2004 Ford Transit Connect T230 LX from UK and Ireland - Comments

How big are the speakers in the doors?

Good grief, thank you to the original poster and those who followed his post up: I am looking for a new small van (I have never owned or driven one before) and was hesitating between the Connect (mainly because of the LWB version) and the new Kangoo Express, due to be launched here in France in January 2008. Well, now my mind is made up: the Kangoo might look a bit Postman Pat-like, but it should be a lot more comfortable than the Ford. Thanks again :-)

I have a long wheel base T230 uprated to 900kg. 28000 miles, 2 years old. Poor radio sound, battery light comes up since 2300 miles. Switch off and OK. Poor fuel consumption (32 average mpg) Good build quality (last van Merc. VITO 110 terrible rust at 109,000 miles including decaying floor and corroding internals of engine) no obvious tyre problems, but I know others who have had it. No aircon fitted, but 2 who have them have had problems with easily blocked overflow pipes (?) flooding passenger footwell. In recent cold weather however the engine is causing considerable concern. I have NEVER heard such a noisy clanking endy engine. I take care not to flg a cold engine, but it sounds as though a rod will come through the block. Drivers seat OK for me, but passenger seat a joke. Fitting racking using Ford fitted attachment points was fun, I don't think, every bolt or threaded studding length comes out at a different angle. Road noise not too good, but try a few others and it isn't too bad because it doesn't run at over 65mph anyway.

Gutless, turgid etc, but what's the alternative for reliability and relatively cheap spares?

I know, get a engine management upgrade chip to boost it to 140bhp, pay a mortgage busting insurance premium and ear plugs.

Hi! I've just bought a LX T230. I do not have a problem with the handling or driving position, but then again I only do relatively short journeys. I have one problem though; the sliding side door refuses to unlock; Is this a common problem? Is there an easy fix?