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I cheated ... <G>

A fairly accurate summary I'd say, but you say it nicer than I ever would.

I think the 'thought process' went something like this - First, we'll just call it a 'lifetime maintenance-free transmission' so you'll never need to check or change trans fluid, so no dipstick needed . . . . and it is a lifetime trans - When it fails at 75K, well, that was it's 'lifetime'. Second, if we eliminate the dipstick, owners will be forced to come to the dealer for the really easy things they used to do themselves - Win, win for Ford . . . . at least in their thinking I didn't really have a problem with that when we bought our TC - I had already decided I was about DONE crawling under cars to do the routine stuff and I actually planned to just let my Ford dealer do it all. That was before I had a chance to deal with the two dealerships closest to my house - Neither of them will ever touch my car again, so it's a good thing I didn't throw away my ramps. Luckily, more than 90% of all the miles we drive are in electric vehicles, which are virtually maintenance free, so it's not often I find myself on the ground under a car these days . . . . but if I had checked out my dealerships before hand I would never have bought my first Ford . . . . . Don

BSUPC, I have been driving a full size Transit with the high roof for work lately. Not a big fan. It drives like the old vans. Nothing like the Connect. It can haul a lot of stuff and pull a lot of weight, but you definitely know its a heavy duty vehicle. The standard roof model may be a little bit better, but I suspect it will still feel more "commercial" than the Connect. It uses a lot of gas too. I think a good test drive will help you decide. You didn't mention looking at trucks, but I test drove the Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier before I got my Connect. The Tacoma was way too expensive and the dealers wouldn't even talk pricing. It was pretty much, here it is, take it or leave. The Frontier was ok, but just ok. If a small truck is a possibility you may want to give it a test drive. I thought about waiting for the new Ford Ranger, but I liked the Connect enough that it wasn't worth the wait to me. As the others have said, I thought the Metris was too pricey to even look at. I didn't want the NV200 with the CVT, primarily because I wanted the ability to tow a small trailer. I read on the NV200 forum that in addition to the "No warranty" when used for towing, they actually have a problem with a proper supporting structure for a hitch. On the other hand, it gets good reviews so that may be an option for you if you don't need to tow. I considered the Ram Promaster City. But the Chrysler/Renault history concerned me enough that I just couldn't bring myself to test drive it. Even though I think things have improved with them and I see quite a few of them on the road. So in the end, the Connect was the best option for me. Good luck with your search and let us know what you get.