This was my thinking too ...but then I thought maybe the engines are VW but when I tried to dig online it seems like they're also using ford engines too?no-ones gonna buy a Transit at VW prices
Look at the
I'm on my second connect. The first one did 206,000 and I gave it away. The current one, which I absolutely love, is currently at 108,000. Unfortunately the new Connect is a VW Caddy so I'm now stuck as to what to buy when my current connect expires. Maybe a courier, its a pity there's not a LWB Courier.I might be slightly biased, having driven Connects since 2003 (currently on a 64-plate which we'll have had 11 years next month).
First one did 137,000 miles in 6 years with just a broken wire under the slam panel that knocked out the alternator (build error in the factory) and a wheel bearing replaced under warranty.
Second did 127,000 in 5 years, that had to have a cylinder head under warranty, otherwise it was flawless.
Third one is currently on 166,000 miles, it had a new clutch and flywheel at 130-odd which we think was down to a cretin who drove it for one day and came back complaining it was 'difficult to launch off the line'. Apart from that it now smells like a high-mileage diesel but still starts and runs fine, mid-40s to the gallon average consumption but will do well into the 50s if you stay away from the number 80Takes about an hour to change oil and filters, on my driveway. I forget what the service intervals were (15k maybe?) but I started ignoring them once out of warranty and it gets done every 5000 miles.
It had a lower balljoint replaced a couple of years ago and one rear spring snapped last year... rear arches starting to corrode. Think it's still on the original exhaust. 6-speed, cruise, limiter, aircon (that doesn't work at the moment), voice commands, reversing sensors, dual passenger seat (joke that it is), load-through bulkhead so you can get 3m lengths in, can also carry 8 x 4 sheets. Also I doubt if it's had more than 3 lightbulbs replaced in its life (just as well as it's a major operation to get the rear lights out and you needs hands like a paedophile to get into the headlamps).
Due to changing operational requirements at work we've recently acquired 4 Peugeot Partner/ Citroen thingies, but they're 'orrible tinny things compared to the Connect, lots of engine noise (can't hear the Connect's), not quite as spacious in the back, admittedly they 'launch' better but the latest two have massive widescreen tellies for a dashboard which I find a total pain. A couple have terrible vibes through the clutch pedal as well.
I'll stick with the Connect - in fact I'm looking to buy it when I leave
If cash is tight you might aim for the last of the old shape LWB (pre-2013) with IIRC 120PS - they have more headroom in the back, but then the economy isn't as good as the new shape - and I doubt you'd get into a ULEZ.
Watch out for Tourneo Connects (the people carrier version) that have been used as taxis.
As someone else pointed out, there are a lot of wheelchair-converted Connects around, the rear ramp might have other uses (might get a small lathe up it
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I'm also looking for an auto...can't drive a manual anymore. The Nissan has a 9 speed which looks pretty good.
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