1st Feb 2009, 15:25

The Ford Transit Connect is due to be sold here in the US, starting this summer, and I am considering buying one. I need a "daily driver" to get to work and for shopping, you know usual daily driver activities. The reason that I am considering the Ford Transit Connect is because I have the occasional need to haul motorcycles and other motorcycle stuff. I used to have a full size, long wheelbase Chevy van for that role, but it was cost prohibitive to use in that role, even before the latest economic crisis.

I want to thank everyone that has commented on the Transit Connect, it has given me a lot to think about.

Does anyone have any experience with hauling a full size sport bike in a Transit Connect? I have a Triumph Speed Triple that I will haul in the vehicle, to track days and the like. I have studied the Transit Connect spec's and it will fit in the vehicle with the passenger seat removed, maybe with the seat just folded forward, but I would like to hear from someone that has actually carried a motorcycle in one, or even seen a motorcycle in one!

Here in the states you either have a choice of pickups (too open, too tall, crap for gas mileage), a full size van (too big and clumsy, crap gas mileage), pulling a trailer behind a car (hard on car, storage for trailer when not in use, crap gas mileage when using it). I am hoping that the Transit Connect will work for an occasional motorcycle hauler, because over here, it seems that it may be the only sensible game in town.

Can anyone help me with Transit Connect motorcycle hauling experience?

Stephanie aka "Clueless in Seattle"

13th Feb 2009, 00:35

I've a Jan 2004 SWB 220 van, and from reading all the other comments it would seem I too have 'been lucky'.

Owned it from new, with myself being the only driver, so it was well specified. Yes, the air con has been problematical, and yes, sometimes the alternator warning light comes on. Today (13 Feb 2009) an unusual problem has occurred - the passengers door will not 'latch' (stay closed) and the alarm horns intermittently 'beeps'. So dealer it must be...

Fuel consumption around 40mpg as an average with a 3/4 loaded van virtually all the time. My engine is just fine for performance; considerably above those quoted by others (Turbo TDCI), but it needs redesigning.

Yes, I would buy another and probably keep my fingers crossed it performs the same as this one.

15th Mar 2009, 10:50

I have a Transit Connect, and the battery light is coming on, and I'm at the 45k mark.

Whereabouts is the wiring rubbing against the chassis? I have already checked the smart charge cable and that seems to be fine.

Thanks in advance.

22nd Apr 2009, 15:59

I`ve got a 52 plate t200 75bhp. It`s done 56k. I`m getting a knocking/deep rattle noise when accelerating in first, second and third, and also when I`m coasting, but intermittently. Any ideas on what it is???

12th Aug 2009, 05:48

I have a 2004 LWB Hi-top 230L with 49000 on it. Bought a year ago, and the only problem that I had so far was the wear and tear on the inside of my tires after having done 9000 mile, but heaven knows how long they were on there before I got it...

Also, now after a service, I've been told that my anti roll bar needs replacement if I want to pass the test this August, which is going to cost me a bundle.

Otherwise I am madly in love with this van (had a Opel Combo 1.7 before this that was absolutely s*** to own) and find my seat fine and the driving including heavy loads good.

Also, I put mopeds and medium bikes in there with no problem when going to a run, or when having a flat or something, but I have to take the shields of the mopeds as the van is just not high enough for them.

D.

15th Sep 2009, 11:45

Hi.

I have a 2004 short wheel Transit Connect. I also have the problem of sliding side door not opening. Tried opening up the panel. Getting all the noises when I try and open with the remote, but refuses to open.

Anyone know how to fix the problem?

Thanks in advance.

7th Oct 2009, 05:06

I've got a 2004 TDCi Connect, and had nothing but trouble. First it was a new manifold, then the starter motor, because it wouldn't start in the cold, then the glow plug coil light kept coming on and the damn thing would cut out, THEN the alternator went!

When running it is a nice drive, and yes I've probably been sold a ringer, but I wouldn't have another.

23rd Nov 2009, 14:46

I have owned a Transit Connect 230 LWB high top for one year, I bought it at auction with FSH, one company owner and 100,000 on the clock.

The only problem I have encountered is the starter motor packed up, which was bound to happen sooner or later, and the stereo volume control has started acting up, but I'm thinking of swapping it for a CD version anyway

I'm 6'2 and 18 stone, and I find that although the driving position is a bit upright, it's still very comfortable.

From Derbyshire to South Devon (235 miles) it used £25 of diesel at a steady 70 - 80 mph.

The space in the back is cavernous, and with the fold down front seat you can get things in that are 3 meters long (depending how wide they are).

My mate's got a Vauxhall Vivaro, and I think the high top Connect is more versatile as it doesn't have a bulkhead and it's taller.

I would definitely have another.

31st Jan 2010, 13:22

Hi

I bought my Transit Connect new. It's a 58 plate, and I'm very happy with the van. But I too have bad wear on the passenger side back tyre, Ford are looking into it now. They say my rear axle is not lined up, & at 10.000 miles it needs a new tyre.

I've also had two new tyres on the front as they have worn only on the inside edges. Now I have read the other comments on this site. When I take my van back next week, I can tell them this must be a common fault & will not be fobbed off.

Why have Ford not updated this issue, as I see from 53 plate to my 58 plate, all ages have this problem.

Steve.

9th Feb 2010, 12:57

Have the complainers above actually driven the other vans in the class, the Vauxhall Combo, Fiat, Citroen et al - now they are rubbish. OK, so the Caddy is a good van, but you can't get anything in it.

13th Feb 2010, 16:26

Hi folks, more of the same from me also about the Ford Connect. I have a 2003 TDCi 100k and it's cost me a fair bob or two to say the least!!

I have a new problem now with the engine cutting out!! Quite dangerous when you're on the motorway or pulling away at a junction. Diagnostic says fuel injector pump "big money".

Have to agree with most the bad comments, as I can relate to them all, but it does have some good points... I'll get back to you on them, looking to buy a new van, and the Connect is not even a consideration!! VW Transporter/Caddy probably.