2015 Van Ordering Experience

[windguy]

Hi what kind of oil the manual says the engine requires I don't mean oil brand.

Thanks

@Johnyguy - just a suggestion, if you have a specific question about something like oil, as an example, it might be better to post that in the Maintenance SubForum, link below

http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/forum/32-maintenance/

[Johnyguy]

@Johnyguy - just a suggestion, if you have a specific question about something like oil, as an example, it might be better to post that in the Maintenance SubForum, link below

http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/forum/32-maintenance/

Good point I was lazy to look for the appropriate forum sorry

[windguy]

You not alone I have not test drive it either everyone says its handels well on you tube reviews too.

that's funny. I'll tell my wife I'm not the only idiot. She didn't call me that but I think it was implied

I think if performance matters to you, then it's important, more so if there are similar vehicles that do the same thing and you need to decide one over the other.

Like I said, I'll adapt to like it. The only negative I hear from others is road noise. hopefully adding some insulation will help that. Turning up the radio is my backup plan

[windguy]

Good point I was lazy to look for the appropriate forum sorry

no worries, just want you to maximize the input from other forum members and make it easy to find for others in the future

[Johnyguy]

Why you calling us idiots. Haha As far as I know there is no other vehicles for me that would fit the bill ,size and performance vise it has a bigger engine than the old one proven for years and I have a scion tc with same size engine and im happy with it ,all the reviews says it has more omps than the old tc which should not be a question . it is a 4 cylinder so it should be better on gas than my current v6.

Actually my dealer did not offer me a test drive but I could have asked they had many tc in the lot just not the right color or option added unfortunately.

Edited August 28, 2014 by Johnyguy

[2013TransitConnect]

that's funny. I'll tell my wife I'm not the only idiot. She didn't call me that but I think it was implied

I think if performance matters to you, then it's important, more so if there are similar vehicles that do the same thing and you need to decide one over the other.

Like I said, I'll adapt to like it. The only negative I hear from others is road noise. hopefully adding some insulation will help that. Turning up the radio is my backup plan

I have a 2013 TC cargo van and adding additional front floor matts, a bed in the back and side panels cut the noise in half. Sometimes I get bad tire/road noise but that is only when the road is really bad. I've owned two Crown Victoria's and both were very quiet but can't do what my TC does.

[windguy]

I have a 2013 TC cargo van and adding additional front floor matts, a bed in the back and side panels cut the noise in half. Sometimes I get bad tire/road noise but that is only when the road is really bad. I've owned two Crown Victoria's and both were very quiet but can't do what my TC does.

good to know. thanks!

[Johnyguy]

The window shield is a 'quilted' item, foil facing on one side, white on the other. I bought it online, made for the '14TC... autoanything.com. I recommend them for accessories. Free Shipping. Decent prices.

We used 2 layers of home insulation in sheets, cut and glued to the roof/side sections that only had bare (painted), metal. It made a drastic difference. We didn't cover the insulation panels as they are acceptable in appearance for a fully-equipped cargo/service van.

Hurricanes have not been a problem for us. We love KW!

hi

let me ask you i saw you ordered the cargo version does it has leather wrapped steering wheel or just the wagon has that non of the cagro vans?

thanks

[windguy]

update on my order -

just got a VIN and was told the van would be produced on 10/30. that's the good news.

the bad news - probably won't see the van until end of December to mid January.

Ford has a pretty decent rebate incentive going on now that expires 01/05/15. Hope I can take advantage of that or something better comes along if that expires before the van arrives

[Johnyguy]

update on my order -

just got a VIN and was told the van would be produced on 10/30. that's the good news.

the bad news - probably won't see the van until end of December to mid January.

Ford has a pretty decent rebate incentive going on now that expires 01/05/15. Hope I can take advantage of that or something better comes along if that expires before the van arrives

That's good news ,when I got my van there was a $1500 rebate and few days ago a other one ended for $2000 but I was OK with it since I got the van $300 under invoice its all goes by luck ,hopefully when you get your it will be $2500 its usually ends by end of the month so you can monitor and hope.

They never provided a Vin number in advance like you have I just got a call the van is here.

[windguy]

the current rebate is $1,500 plus $500 for military or $500 for trading in a Ford vehicle or something like that.

glad you were able to take advantage of a decent rebate. helps lower the cost.

when you say $300 under invoice, did that factor in a Ford advertising fee?

You're in a major metro area so I'm assuming Ford tacks on an ad fee like they do in LA ($402).

That fee is part of the invoice amount with no markup by the dealer. straight thru.

My dealer actually gave me a copy of the invoice so I can see their cost per item versus MSRP. That's required when going through the Costco Auto Program.

Getting the VIN doesn't do much for you other than knowing that once that's issued, you can't make any changes to the configuration.

I'm glad my dealer is keeping track of the order.

it would be great to see a video of them making these vans in the factory.

[Johnyguy]

the current rebate is $1,500 plus $500 for military or $500 for trading in a Ford vehicle or something like that.

glad you were able to take advantage of a decent rebate. helps lower the cost.

when you say $300 under invoice, did that factor in a Ford advertising fee?

You're in a major metro area so I'm assuming Ford tacks on an ad fee like they do in LA ($402).

That fee is part of the invoice amount with no markup by the dealer. straight thru.

My dealer actually gave me a copy of the invoice so I can see their cost per item versus MSRP. That's required when going through the Costco Auto Program.

Getting the VIN doesn't do much for you other than knowing that once that's issued, you can't make any changes to the configuration.

I'm glad my dealer is keeping track of the order.

it would be great to see a video of them making these vans in the factory.

I have a copy of the invoice yes I think I paid the ad fee have to see how much that was what does a customer has to do with they advertisement,

Rebates goes up and down used to be $750 I like to see the production as well I don't think there is a video even for the old model out there

[windguy]

@johnyguy

since my van is the same config as yours for color and windows, what do think of the panel behind the sliding door?

see attached pic with red circled area.

with this panel recessed, it looks odd to me, like something is missing.

I'm only going by pictures and you've got the real thing so that's why I'm asking.

If you don't have glass on the sliding door then the double recessed panel seems better since it's a bigger area. Good spot to put advertising if used for commercial purposes.

but the large glass on the slider, which I'm getting, leaves that small recessed area.

visually to me, if there was a filler piece that would match the glass it would look better. not sure why they don't offer glass there as an option for a van.

Edited October 19, 2014 by windguy

[windguy]

I have a copy of the invoice yes I think I paid the ad fee have to see how much that was what does a customer has to do with they advertisement,

Rebates goes up and down used to be $750 I like to see the production as well I don't think there is a video even for the old model out there

the ad fee varies by region. some areas of the county might not even have it. would be interesting to get input from other posters on what they paid and for what area of the country.

the dealers have to pay for it so they are allowed to pass it along to the consumer as part of the invoice amount.

As I mentioned earlier, they don't advertise the TC so it should be exempt from this bend-over fee.

Edited October 19, 2014 by windguy

[Johnyguy]

@johnyguy

since my van is the same config as yours for color and windows, what do think of the panel behind the sliding door?

see attached pic with red circled area.

with this panel recessed, it looks odd to me, like something is missing.

I'm only going by pictures and you've got the real thing so that's why I'm asking.

If you don't have glass on the sliding door then the double recessed panel seems better since it's a bigger area. Good spot to put advertising if used for commercial purposes.

but the large glass on the slider, which I'm getting, leaves that small recessed area.

visually to me, if there was a filler piece that would match the glass it would look better. not sure why they don't offer glass there as an option for a van.

I have the long version TC that panel behind the side glass looks fine does not look odd to me I liked to have that glass as well so more lights would come in but I need to get mine tinted the side windows, will make the van look better, what I noticed on the side door panels inside is covered with unfinished or untreated Masonite same in the back ,so when it rains and water gets on it and that unfinished wood gets dark and swollen up from the water ,whenever you open the doors rain dripping on it ,so it would get all dirty looking , i figured this out early so what I did was I took them off and coated them with lacquer like 5 coats two on the inside and 3 on the outside and also the edges so water won't penetrate to it it made it a little tinted nice finish look I will take pictures.

This coating is also allows you to wipe them done with windex if they gets dusty,I think just because I use my van for work I don't see the reason not to keep it clean and damage free,

On the rear 180 doors I like to replace this Masonite panels with plastic inserted storage like on the older model ,I'm sure we can order them from the dealer since the wagon version has this.

The other day I was driving and I saw a wagon version right next to me at the red light I noticed above the rear lights they use a reflector instead of the black plastic filler on the cargo version I think that's a cheap move from ford,I will see how much that would coast to replace from the dealer it would help to make the van look more finished plus would help others to see you better.

Edited October 19, 2014 by Johnyguy

[windguy]

@johnyguy,

that's a good tip on finishing those panels to protect them. thanks for sharing that.

I assume you used spray lacquer for this.

I haven't seen the rear door pocket but it sounds like a nice feature for storage. Let us know what you find out on this.

Regarding the tail lights, I would agree that the extra lens on top look more integrated compared to a black filler piece.

Wonder why there is a difference between the wagon and van models for this.

From your picture it looks like it's a separate lens assembly. Hard to tell if there are any bulbs inside this part.

Edited October 20, 2014 by windguy

[Johnyguy]

@johnyguy,

that's a good tip on finishing those panels to protect them. thanks for sharing that.

I assume you used spray lacquer for this.

I haven't seen the rear door pocket but it sounds like a nice feature for storage. Let us know what you find out on this.

Regarding the tail lights, I would agree that the extra lens on top look more integrated compared to a black filler piece.

Wonder why there is a difference between the wagon and van models for this.

From your picture it looks like it's a separate lens assembly. Hard to tell if there are any bulbs inside this part.

Yes it is a separate lens assembly just a reflector there is no bulbs inside .

I guess they cared more about the esthetics of the wagon than the van and to save money.

For the panels I wanted to use spray lacquer from home depot I using them all the time when I make flooring color samples for the customers but I ended up using lacquer from the can applying with a small roller because that Masonite is very absorbent

And you need to use a lot, and of course let it dry before you apply an other one and sand it between with 180-240 paper. To make it nice and even I used the spray for the last coat. Than let it dry in the garage for couple days because lacquer has a very strong smell so it will stink up your brand new van but it is very durable and waterproof, I was thinking to use water base polyurethane but that won't be as durable or waterproof.

Behind those panels you can find a cut out for some nice big around speakers I forgat to take pictures.

[windguy]

@johnyguy

let us know if you decide to put the wagon model lens on.

thanks for the application tips on the panels. Sounds like you did a nice job.

keep us posted on your next upgrades

[Johnyguy]

@johnyguy

let us know if you decide to put the wagon model lens on.

thanks for the application tips on the panels. Sounds like you did a nice job.

keep us posted on your next upgrades

Im glad to help ,will have to see how much that would cost probably not cheap the van is too new so there is not too many other places selling parts for it.

[windguy]

time for an update on my van order. yes, still waiting

I was able to download the window sticker using the VIN number I got and the URL below.

http://www.inventory.ford.com/services/inventory/WindowSticker.pdf?vin=NM0LS6E74F1180101

Your VIN starts with the NM0L. This isn't my van but just an example

Not sure at what step in the order process the window sticker becomes available but fun to see something on the van. still expecting the van at the end of December to mid-January so hope it happens soon.

One interesting pricing change I noticed on the sticker. The base price of the van without options and delivery went up by $200. It was $24,655 when I ordered the van back at the end of July. Now it's $24,855.

I confirmed that price increase on the Ford configuration tool. The options pricing stayed the same.

The base price on the 2014 is $24,525, so I was aware that there was a small increase of $130 for 2015.

At the time I ordered the van the Ford configuration tool for 2015 wasn't available yet.

I wonder if Ford/Dealer is going to try to stick me with that extra increase, or the increased invoice amount, when I get the van. I would think they would honor the pricing provided when I ordered but I'm expecting to hear a different story.

Hopefully my next update is when the van gets delivered.

Edited December 17, 2014 by windguy

[carlb28]

My dealer ate a lot on my tradein, especially due to the delays in the overall ordering process, so the price increase was not really noticed by me.

[windguy]

The waiting game is finally over. Hard to believe huh? Picked up the van on Saturday 01/10.

Order Date: 07/14/14

2015 Van Production Started: 09/02/14

Van Produced: 10/30/14

Van Delivered: 01/09/15

Van came in without any noticeable issues so all went well.

I did have to pay the increased amount per Ford's sticker increase, but I may take that up with Ford later.

Not sure it's worth my time chasing but more of a principal thing. If you order something for a set price, then that's what you should pay when it's delivered.

I drove the van home in a driving rain at night (about 40 miles) and had no idea where any of the controls were located. Little bit of a white knuckle ride since it's all freeway driving. At one point I guess I turned the AC on trying to get the defroster on. If you turn the temp all the way to cold the AC comes on automatically without having to hit the AC button. Seems like a good feature. Wipers are kickass in this van. headlights, not so good, but someone recently posted about them pointing down for an unloaded van, so that may be the reason why. I kept wondering if they were on but could see a headlight on symbol on the dash lights. The pouring rain hitting the bare roof was loud when parked, but once moving the road noise overcame that. will need to work on quieting this tin can down a notch. The van seems so big compared to my old wagon, yet it's only 4 inches longer. Fits in the garage with no problem so all is good.

I have lots to write about so I'll be back with more later. I do have a few important first questions but I'll post them in the appropriate forum topics. Stay tuned for more posts and pictures.

Edited January 15, 2015 by windguy

[103west43rd]

Windguy, I am glad you finally got your Transit Connect. I am looking forward to your observations.

[Eazy]

The other day I was driving and I saw a wagon version right next to me at the red light I noticed above the rear lights they use a reflector instead of the black plastic filler on the cargo version I think that's a cheap move from ford,I will see how much that would coast to replace from the dealer it would help to make the van look more finished plus would help others to see you better.

Those aren't specific to the wagon, as my wagon does not have them.

Maybe they're only on the Titanium? I'm not sure, but I would really like a set.

[KeyWestLes]

The waiting game is finally over. Hard to believe huh? Picked up the van on Saturday 01/10.

Congrats! I hope you will be as happy with your TC as I am. I haven't posted for awhile, but, after 5 noths of happy ownership, I am very glad I went with this van. The liftgate is perfect for protection from the sun/rain and I work on a slide-out bench from the rear of the vehicle. I custom-built and modified shelving/cabinets to make tool/stock retrieval from all doors to be most efficient. You won't believe what have shoe-horned into our TC. Have fun!!