mrtn

Now that you mentioned it :D

The new pig-nosed full size Transit is growing on me. It was awkward at first. A significant change from the sharp and angular lines of the previous model.

Double checked, there is one RWD with a regular cab in the price list. Given our climate conditions I don't think anyone actually buys it. http://www.ford.ee/tarbesoiduk/hinnakiri/ranger

I don't think we get RWD at all.

It was 150 hp, 6-speed manual, Crew Cab LTD http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/Ranger/Performance-and-efficiency#primaryTabs

The highest fuel price we had was $6.80 in oil price peak and now down to $4 which is the lowest I've seen for the past decade at least. The 2.2 bi-turbo seems excellent even tho a bit overpowered for a compact vehicle. The Ranger I drove broke grip and started fishtailing as soon as you went over quarter of the pedal travel.

The 1.5 TDCi is a bit too small IMHO. I wish they went for 1.8 (Gen1 size) and an optional 2.2 TDCi which is the base engine in the Rangers and mid- & full-size Transits.

I meant that 2.5 is a rare size for a passenger car in economy class (sure, sport sedans come in all sizes). Most are up to 2 litres. We had the 1.6 Ecoboost + automatic for a short while but it was discontinued quickly, it was too thirsty and most would buy diesel anyway. So if and when I go for the new model I'll probably pick the 1.5TDCi with Powershift auto.

If towing was only allowed with 2.5L engine, noone would tow in Europe.

This is a very common feature for most cars.

Yes, seen that as well. Actually it's a bit of an annoyance as I've been looking for a low mileage 110 hp TC (2011-2013) and most have the cage bulkhead. I need a rigid one.

Not all EU TC do, I have a rigid bulkhead and the passenger seat is identical to the other one since there is no need to fold it.

Every time I read your post I read your signature twice. At least.

The plywood floor is not a standard piece so you can just grind the heads of the bolts if you're comfortable with sparks flying around the van. If not then fix the bolt with preloadable pliers and drill the head off. And then hope the bottom pieces will not rattle.

Even tho my '12 is an European model the 6000CD reception is just fine, like any other car radio (not counting the crappy OEM speakers) I would check the rear of the head unit, the antenna plug may have fallen out. The roof end of the cable is fixed to the roof by a nut.

Is there resistance in the direction dial when you turn it? Remove the console plate and check the connections in the back.

So there actually is heat but only on one side? Then there's something wrong with the flaps that direct air flow.

Estonia. I could get it inside but the underbody and wheel wells are full of brown ice and salt combo and I don't want to mess up the garage.Anyway, just replaced the filter. There was a colony of mosquitoes in the old one. Had to remove the top grille/insert from the filter cowl, the new Denso filter fit exactly in the bottom part. The previous one was small and fit in the top grille.

Common sense helps here. Moderate rpm and no load in the first mile. -30F winters are common here and I have not had any plastic part failures in any car apart from splash guards, hub caps and other body parts in direct contact with ice and curbs. Those accidents can be avoided by sensible driving and cleaning the wheel wells from ice buildup. Planning to replace the cabin air filter today, now there's a chance of breaking that cowl panel. Replaced three of four glow plugs yesterday, outside. Didn't get to the fourth one, need to remove the oil stick tube and as I noticed a leak in the bottom end of the stick tube assy I need to replace a seal anyway, the glow plug can wait. It starts fine with three functioning ones.

The rule of thumb in our Nordic climate (if not equipped with a preheater, which most new cars and diesels of the past decade or so have) is to get the engine running, turn on the seat heater, go outside and clean/scrape the snow/ice off the hood, lights and windows and go. Shouldn't take more than two minutes, anything over that is a waste of fuel and time.

Agreed, we're far up north and spoilers are no good here.

I think it's best to ask them: http://www.van-sport.co.uk

Here's the production ready M-Sport Connect: https://www.facebook.com/vansportuk/posts/476405475885688

Not sure how it goes in the US but you may need to register your modification in the DMV and have a new title printed.