johnnyangel Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I've had my 2012 TC wagon for 2 1/2 weeks now and already enjoyed a variety of uses, such as a road trip to Seattle and more mundane trips to the dump and the thrift store. It's the only new vehicle I've ever purchased and likely to be my last -- I'm 56 -- since I don't take depreciation lightly, and I don't like the swoopy styling and frills of most new cars. I would have liked the original Scion Xb or perhaps a Honda Element, but missed out on both when they were new. Seeing pictures of the upcoming Transit Connect revamp convinced me I'd better take the plunge and get the current one while such an honest, square vehicle is still available. I don't want to be mistaken for an SUV driver or a soccer mom! My TC has Sync and the rear view camera, both of which work well. Even more than expected, I'm loving the space, ease of use, and visibility. To my mind this would be the perfect vehicle if only Ford had seen fit to give us U.S. buyers a diesel engine and also the option of a stick; the TC's gas engine is low on torque, the four-speed automatic is dated and sometimes annoying, and the fuel economy isn't great (my best is only 26 mpg -- and I'm no leadfoot -- so I hope things are going to loosen up. But, the various reviews I'd read warned me of these negative aspects to the vehicle, and it's still worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azdamay Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Welcome to the forum. I like that color! If I'm being honest a road trip from the Bay Area to Seattle in a Transit Connect sounds really unpleasant. But then I drive mine for work and it's outfitted for work. I would have to find a pillow to sit on for a road trip! It is a heck of a useful vehicle for taking stuff to the dump, and no worries about having to tarp your trailer/bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Keep your foot out of it and your gas mileage will improve. The TC also seems to not do as well on ethanol gas. At least that's my experience. I like your hubcaps (similar to my own). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyangel Posted November 8, 2012 Author Share Posted November 8, 2012 Thanks for the welcomes! I like the color of my TC though I would have preferred the metallic brown ("noisette") most of all. But, finding a TC that had all its windows and wasn't white was enough of a challenge! Regarding long-distance comfort, I found the TC to be just fine, though I'm one of those people who stop every couple of hours for a pee break or a coffee (a vicious cycle!). For me personally the driver's seat cushion is a little short, leaving more of my thighs hanging out in space than I'm used to, but no big deal. Also the seat cloth is a little scratchy, and I'd like to get one of those sheepskin covers made to cohabit with side-impact air bags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 The rough seat fabric means it's extremely durable. After 6 years and 203 000 km there is no sign of wear whatsoever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyangel Posted November 8, 2012 Author Share Posted November 8, 2012 Good to know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyvideo Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Congrats on your new TC! I also have a 2012 in the same color. I also originally had wanted the Noisette or the Mica one, but neither was available around here as a Premium. I also have the rear view camera, backup sensors, heated windshield, and bluetooth. I would have liked sync but again couldn't find one with it. I've had mine around 11 months and am very happy with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 (edited) Agreed that, what I call, the Army brown is an interesting and fun color, but that pale blue-grey will be so much easier to keep clean and also will soak up less heat when parked in the sun.. Hey my second car is also a Miata! Talk about opposites! Edited November 9, 2012 by Willie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyangel Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 Willie, how cool -- is your Miata an NA, NB, or NC? (Mine's an NA.) Yes, it's a heck of a contrast. For various reasons (travel, weather, preparing for a move) I haven't even driven my Miata since I got the TC, and she (Minnie Miata, that is) will be cross with me. Today I need to give her a wash and the go for a drive. Meanwhile that's not the only contrast around here since I also have a 1989 LTD Crown Victoria station wagon (that was my *first* Ford). Originally that car was supposed to do the same sort of hauling tasks that the TC is now doing, or at least that's how I rationalized the purchase, but since it only has about 78,000 miles and is in beautiful shape, I haven't had the heart to work it too hard. The Crown Vic wagon is long and low and really too much of a handful around here as a daily driver; plus I am terrified that someone might ding it (well, as I am with the Miata and the TC too, but the wagon's a much bigger target for idiots). But, with a 5.0 V8 and smooth power to burn, it actually does get 22 mpg on the highway. As I noted the TC has certainly improved on that but I still hope it will do better as it gets older and loosens up. When I get a chance I will post a picture of these strange stablemates to the forum. The Miata and the TC taken together are not a whole lot longer than the Crown Vic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 (edited) Johnny: I'll send you a private mail because this is not of interest to the general forum. See the private mail thing in the upper right corner. Willie Edited November 12, 2012 by Willie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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