIK.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 11:55 a.m. pres589 HalfDork

  The only fullsize van that might be easy to work on is the Sprinter. The Big 3's offerings are all, well, I don't care for them in any way and service is no different. Astro is just as bad from what I can tell. Aerostar as well.

  I have no reason to like the Transit Connect; single with no children and I have a desk job, I don't need the space or any of that, but honestly this seems like a great vehicle. Why did it take so long for it to show up here? I even like the styling when they don't have the lifted roof.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 11:55 a.m. Ranger50 Reader

  RS bodied Caravans. Remove the wiper "module" and it gains you all sorts of room to work on anything for the rear cylinders. You can even do a plug change without removing it.

  Brian

  "Never trust an intelligent man with no money to play fair."

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  Dec. 9, 2010 12:03 p.m. Ranger50 Reader

  pres589 wrote: The only fullsize van that might be easy to work on is the Sprinter.

  Speaking from experience, Sprinters, branded as Freightliner or Dodge, are NOT easy to work on. Altho their problems are somewhat minimal.

  Brian

  "Never trust an intelligent man with no money to play fair."

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  Dec. 9, 2010 12:06 p.m. pres589 HalfDork

  In reply to Ranger50:

  Yeah, I've not been near them to really know, but I figured if anyone was making a van that would be easy to service, it'd be the truck side of Mercedes.

  I remember seeing the horror in the eyes of a mechanic at a shop I used to work at (the boss wanted this dude to quit, it wasn't a great situation) when yet another diesel E-350 ambulance would come in needing injector work. Manager of the store got a bit of a name for himself charging 'civilian' rates on service vehicles like ambulances or limousines. Stretched Town Car need A/C work? Bring it on in, we're cheap! Econoline ambulance running rough? Drag it on down, we'll charge the same as your uncle would pay for his that isn't covered in radios and all kinds of other junk in the way of removing the dog house...

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  Dec. 9, 2010 12:20 p.m. Ranger50 Reader

  Amen. I remember one time I had to replace the WIGWAM or PTI, police taxi interface, module on back to back cop cars. Well in the Chargers, they are tucked up under the radio stack bolted down to the tunnel. Well.....in order to get them out you have to squeeze it out past the SOLID STEEL center console they decided to put in those cars. At least the warranty labor op on those was actual time....

  "Never trust an intelligent man with no money to play fair."

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  Dec. 9, 2010 12:32 p.m. failboat Reader

  I had a 94 Chevy G20 van, with the (4.3L) engine shoehorned in there.

  Changing plugs was easy. Take off the doghouse (4 bolts on a portion of the dash, 4 on the doghouse, and the whole thing pulls right out) and they are right there staring you in the face. If anything I would think this arrangement made things easier to work on in some respects, you have plenty of space to work. Changing the alternator on the other hand...more difficult but not impossible.

  Econolines and Astros have longer hoods and I assume the engine sits further forward, which may or may not make things a little more difficult to access from the doghouse side.

  Just get something with a 4.3L and you likely wont have to worry much about service anyways.

  XBL gamertag: retro hoonage

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  Dec. 9, 2010 1:31 p.m. pinchvalve SuperDork

  I am thinking that older vans have the engine completely inside the passenger compartment:

  And I think some small vans have the engine under the front seats. I saw this 4x4 Mitsu in San Fran this week:

  "Don't Sweat the Petty Things." Yes, and Don't Pet the Sweaty Things.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 2:24 p.m. Nashco SuperDork

  As mentioned, Sprinters may not be "easy" to work on, but they are pretty damn reliable and IMO a much better value because they have so much more usable space and great fuel economy.
  

  Bryce

  Portland, OR | '69 Bug | '05 Saabaru | '67 122S | '07 Sky Redline | $2009 AWD Fiero Hybrid | '72 N600

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  Dec. 9, 2010 2:41 p.m. ReverendDexter SuperDork

  The only issue I see with the transit connect is power. It runs a Focus engine, so I'm not sure how well it's gonna handle having a heavy load and going up and down hills.

  Don't get me wrong, it seems PERFECT for a delivery vehicle in town, but for what I'd guess most people define as "truck stuff", it'd be a little outgunned by even a Ranger or Tacoma.

  --There is no turd more polished than the Ford Mustang--

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  Dec. 9, 2010 2:56 p.m. 1slowcrx HalfDork

  My co-driver from last weekend uses a Dodge Sprinter as his tow vehicle and it was really nice having that much space for everyone to spread out and stay warm during the local "snow cross"

  Makes me re-think the Dodge Ram Cummins idea.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 3:28 p.m. red5_02 New Reader

  Go drive the Transit connect. I think you'll like it. It's not really top heavy and the engine does a decent job of moving it around. And the turning radius is TIGHT. You can get power windows and doors in the XLT version and the wagon variant has windows all around and some more seating in the rear. If you're buying new dealers have 3000 in dealer cash to play with so make good use of that in your negotiations.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 3:37 p.m. Streetwiseguy HalfDork

  pres589 wrote: In reply to Ranger50: I figured if anyone was making a van that would be easy to service, it'd be the truck side of Mercedes.

  Have you ever even MET a German?

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  Dec. 9, 2010 3:58 p.m. Hal Dork

  I own a Transit connect and have owned several E-series vans in the past. For general maintenance the TC is much easier to work on than the E-series was.

  The TC is roomy and will carry a lot of stuff, but the load floor length is too short for full sheets of plywood. It was designed as a citry delivery van meant to carry lots of small items. I see them being used around here by plumbers, HVAC companies, Auto Parts stores and one local florist has a couple.

  I have the wagon with the extra row of seats. The largest load (spacewise) I have had in mine consisted of 3 6' folding tables, 12 folding chairs, 3 large coolers full of food, and 4 adults.

  I would sugget going and driving one to see how you like it.

  2010 Transit Connect XLT 2001 Ford Focus with a little help from Powerworks

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  Dec. 9, 2010 4:26 p.m. pres589 HalfDork

  In reply to Streetwiseguy:

  Yes, and I own a German built Ford that has been easy to service as well, only issue there is rust.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 4:26 p.m. mapper Reader

  We just bought one and it's a nice for what it is and for what we are going to use it for (wheelchair accessible). High winds make it sway, it is not fast at all, and I would not try to tow anything other than a very small trailer. It does ride nice and handles like a heavier Focus.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 6:53 p.m. ptmeyer84 New Reader

  Is a Chevy HHR panel van to small?

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  Dec. 9, 2010 10:05 p.m. Kramer HalfDork

  I saw a few full-size Transit vans around Detroit. When they make it here, they'll give the Sprinter a run for its money for sure.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 10:08 p.m. Vigo Dork

  Is a Chevy HHR panel van to small?

  Yes it is. A transit connect is a cave compared to an hhr.

  I like the transit connect a whole bunch but it still seems strange to see it with the US powertrain. I mean, nowhere else in the world would that fly.

  I have sprinter envy, though, and if you are willing to shell out for one i think they are the bomb diggity and make regular full size vans look REALLY dumb, as if they hadnt already been really dumb for years and years.

  as for easy to work on minivans? 95 and earlier chrysler minivans. SOOOOO easy. Get one with the tbi/5spd and itll be faster than a connect and get better mileage too. V6s it will just be faster and get the same mileage.

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  Dec. 9, 2010 10:39 p.m. Tim Baxter SuperDork

  When the Subie wagon dies, it will be replaced with a Transit.

  If Angel will allow one in the driveway, anyways.

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  Dec. 10, 2010 5:44 p.m. PHeller Dork

  Sprinter is way too big and way too pricey. Prices will stay way over $10,000 for at least the next 5 years.

  The Transit Connect could be down in $5,000 range in 1-2 years.

  A 4-cylinder Ford Ranger could be found dirt cheap today.

  Here's my thing: I ride bicycle, vintage/classic motorcycles, and generally haul around a lot of junk.

  I won't be involved in auto racing for awhile, just too expensive. Nor do I forsee myself doing full-on contracting work where I'll need a big truck. What I need is an efficient stuff hauler...and the Transit Connect seems like it'd be fun on a roadtrip as well.

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  Dec. 10, 2010 7:47 p.m. John Brown SuperDork

  Say it with me... Ass-Trough. Wait I meant Astro.

  Internationally known as The Brown Stig

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  Dec. 10, 2010 9:27 p.m. 4eyes HalfDork

  My neighbor has a Transit Connect that he uses to deliver medical supplies. (wheelchairs,walkers etc.)

  It keeps catching my eye. (like a butterface) You don't want anyone to see you with it, but it would probably do everything you want.

  I'm thinking general purpose driving/hauling, light camping and towing motorcycles.

  edited to add:

  Then I start to think a Volvo C30 would do enough of the practical stuff, and still look good enough to make my friends envious.

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  Dec. 10, 2010 9:31 p.m. Jensenman SuperDork

  I keep wanting a short wheelbase full size cargo van for a race car tow rig. An Astro might be nice but a bit underpowered unless I went the John's Cars route.

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