New van

[gazzamikes]

Hi,

im looking to change my van (of which ive only had 6 weeks) im looking at a ford transit connect hi top long wheel base. its got the TDDI engine on an 04 plate, are these good vans and good engines?

I have a 56 Focus but thats the top spec TDCI, of which i think its a great car and goes like a bat out of hell!

the van is 64000 miles, 1 owner and the forecourt price is 3995 but think ill be able to knock it down!

THANKS!!

 

[dan86]

Great vans and great engines. Nuff said

 

[BigSi]

I drive a 56 plate LWB and it’s not a bad van. With all makes there are bad and good vans out there, but apart from a new starter motor last year, it’s been pretty reliable. There not the quietist, or the quickest van, but it will get you there and back.

 

[rompling]

Mine is 05 connect - probs with it TBH going to get a vivaro but they have troubles as well if you read the forums - pot luck with it I'm afraid with van choices
Good luck

 

[telectrix]

no problem with nissan or toy motor. hiace is the dogs nuts.

 

[gazzamikes]

i changed my 2008 kangoo for a 52 plate expert which only cost me £500, but it likes to just die when driving for no reason, does it about once a week and today i almost got squashed by a lorry as it died and locked up. have been looking for a vivaro too but like you say each make and model has their good and bad points. Would love a transit swb the 2009 shape but i know ill fill every little gap with stuff i never use, just like most of us!

 

[cdavies33]

I've got a connect on a 08 plate, 110hp, electric mirrors and windows, fog lights, heated front screen, captains chair, Air con and paid £4000 for it in January. looks like you can get more for your money than an 06, Get on ebay!

 

[dan86]

Would love a transit swb the 2009 shape

I bought one a few weeks ago. love it so far. better van than my sprinter ever was.

 

[telectrix]

i changed my 2008 kangoo for a 52 plate expert which only cost me £500, but it likes to just die when driving for no reason, does it about once a week and today i almost got squashed by a lorry as it died and locked up. have been looking for a vivaro too but like you say each make and model has their good and bad points. Would love a transit swb the 2009 shape but i know ill fill every little gap with stuff i never use, just like most of us!

expert? took a 6ft. wardrobe out of my old nissan vanette. it fitted with 6" to spare. put it int this guy's expert and he couldn't shut the doors. bloody frog crap.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

I've got a spanking new Vivaro coming a week today. Cant wait! Transporters are a good van but have a few problems

 

[gazzamikes]

I think I'll keep looking for a better value connect or the swb transit and see what comes up! Always liked the fords even when I was little and used to go to work with dad in his escort van then his transit

 

[Dcf]

They all seem to have their faults that's what makes choosing a van difficult .
i have a 12 trafic sport nice and comfy sat nav etc.
the only thing wrong with it is it scratches quite easy and with all the colour coded bumpers etc it's like washing the ark royal when on sponge duty.
i had another trafic for 6 years before this one and it was pretty decent to be honest.

 

[dmcturk]

Bought myself an 06 Merc Vito Compact (SWB) for £3700. Has done 114k miles, but after a new starter and a full service it runs a dream. Dual side doors, and plenty of space in the back. Only downside is the 2.2l engine means it's a bit thirsty!!

 

[Andrewr3]

I've got a spanking new Vivaro coming a week today. Cant wait! Transporters are a good van but have a few problems

My 285 transporter has been fine, so far at about 20K miles and nearly three years old. Lovely drive even when fully loaded and tows well. Can be very economical. From what I hear the clutch does not like to be abused. Owner drivers could be OK with it but young employees who drive with gusto may not be so careful. One daft thing about it is the door mirrors kinda flip up rather than back. This means they are more susceptible to damage. So if you use a van in narrow streets a lot then this one may not be for you. With the mirrors folded in (up) it is just 6ft 6 inch wide which is the limit on some narrow streets.