mrtn

1) should there be one? 2) if yes, what does the dealer say?

Weird. Here all trim levels have BT standard and it's independent from radio trim level (like digital radio or speaker count). With BT you get wireless audio and riddance of having to mess with aux cable. Sync adds an extra software layer for special apps like calling for rescue in case of an accident etc.

Isn't there a Bluetooth connection in your XLT?

My friend has been waiting for his Ranger Limited for 14 months and no idea if and when it will be delivered.

It was just a sample, here's LHD one: http://www.ebay.de/itm/FORD-TRANSIT-CONNECT-06-02-06-06-AUsENSPIEGEL-SPIEGEL-links-schwarz-elektrisch-/151262219280?pt=DE_Autoteile&fits=Make%3AFord|Model%3ATransit+Connect&hash=item2337ee4c10

There are plenty available in ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Drivers-OS-Car-Door-Wing-Mirror-Heated-Ford-Tourneo-Transit-Connect-/230922209964?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35c4094aac for much less. Here's just an example.

Thanks! It's been great, just normal wear and tear, no real issues with anything. 250 000 km/155 300 mi) on the odo, doesn't seem to consume any oil between changes (15 000 km/9300 miles). Some major stuff: overhauled the diesel pump at 210 000 km (normal range for Bosch and Delphi pumps, up to 250K), replaced the steering rack at 230 000 km (tie rod inner end clunk), new exhaust pipe and muffler about the same time. I've just ordered a new rear brake pressure regulator, it didn't pass the inspection, too weak rear brakes. Rear ended a Mercedes Benz with my left headlight a year ago, due to my "excellent" positioning the insurance had to replace the left headlight, front bumper, hood and the left front wing. Luckily it was just cosmetic damage. Some rust starting to appear under the left door sill. Going to take care of it when it gets a bit warmer. You see the right side repainted in the picture (vinyl removed), had it done when the car was in the shop with the insurance case.

I have the 1st generation TC and I think it has even bigger windscreen so to help with the problem of low-hanging sun visors (being 6'4") I made a black sticker visor for it to the factory width so it passes the inspection. After that I've hardly ever used the visors again. It's a bit hard to see in this picture but you get the idea.

Nice review. Ask if you can get the same Ford LED cargo lighting we get here for free. It is so bright it is certified for workspace lighting if you decide to convert your cargo boot for that. If not then get a roll of matching voltage LED strip from e-bay or electronics store and hook it up to the original light socket. One standard roll should be enough to make a circle around the roof and some in the middle. If you're not familiar with a soldering iron then have it professionally installed, you'll love it.

Ok, that's a rare combination. I have never heard my barn doors squeak (at least the ones on the van). Have you used any silicone based conditioners on the rubber? Those are from hell.

You mean the rear side sliding doors? Tourneo has a hatch AFAIK.

Joking aside, I know what you mean. Every time I sit in my Mazda after driving the van I feel claustrophobic looking in the rear view mirrors.

Those are stock mirrors

I was looking at used S-MAX Titaniums a while ago but pretty much all of them had 120K+ miles on them, even the ones 3 years old. Looks like it's the highway cruiser of choice.

Stability wise it's perfect. I have towed well over 3000 lbs together with the stuff in the boot, sure, it struggles to hold speed as I have a 75 hp diesel but it retains a sense of control well. Most of the times the 10 ft trailer is loaded with 500 lbs plus minus printers and you couldn't tell it's there.

There's smth weird going on withy Ford deliveries. My friend has been waiting for his new Ranger Limited for 13 months already, still no estimate.

The Vignale looks like a big leap towards luxury segment. Nice.

That's correct.

S-MAX is smth completely different. It's more like a sleeker Pacifica.

Why don't you get a set of long life tires, like Cooper Cobra G/T or similar? Sure, you'll not get any traction with them.

This NV-van is a typical Asian fish delivery cart. Nothing to be compared to the TC. Everything about it is awkward, looks, seating, ergonomics, etc.

The van is not as impressive as the promo suggest. Tourneo automatic (the passenger model) is much better. Better seats and interior trim. I think the van is overpriced for what it is. I don't like the seating position, lack of armrest and the placement/action of the shifter (MT). First gen has a laser sharp short throw shifter on the floor in a perfect position for the armrest, you can shift with two fingers, you never miss a gear. The new one is a bit mushy and the dash mounted shifter moves up-down instead of back and forth, which feels more natural. You might as well get a Citroën Berlingo which has exactly the same engine and is much cheaper (no LWB, sure). I decided to keep my current TC until the wheels fall off and get the new Civic Tourer Diesel (63 mpg) for long distances. Huge boot.

After going to see it I decided not to get one.

Try this question in the UK forum, they know for sure. http://fordtransit.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=54&

I also asked my dealer to find out if it's possible to order the rails like the Tourneo Connect has. I am yet to hear from them. So, over here there are OEM rails for the model with seats, along the roof and the crossbars clamp to these.