20/20 Hindsight

[madlock]

A month or more into my XLT Wagon, I've made several discoveries, many born of my rush to purchase.

While I enjoy the flexibility of the second passenger row, it's very-much at odds with my preference for solid sliding doors. While the matter can be remedied, it's a $1,100.00 modification.

I've also been sorely disappointed in the implementation of the FWS computer. I suppose it's not an altogether poor proposition given its price point and my negative sentiment may be colored by the technical problems I've been encountering by its repeated and continual crashing; but I'd much rather invest in a more feature-rich, better implemented solution, even at a considerably higher cost.

The fact of the matter is that apart from the convenience of being an in-dash system, it otherwise has no integration into the vehicle systems (as Ford's top-tier Navigation systems), so it really doesn't provide the same kind of bang-for-buck slickness (apart from Tool Link or the fleet management functions). It also happens to have been a rather amateurish implementation as it stands that has really left me flat despite my having made it such a primary criterion for the vehicle I chose.

Another negative aspect of the configuration I chose is the very-odd obstructed rear view field of vision the windowed rear door frame creates. It's more distracting to me than functionally limiting; but given the additional cost of "caging" the rear (using the OEM Accessory part which is quite elegant) and the inherent security compromise the windowed doors create, I think I'd much prefer a TC with solid rear doors, foregoing the rear window altogether in favor of either a "live view" rear camera (something that would have been a real knock-out feature for the in-dash computer) or or just relying on the rear-view mirror and Reverse Sensing System altogether.

While no other solution would have provided me with the 2nd row of seats I'd like to have to option of having/removing from the vehicle (by virtue of 6 bolts), I've decided I'd be much better-served by owning a very different TC configuration rather than the effort and expense of converting my present XLT wagon. I'd begin by buying an XLT 110A with all of the optional features, including RSC, save the in-dash computer, and I may have the opportunity to do so.

I may very well choose to simply remove the second row of seats (and seatbelts) and trade-in what will essentially be an XLT Cargo Van without the floor extension and rubberized floor overlay. The cost delta between adding the floor extension and side window plugs to modify my existing and the trade loss would be nominal, especially given the additional existence of the in-dash computer which still has its original protective membrane covering its screen. I will then have the flexibility of installing the second seat row (and shoulder belt mounts) when it suits me given that the TC's primary use is for cargo rather than carrying additional passengers (any of whom I could tell to stop whining about the lack of windows on the sliding doors)

I should be able to walk away having spent less than $1,000 for my lessons learned, all of which will be a fully deductible 2009 business expense, once all of the additional up-fitting costs to my current vehicle and other related expenses are taken into consideration. All in all, it's not a bad proposition at all. My only real regret, going forward, is the unavailability of Black or Silver in anything but a fully side and rear-windowed configuration, as the Panther Black has really grown on me.

[King Neptune]

My company color on my trucks and vans are silver, therefore I also was stuck with the windowed wagon version in order to have silver. The TC is my own personal company vehicle. I too thought that after I lived with it for awhile that if needed I could remove the rear seat (so far that hasn't been the case). I will pick the TC up today from the graphic/sign shop. I'm having a partial body wrap installed with company lettering and logos. The wrap will also cover the cargo side and rear doors. The wrap that covers the glass will be perforated (you can see out but not in). I have this on my other company trucks and it works great. You can also have a solid wrap installed on your glass if you or your rear seat passengers don't mind the lack of vision. The plus side of the wagon version is I can run car tags (cheaper). The lack of rear vision at the vertical meeting rails of the rear doors is just a common van trait that you need to get used to if you have not driven a van before. My only complaints are 1. I wish they offered a more upscale interior option. 2. A kickin stereo. 3. A more powerful engine or the UK turbo-diesel.

A month or more into my XLT Wagon, I've made several discoveries, many born of my rush to purchase.

While I enjoy the flexibility of the second passenger row, it's very-much at odds with my preference for solid sliding doors. While the matter can be remedied, it's a $1,100.00 modification.

I've also been sorely disappointed in the implementation of the FWS computer. I suppose it's not an altogether poor proposition given its price point and my negative sentiment may be colored by the technical problems I've been encountering by its repeated and continual crashing; but I'd much rather invest in a more feature-rich, better implemented solution, even at a considerably higher cost.

The fact of the matter is that apart from the convenience of being an in-dash system, it otherwise has no integration into the vehicle systems (as Ford's top-tier Navigation systems), so it really doesn't provide the same kind of bang-for-buck slickness (apart from Tool Link or the fleet management functions). It also happens to have been a rather amateurish implementation as it stands that has really left me flat despite my having made it such a primary criterion for the vehicle I chose.

Another negative aspect of the configuration I chose is the very-odd obstructed rear view field of vision the windowed rear door frame creates. It's more distracting to me than functionally limiting; but given the additional cost of "caging" the rear (using the OEM Accessory part which is quite elegant) and the inherent security compromise the windowed doors create, I think I'd much prefer a TC with solid rear doors, foregoing the rear window altogether in favor of either a "live view" rear camera (something that would have been a real knock-out feature for the in-dash computer) or or just relying on the rear-view mirror and Reverse Sensing System altogether.

While no other solution would have provided me with the 2nd row of seats I'd like to have to option of having/removing from the vehicle (by virtue of 6 bolts), I've decided I'd be much better-served by owning a very different TC configuration rather than the effort and expense of converting my present XLT wagon. I'd begin by buying an XLT 110A with all of the optional features, including RSC, save the in-dash computer, and I may have the opportunity to do so.

I may very well choose to simply remove the second row of seats (and seatbelts) and trade-in what will essentially be an XLT Cargo Van without the floor extension and rubberized floor overlay. The cost delta between adding the floor extension and side window plugs to modify my existing and the trade loss would be nominal, especially given the additional existence of the in-dash computer which still has its original protective membrane covering its screen. I will then have the flexibility of installing the second seat row (and shoulder belt mounts) when it suits me given that the TC's primary use is for cargo rather than carrying additional passengers (any of whom I could tell to stop whining about the lack of windows on the sliding doors)

I should be able to walk away having spent less than $1,000 for my lessons learned, all of which will be a fully deductible 2009 business expense, once all of the additional up-fitting costs to my current vehicle and other related expenses are taken into consideration. All in all, it's not a bad proposition at all. My only real regret, going forward, is the unavailability of Black or Silver in anything but a fully side and rear-windowed configuration, as the Panther Black has really grown on me.

[madlock]

I've considered the wrap application or blocking-out the side windows by vinyl, but I much prefer the notion of a more secure and solid physical metal panel in lieu of the glass. As I wrote, any 2nd row passengers I might carry don't enjoy veto power.

Has your not having removed the 2nd row resulted from difficulties you experienced when trying to do so? It should literally be as simple as the six-bolt removal and the proper wrench to do so. I've been looking at the parts diagramming, and nothing further should be impeding the removal.

I'm really of two minds. Perhaps I just make the investment, using the tax benefits afforded under ARRA to buy a second one and drive the two to see which one I like better. I just don't know at this point. I just wish I didn't also suffer from the additional burdens of being so anally obsessive about certain things like hating the notion of replacing the FWS Computer with the stock head unit rather than just having a vehicle where the stock head unit was factory installed. I know, it's silly.

I too agree that a "premium" interior option, even if only limited to the Wagon variant, would have been very nice, even at a price premium. Less "perfunctory" materials and a handful of nominal NVH improvements would elevate the TC to an entirely new level. That may be one thing Ford may have to compete with when the North American Doblo enters the market to compete.

I'm still trying to work out all the moving pieces of the puzzle like how much the upfits I intend on adding (Sortimo) will improve the NVH and interior characteristics. The Sowaflex interior panels are very nice, and the Sobogrip flooring are really nice improvements to for the portions of the vehicle that extends behind the front row.

Best of luck.

[isellford]

A month or more into my XLT Wagon, I've made several discoveries, many born of my rush to purchase.

While I enjoy the flexibility of the second passenger row, it's very-much at odds with my preference for solid sliding doors. While the matter can be remedied, it's a $1,100.00 modification.

I've also been sorely disappointed in the implementation of the FWS computer. I suppose it's not an altogether poor proposition given its price point and my negative sentiment may be colored by the technical problems I've been encountering by its repeated and continual crashing; but I'd much rather invest in a more feature-rich, better implemented solution, even at a considerably higher cost.

The fact of the matter is that apart from the convenience of being an in-dash system, it otherwise has no integration into the vehicle systems (as Ford's top-tier Navigation systems), so it really doesn't provide the same kind of bang-for-buck slickness (apart from Tool Link or the fleet management functions). It also happens to have been a rather amateurish implementation as it stands that has really left me flat despite my having made it such a primary criterion for the vehicle I chose.

Another negative aspect of the configuration I chose is the very-odd obstructed rear view field of vision the windowed rear door frame creates. It's more distracting to me than functionally limiting; but given the additional cost of "caging" the rear (using the OEM Accessory part which is quite elegant) and the inherent security compromise the windowed doors create, I think I'd much prefer a TC with solid rear doors, foregoing the rear window altogether in favor of either a "live view" rear camera (something that would have been a real knock-out feature for the in-dash computer) or or just relying on the rear-view mirror and Reverse Sensing System altogether.

While no other solution would have provided me with the 2nd row of seats I'd like to have to option of having/removing from the vehicle (by virtue of 6 bolts), I've decided I'd be much better-served by owning a very different TC configuration rather than the effort and expense of converting my present XLT wagon. I'd begin by buying an XLT 110A with all of the optional features, including RSC, save the in-dash computer, and I may have the opportunity to do so.

I may very well choose to simply remove the second row of seats (and seatbelts) and trade-in what will essentially be an XLT Cargo Van without the floor extension and rubberized floor overlay. The cost delta between adding the floor extension and side window plugs to modify my existing and the trade loss would be nominal, especially given the additional existence of the in-dash computer which still has its original protective membrane covering its screen. I will then have the flexibility of installing the second seat row (and shoulder belt mounts) when it suits me given that the TC's primary use is for cargo rather than carrying additional passengers (any of whom I could tell to stop whining about the lack of windows on the sliding doors)

I should be able to walk away having spent less than $1,000 for my lessons learned, all of which will be a fully deductible 2009 business expense, once all of the additional up-fitting costs to my current vehicle and other related expenses are taken into consideration. All in all, it's not a bad proposition at all. My only real regret, going forward, is the unavailability of Black or Silver in anything but a fully side and rear-windowed configuration, as the Panther Black has really grown on me.

[isellford]

I passed along your feedback to the Marketing Manager for Transit Connect.

[madlock]

I passed along your feedback to the Marketing Manager for Transit Connect.

Well, I wasn't necessarily offering feedback that I had intended to express to Ford as an opinion of record, nor would I necessarily hope for Ford to interpret anything I may express in this setting as being feedback I would like Ford to consider, or after having communicated my own opinions directly That Ford might mistakenly interpret a particular opinion as being more representative as it actually happens to be, but thank you for the effort nonetheless.