Going to be looking for a new work rig soon, this or early next year. Driving a Ford Transit Connect now, good gas milage and front wheel drive is great. It's just way too small. Probably going to buy new, or very low miles, any recommendations or warnings?
I would look at the mercedes metris, if you don't need a high van. I am going to be adding another van next year. I am either going with the metris or the full size ford transit (mostly because all our other vans are fords).
I have a transit 250 long wheel base and really like it. Used to have an e150 but they don't make those anymore as you probably know. Two major disadvantages from Econoline to the transit is the roof spacing for the ladder racks suck and don't make any sense. Even with three racks they are way too close together. No more gutters so the racks are actually on top of the roof. Second is the sheet metal is so thin the van dents very easily. From inside and out. It's looks like I parked on a driving range I have so many dents. Also dents too much when walking on the roof. Ya i know you probably shouldn't do that but wtf it's a work vehicle. That stuff is gonna happen. Ford needs to think of that but won't to keep up with govt standards for gas mileage
My dad had an 88' suburban from approx 98-03. It had just under 100k miles when he got it but drove it to almost 330k miles. With only a transmission as a major repair. Other than regular stuff. Ford/chevy(gmc) only way to go in my opinion.
Yeah my old man had an '89 that he sold in 03 at that point it was all original except for the rear and had 350k on it. I wonder how far it ended up going.
Meanwhile, I have a 2005 GMC Van with 150,000 miles that is costing me almost 2,000 per year in repairs and currently is leaking coolant, oil, and transmission fluid. I bought it for about $8,000 with 114,000 miles and have put almost that much into it again.
Driving a Chevy Astro cargo van for 9 years now almost 300k. Put a new starter in it that’s it so far. Going to hate the day I have to retire it. Wished they keep making them. They are perfect size. I have looked into the Nissan cargo vans heard they are pretty good. You can keep regular size or tall size.
All I had to do on my 86 Ford Escort station wagon was replace the timing belt about every 80k and regular maintenance. Was like an old Timex. Foam canoe pads to set the ladders on and more than a few bungee cords. Loved that thing. Got 240K out of it. The Ford Festiva I replaced it with just ended up being too small.
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