Ford Transit Connect road tests and consumer car reviews

Ford Transit Connect 75 PS LWB 2007

My Dad had Transits, then a Connect LWB 75 bhp and he was well happy. So I purchased an 18month old one, with 23K miles on the clock from a dealer 160miles away!! I’ve never had to bother them. Only minor issues emerged after 70K miles or so, but my local Advance Pitstop know these vans inside out and Ford parts are reasonable. It’s had two biggish jobs done so far: A charging failure required a new wiring loom, which was done at a Ford dealer for £350; a gearbox rattle due to the clutch release bearing at 115K miles meant a new clutch assy needed to be fitted costing £600. These vans are rock solid load carriers. Mine is stuffed with shelving/parts/tools and carries 350KG approx every day. I do 500miles a week covering a sparsley populated area of West Ireland and half of the roads I travel are pathetic, and I’m not a slow driver! My van only sees a motorway about once a year, but of all the vans I’ve had this has the best for road-holding and comfort, delivers 35MPG and has needed the least suspension linkages changed ( Ford suspension links are dirt cheap ). However, due to 120K on poor roads, I must upgrade to a newer van and give it an easier life in its middle/old age. It will be well up to moving a few sheep around for a local farmer!! I need something slightly bigger this time so I’m hoping a Peugeot Expert is as tough.

Ford Transit Connect 220 1.8d Panel van 2004

I Bought this pre-registered 54 plate at 6 months old and with 80 miles on the clock for £9600 inc VAT. It’s now done 104,000. I bought a metal bulkhead and wolf alarm (which is specifically designed to just plug into existing wiring loom and utilise the existing remote fob. Excellent recommended!). Mine is used as a mobile car accessory sales and fitting van, covering a 50 mile radius of from base. It does plenty of town and motorway work, with economy being around 35mpg on average. Being as critical as I can and apart from servicing and a belt change at 90k it has so far needed: New exhaust at 50k (around 3yrs), a repair to faulty alternator wiring at 52k, a new ’fly by wire’ throttle peddle at 63k (cost £65.00, whatever happened to cables at around £12.00??). The front tyres last around 25k, the rear around 40k. The front discs last for around 75k. The gearbox started to get a little noisy at 50k, but it is still going strong and the noise hasn’t got any worse. The front pads average around 20k and mine is still on the original rear shoes!! The handbrake has always been spot on. The clock loses around 1 min every 15 days. There are no rust bubbles yet, but the paint finish on the roof is very thin. I am very impressed with how reliable this van is; I rely on it to run my business, which has a demanding schedule. It gets driven hard, but not abused too often and still feels like new to drive. It’s basically a Focus engined van, although because of the tools and stock I carry it doesn’t give me Focus economy :-(. I have been lucky so far! I would buy one again.

Ford Transit Connect 2005

The negative things: The plastic bumpers fall off, it has sluggish acceleration, but solid torque if you know what I mean. The front tyres and break pads wear quickly and turbo hose splits. The alternator suddenly goes, but the van still drives you to a garage just make sure you don’t stall at the lights lol! The positive things are this is the most solid small van I have ever driven and feels like a big Transit when you drive it; I would feel safe in it even if it had a little knock with another vehicle.

Ford Transit Connect l220 Lwb 75 2003

I’ve had Combo’s, full size Duratorq Transits and now this the Connect and I don’t know why I’ve driven anything else for all those miles. I love this van. It has the relaxed spacious, mile munching drive-ability of the larger big brother Transit and the fuel economy of a Combo. I do miss the power from my common rail diesels, but the reliability from the low tech turbo DI is outstanding, even 220,000 miles later! Well its’ a Transit at the end of the day; the back bone off Britain.

Ford Transit Connect 1.8 tddi 2006

I’ve done 89k so far and serviced the van every 5k. It is the best van I’ve ever had; Kangoo, Combo this Connect beats them all. I will never buy anything else again. It’s on the road every day and starts first time no problems.

Ford Transit Connect 210 Lpg 2006

Amazing van does an amazing 25 to the gallon even better on lpg approx 20 if lucky. BAG OF C**P!

Responses to this review

You bought the petrol engine version? Why? Petrol engines are always a bad thing in vans....that’s why everybody buys the diesel! Even the Ford handbook only claims 20mpg round town for the petrol version. My Transit Connect TDCi achieves 38mpg in stop-start town driving. Sell it and buy the diesel - Martin Oliver from Cheshire

Ford Transit Connect 200 tdci 2007

I bought this Connect to replace my aging diesel Escort van, wich never let me down. Ever. The Connect came from the John Grose dealership and was an ex rental van for them and had 7000 on the clock. The first thing that struck me was the appalling fuel consumption compared to the Escort....I can get it down to 27mpg if on the motorways at a steady 70! (Its the 75hp version) It has no go at all. Original battery lasted 1 year The build quality is nothing short of rubbish; bits drop off, the paint is falling off, plastic bumpers crack, tyre wear on the front is reasonable. I had to replace the alternator wiring at 55,000 as it gave out and was overcharging the battery yet the warning light was on. cold weather, the van is hard to start, it starts for a few seconds and then stops, new fuel filter is £42.00 from Ford dealer! Made no difference. Windscreens go, and generally it’s the worst van I have ever bought. I have allways had Fords but now I’m looking at other stuff. Van has 56500 miles on it and I have had it up to here with it.

Ford Transit Connect 2007

Overall quite a good van, Plus points: Strong quiet engine Very reliable Comfortable driving position Negative points; Very poor fuel consumption Front wheel bearings only lasted 25K miles, eats front tyres. Van is driven sensibly.

Ford Transit Connect 2006

Our company has 6 of these vehicles. We have one that has been having right rear tyre issues. The right rear tyre is being shredded. The vehicle has 46000 miles and this is the second tyre it has gone through.

Ford Transit Connect 2006

Bought my Connect in June 2010, 106K on clock, 75 hp version. Didn’t really need it but had a lot of moving to do so it came in handy. Now I find it invaluable. Good in the snow, (My big BMW is virtually grounded) but can get anywhere in the van and don’t worry too much if I get a ding; Haven’t yet. Its comfortable, cosy, drives a bit like a car and with the passanger seat down I can get lengthy stuff in. About 43 mpg so that’s not bad. OK the power is down but it’s a Van, so what do you expect? I know when I get in I am going to get there, it’s very reassuring to drive. For me I think it’s great and I will keep it as a runaround. I’ve done 10k in it already and it hasn’t missed a beat. Recommended.

Ford Transit Connect T220Tddi Lwb 2002

Just bought my Connect T220Tddi Lwb 47000 miles on the clock. I’ve now done 1000 miles in it and now getting a whirring noise in second and third gears. Other gears are as sweet as a nut, sounds like a noisey bearing. Other than that she drives like a new ’un.

Ford Transit Connect lwb tddi 2003

I bought this van 2 years ago at auction for 2k with 100k on the clock, one previous owner and fsh. I reckon if I sold it today I would get my money back. Used for business and pleasure I’ve added 25k. In the 2 years I have it I had to replace the horn, the starter motor, light bulbs and a couple of tyres. Plus services. I also had the radiator bracket replaced as I noticed it was quite rusty when I was replacing the horn. I am 18 stone and 6 foot 2 and I find the driving position very comfortable. Even on regular non stop trips from Derbyshire to South Devon.. I like the fact that the passenger seat folds flat and allows you to carry items almost 3m long. I also like the car like driving experience and the mpg. (around 40 - 45’ish including motorways). Insurance is about £175 fully comp and tax is £200ish. My brother in law who is a plumber had a New Vivaro around the same time and that has been to back the garage more times than I have with my old Connect. As long as I don’t need a bigger van I will definitely buy another Connect lwb next time around. The only other van I may consider is the Toyota Hiace but the low mpg puts me off..

Ford Transit Connect tdci 2005

Hi owned my van for 5 years done 170,000 miles going strong never missed a beat always loaded as still pulls like a train . Gearbox was starting to get noisy a bit and thought whilst I was on holiday I would have the clutch done (all of it, clutch cylinder etc.) Surely it must wear out soon I thought, I would have a rebuild gearbox from Ford put back in whilst they’re at it. They sorted my air con as well as it needed a gas and replaced discs and pads whilst it was there I supplied the brake parts, cost £1500 plus vat in total, didn’t think it was too bad, I change oil and filters every 10,000 can’t really complain, however, our Astra has cost a fortune to keep going compared to the Ford, guess that’s the way it sometimes goes. I’ve got one complaint; it eats tyres on the front could be the way I drive? Lol! It’s a swb low roof 90 Bhp, we also tow a lot as well a 10x 5 trailer easily.

Ford Transit Connect 2003

I had my Transit Connect from new, the best van I’ve ever had. I put 166000 miles on this van and the only time it went to the garage was for services!!! I kept the oil changed every 10000 miles, just kept going and going!!! Shame I sold it, now got a c**p Nissan Primasta, just got 1000k on it, soon be going.

Ford Transit Connect t75 200 2010

Absolutely and utterly disappointed with this shining example of frill-less mediocrity will just sap the life out of you. From the utterly lifeless engine to the wind tunnel sound effects on the motorway, I dont even want to mention the radio as the mere thought of the dingy tinny sound makes me want to cry. Do youself a favour and steer clear of this one.

Ford Transit Connect 220L 2007

This is currently my second connect first was 90p.s LX swb, sold it with 90k no problems except crack in power steering pipe but didn’t keep van off road ! Swapped it for 110 p.s 220L swb, the van is very nippy and pull’s like a train even when loaded. I Find it very comfortable long or short journeys, test drove caddy seats like ’concrete’and felt cramped in comparison both in cab and load area. I like the fact Ford don’t crucify you on the goodies such as heated screen/washer jets absolute must! And steering wheel mounted audio controls are excellent. Only a couple of problems, a faulty coolant sensor and an injector seat seal,all done under warranty and no lost time.Definitley the best van on the road build quality excellent nothing falls off in your hand and ultra reliable,just done 95k averages 39-42mpg even when driven hard drives as new. Going for a new connect soon. Highly recommended, built for a tough life.

Responses to this review

Hi, I just wondered if you could help. My 2007 Connect has been suffering from some sort of pressure build up in the cooling system. I noticed it when my top hose sprung a leak, I replaced it and it happened again. Then I noticed the heater only blew cold air. The matrix and the egr value (I think) were replaced. Now I have light brown coloured water and the the heater sometimes blows hot. They now are going to replace the main rad, any ideas? Thanks, Dean Farrer from London

I had exactly the same, it got worse over three weeks & it was the head gasket - Nick Hutchison from England

Ford Transit Connect l220d 2006

I have driven a lot of vans in my 44 years on the road but the blind spot caused by the front window pilars on the Connect caused me constant worry.

Ford Transit Connect lwb 220l 75hp 2003

This is my 2nd transit connect van,the first was a 2003 swb got it with 47000,miles on it, added 80,000 more in about 2 years, great van just needed general maint, tyres, new battery, brakes, oil changes etc, found it to be reliable, comfortable and economical. I now have a lwb 220l 75hp again ditto, don’t even get tyre problems as other people seem to have. I would highly recommend these vans.

Ford Transit Connect 230 LX High roof LWB 2007

When I bought my Connect I complained that the tracking was out only to be told that it was ok. 9k miles later and the tyres were bald on the inside. I checked the web, downloaded a copy of a report from Royal Mail and one from BT then showed them to Sandicliffe Ford dealers. The reports both warned drivers to check the tyres at 7k for signs of uneven wear. This was because nearly half of their combined fleets of 37000 Connects had worn to metal by the time that they had covered 9k miles. They stopped debating the issue and fitted 2 new tyres and paid for the re-tracking. This just goes to prove that if you do a bit of homework before you complain, it pays dividends. All in all, I think the Connect is a gutless wonder with the finesse of a 1974 escort van. My van has had 5 new windscreens, (heater element problems), a new battery, a new handbrake cable, (old one snapped), the brakes failed, a rear light filled up with water and was replaced and the wheels rusted so were replaced under warranty. My old escort van had 1 day a year in the garage for service and MOT, this bag of s**t has been off the road for 21 days in the first year! The only good thing about Connects’ is that the resale value is very good, (Thank God for small mercies). You have been warned!

Ford Transit Connect tdci 2008

I set up a courier business and bought an 18 months old bog standard tdci from motorpoint. What an amazing van, I can carry loads of stuff. I take pallets down to London every week you don’t know they’re on board. At a steady 60 and no blistering accelleration it does 48mpg, roughly 10p per mile on supermarket fuel. I’ve done 53000 mile in 7 months, replaced front tyres and had 2 services and it has never missed a beat. The sound system is brilliant all you need for 12 hours a day on your own. I also do multi dropping and looked at the items to go in and thought no way, got them all in with space to spare. If you want a cheap reliable van buy one of these vans. I fully expect to do 350000 miles in mine, then I will buy another if I need to.

Responses to this review

Hi Carl, I’ve just read your comments ref; the Ford Connect van as I’m looking to go into the courier business myself. I will certainly be booking a test drive - what model/spec would you recommend? Please advise. PS. Any good information/guidance on how to get started on the courier business would also be great - Bob Sargent from Northamptonshire

Ford Transit Connect 2006

I’ve got a t200 short wheelbase with 166000 miles it’s been a good van the only problems are a noisey cluch and it’s not very good on power. Still very clean, well looked after, it’s been used for courier work, starts well and overall I’ve been pleased.

Ford Transit Connect 1.8 TDDi LWB 2007

This van has been more trouble than its worth.It doesn’t run for longer than 3 months before a problem arises. When I purchased the van I had it serviced, it had a new alternator and timing belt fitted. It ran OK for a while until the clutch went. I had to have a new one and a master cylinder fitted. The next thing to go wrong was the alternator which has beeen a complete pain over the last few months, I have had 3 since September. Luckily the first 2 were under warranty. I would not advise buying a Connect of this age - if you do expect problems because you will encounter some!! The van is a good size and quite versatile but the engine is basically rubbish!

Ford Transit Connect LWB 2003

For many years I’ve run Escort vans and have been delighted with their service. When I initially bought the Connect with 23,000 miles on the clock I was quite impressed and prepared to overlook the fairly poor mpg. It had been regularly serviced and I continued to keep it that way. BUT with just over 60,000 miles covered the transmission let go with no warning! Get it repaired... nope, Ford just flog you a new (sorry rebuilt) transmission. No such rubbish with the Escorts!! Since then there have been expensive brake and fuel issues and now at 107,000 miles it’s developed a major oil leak which is about to be invested. Thankfully I’ve kept one of my Escorts which, with a mere 125,000 miles on the clock runs like a Swiss watch. Why do Ford take a backward step each time they release a new model? You folk that still love them... you have been warned!!!!!!!!!

Ford Transit Connect 2009

Hi! Just taken delivery of this Ford Connect van today. I went out tonight to fill it up and I have never come accross anything like it. I had to fill it at a slow trickle rate, I was there ages. If I squeezed the trigger any faster the fuel just backed up out of the filler hole. It was dark and I couldn’t see that well but, it looked as if there was a black plastic gate covering the filler hole. I tried positioning the nozzle at different angles but it made no difference. Am I missing something here, or just loosing the plot? Any help would be most gratefully recieved.

Ford Transit Connect t200 90 ps swb 2003

As a plasterer this van has been a real asset to me. I have had this van for nearly 6 years now and it has broke down once in this time, cam censor failed! In the process of turning it into a sport model, I have fitted a stainless steel exhaust with sport back box sounds awsone and a kn air filter. The van responds well to these mods. At 43000 so far she still going strong. I have had tyre wear on the front, just replaced, the control arms seems to solve problem otherwise no other major faults.

Ford Transit Connect 2004

Its compact, economical, but a complete heap of ’poop’. It spends more time in the garage than out, and sometimes if I’m lucky it just turns off whilst I’m driving. Putting all that aside though, it is a real beaut.

Ford Transit Connect TDI 2003

I’ve just bought my first ever transit connect 2003 tdi. I must say it is brilliant, especially the road handling and is extremely economical. No problems whatsoever and I have been told that these go on forever and a day when reguarly serviced.

Responses to this review

What are you getting MPG? - Adruan Tunnicliffe from Cheshire

Ford Transit Connect 1.8 TDi 2004

I’ve owned my Transit Connect for a year or so now and found it to be a good strong work horse. It has sufficient room in the back and plenty of room in the front when driving. The only mechanical problem I’ve had so far with it has happened in this last week, the alternater has packed up. The wiring looms to the alternater are also prome to failure as I understand, just something for you to bare in mind. The only reason I’ve given it 4 stars and not 5 is because I feel Ford’s service is poor. I have yet to find a Ford dealership garage in Lincolnshire that can go to the effort of being helpful. If only Vauxhall could make a van to the same strength.

Ford Transit Connect Tornio 2010

Hi folks just took delivery of a Tornio and fitted alloy wheels when the Ford dealer spotted that the back axle was out of centre. This meant that the off side back wheel was 20mm further out than the near side. Ford says this is ok but in my opinion is it not and the dealers agree, but Ford still says it is ok. Have any of you folks hade a good look at your axle to check if it is central? It may be a contributing factor to tyre wear? Apart from that the Tornio is superb, its a pity that Ford has such a poor attitude in correcting this manufacturing over site. I would like to hear feed-back.

Responses to this review

This has been a problem with Connects for years. I had my tyres wear out, down to metal on the inside of the tread, within 8000 miles. Having previously said to Ford that I had thought there was a problem with alignment, I was assured that it was all covered by the 3 year warranty. This warranty only covers tyres for 10000 miles though so make sure that you check them before 10k. I took my van to another garage to get it repaired and the tyres replaced, then gave the bill to Sandicliffe Ford. After a heated debate, they paid out - Dave from Nottinghamshire

Ford Transit Connect T200 2005

Let’s start with the good points: The driving position is nice and high, with a short bonnet which makes it easy to manouvre into tight spaces, the ride quality is also good. There are very basic features - nothing fancy to distract you, and not a lot to go wrong with it, and the styling is up-to-date. The gearbox is almost silent - especially in reverse due to the stronger MTX-75 Mondeo gearbox with syncromesh reverse. The engine (mine being a TDdi) sounds very smooth - none of that diesel clatter like the Escort diesel, and none of the fiddly bits like a TDCI. The lighting is slightly intelligent, so that you can still see what you’re doing in the dark when the doors are closed, but lights go off when you start the engine. The central locking is also very handy. There is plenty of room in the back due to it’s cube-style shape and it’s nice to have the height without having to compromise on width and weight limits of a bigger van. The engine is pokey for only 75 horsepower and the turbo is quiet. The large and wide-angle mirrors are a brilliant idea. The rear bumper is solid which means there’s hardly any damage to the van if you back into anything. You can’t fault the handling in ice and show - she handles perfectly! (watch those poor Vauxhall Combos struggle!!! hehehe) But now for the faults... Interior is made out of cheap plastic which scratches easily, exterior plastic colour fades quickly and is hard to bring back to colour. The alternator wiring loom is too short and prone to breaking and chafing, causing the battery light to come on when it finally breaks. The sound system isn’t anything special. The clock slows down 1 minute every 3 weeks. Passenger seat isn’t comfortable at all. Should have come with a 6-speed box, or higher ratio 5th gear for motorway journeys. Apart from the above, I am happy with it. I’d only replace it for the newer 2009-10 version, as the styling is nicer :-)

Responses to this review

I have 2004 Connect TDDI, done 47k in 06 when I got it, now done 164k. Engine just keeps going - although totally gutless. Build quality is typical Ford - sh*te, body work is going rusty - again typical Ford. No under tray to protect engine from water etc - typical Ford, gearbox rubbish. Good size inside, good driving position. If you buy one keep an eye on body work, keep tyres checked for wear as I go through plenty, keep it serviced regularly and it should keep going. Plastic body trim fades badly, windscreens always gets chips - I have 3 a year!! (must be the angle of it to keep getting chipped as I don’t hug no-ones bumper. Get TDCI engine as 75bhp tddi is sh*te. I am looking for bigger van - Transporter, Trafic, Scudo etc but all have bad reviews, as do other vans including this? Someone told be once that all cars/vans are crap - some are more crapper than others. How true is that? Adrian from Norfolk

Ford Transit Connect T220 2009

Absolutlely rubbish, Bought T220 new few months ago and was told it goes like **** and that i would have no bother reaching top speeds of 120mph, Not that i want to ever drive that speed but its good to know its got some punch. Can only get 80mph max out of it and its acceleration is non existent, Another problem is that the Multifunction Warning light kept coming on when it heated up, took to ford garage where I bought it and they supposedly fixed it, it goes even slower now than it did before. Ford say there is nothing wrong with it and that’s the performance I should expect. If anybody can let me know how to make it go faster with more acceleration please let me know.

Responses to this review

I don’t own one of these vans but am about to buy one, an LX one, it’s the 90 horse power one same as yours I think and that was well quick with good pick up. Does it have a restrictor on it? Also had a vauxhall combo and much slower but found that main dealers never do a proper job, you might be better taking it to another garage - Sam Findlay from Wales

I have had the same problem, no power and no exceleration. My van is 09 model and is rubbish on the motorway. I took it to Ford who are trying to sort out the problem, apparently it is the fuel injectors not working properly and also the compression settings are wrong. I personally think that Transit Connects are a waste of space mine, is only 4 months old and has been in the garage 3 times, they are ok for in the city but if you have to go on the motorway forget it. They are very poor in performance - D Williams from England

Ford Transit Connect T 200 L 2005

I bought mine 14 months ago and had usual tracking and tyre problems etc. Overall I’m very disappointed with the vehicle and was planning to sell until last week when it decided to start shaking and juddering between 45 and 70 mph. After having new gearbox mountings, followed last Monday by new engine mountings I am now told that it looks like being the flywheel. I’ve been told this will cost around £800, but no guarantees of course !! I wouldn’t have another one given me right now. Anyone else had the same problems and can you offer any advice?? Dave 07973 131467

Responses to this review

I’ve got the same problem, did you get yours sorted and what was it? - Keith Bird from Northumberland

Ford Transit Connect 2007

I dont have much time for this van, even to review it. The seats are horrible, the engine is gutless, slow and uneconomical, bits of the bumper fall off for no reason, the gearchange is horrible, its equipped how you’d expect to buy a van 10 or 15 years ago and I now hope I never have the sadness of having to drive a Ford vehicle ever again!

Ford Transit Connect lwb 1.8 T210 2003

I’ve just purchased my Transit Connect its a lwb 1.8 T210 and runs on LPG. It used to belong to the Humberside Police Force. Early indications are very good with 69000mls on the clock and a full history. The van feels fresh with excellent brakes, good handling and adequate performance, however, fuel consumption is disappointing only averaging in the low to mid twenty’s mpg and thats with a light right foot.

Responses to this review

Just a quick footnote; Experience with a Combo on LPG shows that with LPG cars there is a rise in fuel consumption, but overall the vehicle is cheaper to run than an equivalent petrol version as the cost per litre is lower. Bloody government taxes..- Rod from England

Ford Transit Connect 200 swb L 2006

Had it one week engine and the engine has seized. I swear on my life. I pulled over from the motorway as soon as possible but when RAC came and turned engine over again it seized. Oil leak from the filter... Anyway, thank god I leased it. I found the seat very hard and uncomfortable. Cabin noisy and everything squeaks and rattles etc... Very slow, I had the 75 bhp. Turning circle good, steering excellent if a little heavy. Needs a sixth gear for motorways. My advise is if you want it for same day courier work, for example, long journeys... DON’T GET IT. Pretty poor fuel consumption and the clutch I found to be heavy. Plus it is very ugly.

Ford Transit Connect 2009

Exactly the same problem but here in France - 2 front tyres bald after 13,500 KM’s. Had to pay for 2 new tyres and alignment in full before dealer would release van back to us. Ford France told us to get lost re paying for all but 50 per cent of new tyre cost - unreal! I wonder if its an all too common story? How many others have been delivered without front wheel alignment set correctly?

Responses to this review

What is it with these Connects? Mine has covered 8,500 miles and the tyres are bald on the inside edge. How can Ford produce such a good product that is sold to the public so badly prepared? Just no pride in their work - Gordon Roberts from Inverness-shire

Just took delivery of a Tourneo Connect and the garage found that the back axle was 20mm out to the of side this means that you probably will not be able to do 4 wheel alignment? check your back axle - Chris Colby from England

Ford Transit Connect 2006

Bought this van 2nd hand - 1 previous owner and 40,000 miles - to start up a courier business, in preference to others due to load capacity and even though I have previously steered well clear of Ford! Have to say I find most of these reports staggering - I have nothing but praise for it and it returns an average 44 mpg on Tesco bog standard diesel - the only time this faltered was after I inadvertently put a tank full of BP’s ULTIMATE in after which consumption dropped by 4.5 mpg - still waiting for BP’s answer on that! It is comfortable, has all the bits I need, relatively quiet for a van, and the air con is tremendous - just a pity there’s so little need for it in the UK! I still believe that much of what Ford turn out, particularly in terms of family cars, is crap - but in this they have a winner.

Responses to this review

Did you get an answer from BP. I did the same as you and have the same problem. I can’t explain to myself the reason behind this othervise I am happy with it - Chefa from London

Ford Transit Connect T230 LX

The connect has been a good van to us; now nearly 6 years old, 54,000 miles and only really had servicing as per book, apart from the problem with the charging light staying on. Had new battery fitted after 5 years and the light stayed on - problem with wiring I am told but it is charging the battery. It does wear the front tyres on the inside but I put that down to all the speed bumps we have around here. We have since bought 2 other Connects (1 written-off ) and a Astra sportive but I like the Connect and the local Lambert’s Ford Garage for service.

Ford Transit Connect 2006

We have had continuous problems with the tracking of the front wheels, causing us to buy numerous tyres.

Ford Transit Connect Tourneo. 2008

Buying my van has been an abortion from day one. The Ford dealer knew nothing about disabled drivers benefits and had to be nursed through procedure. This including me having to arrange a local engineer to fit wheelchair clamps. At this point they refused my previously agreed finance saying my wife must have finance as she is the disabled person. So my van sat on forecourt taxed and insured and I couldnt have it until I paid the balance ( £6,000 ). I had already paid half down and wanted rest on finance, but had to pay full amount to get my van. They did lend me a car to get about in until I found the money but it had £1000 excess so I was scared to drive it unless I really had to ... When I did get the van ,the drivers door did not fit and was out of line, the steering wheel was out of line ( I asked them to check tracking after reading this page!!) The van also had the wrong tyre pressures, low engine oil, number plates out of line and well on the lash ..so they took it in and sorted some probs but damaged my door, then painted it wrong shade, then took whole thing to proper paint shop who did a good job making it look new, but the drivers door now needs to be slammed or it doesn’t close properly and they ground 10mm off the rubber bumpstop to make door fit. So something is 10 mm out of whack ..the door panels ..and I mean all of them rattle and groan as do all the doors ..at anything over 45 mph there is so much wind noise it sounds like the window is open !! And it only has 800 miles on the clock .. yes 800 .....in case you are thinking "it cant be that bad" I am a recently retired time served mechainic who ran my own garage for 25 years and have been in the motor trade since 1975. So I know what I`m talking about ..On the plus side, its nice to drive,nippy around town good on M ways and returns fantastic milege, really ,really fantastic milage. Sometimes I think the gauge has stopped working its so good ..pity the build quality and local dealer abilities are so piss poor. i am now in process of trying to get Ford head office to send an engineer to find out if it is within manufacturers specs or not. If I get a refund I will be buying a well made vehicle ie a Volkswagen. Fed up with Ford.

Ford Transit Connect 200 2003

Our Connect is a total lemon. Loads of trouble from new which the local Ford agent often struggled to sort out. First fault was it stopped on the dual carriageway & had to be recovered when only a few days old. Front tyres wear out on one side & the tracking has been checked & checked & checked - was doing this while under warranty but the Ford garage wouldn’t (or couldn’t) do anything about it. I’ve heard since that some of then were not aligned properly when being manufactured & there’s nothing to be done about it. The Ford garage denies this. Repetitive fault with the windscreen wiper linkage falling apart. Repetitive fault with the alternator. Massive engine oil leak which cost £800 to fix. Had to have a new gearbox at about 100,000 miles - conveniently just out of warranty. Now it’s had to be towed into the Ford garage again & they say it needs a new engine (135,000 miles with mostly main dealer service history) which will cost £2000 & it’s going to the auction - good riddance! Never again!

Ford Transit Connect 220 SWB LX 2004

I’ve been the only driver since new - it’s my only van, and used for my work as a carpenter. I ordered the van to my spec for my particular needs, and has virtually everything - even the ’no glass tailgate special order’. I have to say that it has been very reliable (now 60,000 miles) and the only problems have been (ongoing) unreliable aircon and that the clock seems to loose time (quite a common problem it seems). Van is used 3/4 loaded most of the time, although it only returns a regular average of 38 - 41 mpg. Mind you the engine is a ’tweaked and tweaked’ version of the doggy Ford diesel of old - must be about time Ford called it a day and fitted something better like the French do in their vans. It is comfortable to drive, can motor well when needed, load area is nice and ’square’ and will carry nigh on 800kg. Would recommend the Connect, but if a better engine is in the offering, wait for that.

Ford Transit Connect 210 LX 2007

Well, where do I start? Having run 4 Escort vans for years, some with over 350,000 miles for each van. I made the decision to try the new Transit Connect 210 LX with all the extras. On collection we were very pleased with our new cash purchase. However at approx 7,500 miles I noticed that the front two tyres had gone completely bald so I took it back to the main dealer to be checked assuming that as the van was just three months old that all would be sorted out under warranty. This turned out not to be the case and we had to pay for the new tyres and tracking. The dealer was not able to obtain any factory test certificates to confirm if the vehicle had ever been tracked correctly and this is not carried out as part of the pre-sale check. It is my opinion that the van had been delivered to us with the tracking out of alignment. At approx 13,000 miles I noticed that the engine had a flat spot at approx 3000 RPM so I again took the van to the main dealer who carried out tests but were unable to find the fault. I was informed that I would have to wait until the van broke down or that the fault was persistent. I carried on driving the van for a further 4,000 miles and took the van to the main again and demonstrated the fault. It turned out to be the turbo that had blown and there followed another week off the road with a new van at six months old. The van has been fine for the last six months but this week as I was driving down the motorway the engine lost partial power and I thought that it was a repeat of the turbo fault so I telephoned Ford for assistance and that turns out to be the AA and nothing to do with Ford and the service was excellent. I telephoned Evans Halshaw in Preston (the dealer where I purchased the van from) and was told be their service manager that the soonest that they could investigate the problem was 2/3 weeks. I called Ford Customer Care to see if they could help and was told that they could send me a list of telephone numbers of other dealers and I should ring round and see if any of them could get the van in any quicker and they would not provide any hire vehicle. This van is still under 12 months old and have just been informed that it now requires a new engine and waiting to hear if it is going to be covered under warranty. The moral of this sorry story if you rely on your van for business do go near a Ford Transit Connect.

Responses to this review

Hi, I was just reading your review on the Ford van. At the moment we are having a problem with our van, ie the turbo has gone and the dealers are blaming this on ourselves and that we over filled with oil. This is not the case, but I was just wondering if you heard of any other people who had trouble with this engine. I hope you will be able to assist us. Thank you - Dolores Fealy from Ireland

I have had two Connects. The first one did 130,000 with no problems at all. The second one, a 2007, which has now done 117,000 in just over 3 years has had a couple of problems. First one was tracking as mentioned, kept wearing nearside rear tyre. This was rectified by replacing the axle, which was done under warranty, the mileage at that time was 25,000. The other problem which most mechanics I have talked to say is common on the Connect is the cable between the alternator and the wiring loom. It first started with the charging light coming on saying no charge. I replaced the alternator to find I still had the problem. I had my old one refitted and the van carried on for about 6 months with no problem all but it was still indicating not charging. Then it boiled the battery and I had to get it towed home. Now that the cable has been replaced we are back to normal and am keeping fingers crossed. I hope this will help anyone else that has the same problem - Tony Roberts from Denbighshire

Ford Transit Connect swb 90 lx 2006

Not a great deal to be said here, really. Awesome van, quick, quiet, and very very comfortable. Spacious load area due to square shape, reliable (29k in 3 months, no breakdowns). LX pack a real addition, heated windscreen great in cold weather, armrest nice in traffic, driving position and view of road second only to full size transits. Surprisingly good handling, decent fuel economy (same on average as astravan 1.7cdti that replaced it). Only thing mine missed was air con, get that and you’ll grin for years. This van doesn’t get you to work, it helps you at work. Sounds odd, that. Truly capable vans and well worthy of the Transit badge. Definitive 5 stars.

Responses to this review

Everything's going for it, so why don't you go for it? It harvests the traditional sports car virtues without getting stuck in the rut of the past. It's as up to date as the date on today's calendar and has the charm and appeal to make everyday feel like that special holiday. There's all the dash and flair one could wish for without the flash of the exhibitionist - so if you could package fun in commonsense and splash it with a dash of sunshine, this treat would be hard to beat. We're talking glowingly about Mazda's latest MX5 - with origins back to 1989 - which continues the great sports car tradition that dashing young (and old) blades have known and loved for generations. Being a Mazda, It's as reliable as a banker's bonus; with a plus factor that prices haven't gone through the roof (Starting at £19345 for the Roadster Coupe tested, but Soft top MX5s start at just over £16000). This little Mazda is simply amazing and one wonders why everyone doesn't grab themselves a share. Delighted owners derive satisfaction from the fact that they're members of a very exclusive club. An exclusivity that doesn't depend on a bottomless wallet, but a reservoir of sense, spiced with a sense of fun - brrrm brrrm! zoom zoom! And fun is what this sporty Mazda is all about. Whether you're driving it or passing by you can't help but smile. Once the high revving 159bhp 2.0 litre engine (You can have a 1.8 litre124bhp version) is alive it breathes through an exhaust with a lovely sporty note; hinting at the fun to come. Settling into the comfortable hot seat you take in your surroundings and appreciate the practical cabin - with plenty of room for two and their bits and pieces - where everything combines to stir the emotions ready for that delectable sports car enjoyment. It's fitted with welcome features such as power windows, airbags and a jolly good quality stereo system. And, of course, if fresh air action is your thing, you just push a button and...Hey Presto! Electric power folds that metal roof away in seconds. Grasp the steering wheel, which fits snugly into you hands, snick the gearlever into the first of the six gears, blip the throttle to amplify the burbling exhaust and fuel the sense of exhilaration and you're ready to go. On the grimy streets of our decaying cities the MX5 shines like a neon as you elicit admiring glances and pointing fingers: the sculpted styling and curvaceous shape enhancing the considerable road presence. Impeccable manners born of responsive steering, astute brakes and well tuned suspension mean that smooth progress can be made even along streets deliberately fouled with humps, ramps and tank traps by the overpaid zealots from the Ministry of Nastiness and Elimination of Fun. Out on my top-secret test route things really began to buzz. I couldn't help but push it hard and utilise the 159bhp. Acceleration is sharp and smooth, steering is wonderfully weighted and there's lots of grip - and should you push to lunatic levels where even the traction control won't save you, you can bring it back into line with a quick flick of the wheel - because it's rear wheel drive. It handles like a pedigree without any niggles whatsoever, doing all that's required so well that the wonder is that you're not caught in a permanent state of wonder. It holds the road so tenaciously that you don't even question it, and it delivers punch enough to take you to near 130mph when needed, without the trepidation that can accompany ludicrously quick supercars. You don't need that sort of nonsense on today's roads. What you need is enough zip to act as a pick-me-up, and the reassurance that comes with sublimely adjusted engineering. The sort of car, in short, that won't spin out when you take it for a spin - but will weave a little magic web of its own. Monsieur and Madame Toad might not take to the road in such a vehicle, but the less terminally desperate will certainly find it's the cat's whiskers. And the running costs - even though I only achieved about 29mpg - are bound to leave any owner purring. It's very definitely the cream of small sports cars - and do I want one in my Christmas stocking? Yes Rudolph. Yes! On a grim November night on a damp road in a traffic jam, this car is a veritable shaft of sunlight.