Willie

So often simple is best, less is more.

Yeah, I can understand why someone would prefer the new, lower version. A better drivetrain for one reason. Still, the older model was quite unique in the U.S. market and had a lot of advantages in its own right. I'm also glad I got one of the older type.

Dave: Maybe your van picked up on your hatred of automatics and reacted badly because it was offended.. Seriously though, did you check the fluid level when the noises began? My van is approaching 40.000 and I'm considering an early fluid change just in case. Please let us know how you come out and I promise to make no further dumb cracks.

Before I changed it Scott, I'd check the torque on the bolts. Sometimes these seem to loosen up a bit.

Looks like you may be the first to try those, but thanks for posting up another option for consideration.

It all depends on what you are looking for.Personally, I wouldn't trade my 2010 for a 2014.

Thanks Windguy, but do those C R Laurence windows open? It doesn't look as if they do.

Dan: I had trouble finding the particular Toyo Ultra you selected. Could you please post a more specific description, including any other names

Hey Timbo, that sounds interesting. Since the sliders are smaller would installation require a new door?

Wise guy!!

I guess most of us are happy with our Connects but that doesn't mean you would be. You should drive one and look it over for yourself. Common complaints, none of which bother me, are lack of acceleration, too much road noise, not enough luxury touches. If those things are important to you, perhaps the TC will not suit you either. I hope that helps. Go try one.

Nice job Todd. There are also some regular back seats that show up here for sale from time to time. Also a lot of people wanting them. The seats I see are for the 2010 to 2013 vans. .

Well Windguy, you do make a good point. If Ford can keep the TC utilitarian and not allow it to become as fussy and fancified as the others it could fill a need not currently being met. That's a big "if" though. Remember that Ford has flopped in this segment a couple of times already. As you say, time will tell.

More to the point Robert, the Ford Transit Connect is becoming a minivan. They had a small niche but wanted to expand it. I predict they will be gone from the market within three years. Chrysler and Honda have the minivan market locked up..

I picked up lots of little stones but never had a flat. I wish I had 40,000 on my Contis. Mine began wearing really fast at the end and were shot at 22,000. (NFG as we used to say in the Air Force!) I really can't say, but I suspect that you probably could use passenger car tires so long as you did not haul heavy loads. I choose not to take that chance, simply because I didn't have to. I might have if I had not found a substitute meeting all the specs. I am pretty happy with the Nokians although others here seem to hate them with a passion.

Dave, I'm in the U.S.and I was including the ability to inflate the tire to the specified pressure as well as the specified load rating. If you choose to ignore those factors, then I'm sure there are many more tires you could substitute and, who knows, you might be just fine doing that. Good luck with whatever you select.

Dave: There are several that meet the specs but most are rather expensive. The only two I've found that meet the specs for a lower cost are made by Continental and Nokian. Some here have chosen to fit tires that do not necessarily meet all the specs.

Lots of em here Mark so ask your question. Oh and welcome aboard!

Yes, I'd like to know that also. A roof fan is what the van badly needs to make a decent camper, but I'm afraid of leaks and also unsure of power usage without extensive mods..

Someone was selling a manual transmission here a few weeks ago.

How does it compare to the early-eighties Fox body though?

Only thing is Robert, Ford is allowing the Mustang to grow heavy and bloated, just as they did in the seventies and (with the T-bird) in the sixties.

Still, it is amazing what Ford has been able to do with the eco-boost fours. The 2.0L in the Focus develops about 250 HP while in the new Mustang the 2,3L is rumored to be over 300HP. I don't want one either, but I'm impressed by those numbers.

Welcome Les. I'm guessing that in Key West you are using the TC for a tourist oriented bossiness, I owned an original 1984 2,2L, short-wheel-base, Caravan with a manual transmission. It was a great little workhorse and got good gas mileage too.

Hi, We used to be all yanks here, but now seem to have a lot of new friends form Old Blighty as well. Welcome!