I ordered a Sprinter!
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I'm NOT going to order a new van since I can't see the shipping problem being resolved anytime soon.
I'm going to see what is on the dealer lots and see if I can work out a purchase. I doubt I can get a new Transit bought this year and will just trade up to a late model GM van and see what Ford can do for me in a few years. Todd
I'm going to see what is on the dealer lots and see if I can work out a purchase. I doubt I can get a new Transit bought this year and will just trade up to a late model GM van and see what Ford can do for me in a few years. Todd
I'm not in a pressured timeline of any sort to purchase a van. As such, I'll wait for awhile, see how it works out with Ford. Realistically we probably wouldn't be buying until end of next summer. As such, I don't see need to pay the surcharge for a three pointed star on the grille.
But... for the folks who really need something now, and want some custom order, yeah... I can see not doing the Transit.
But... for the folks who really need something now, and want some custom order, yeah... I can see not doing the Transit.
Congratulation from Sprinter owner waiting now for transit as others who are played by ford. The only reason for my wait is 15 seats capacity. Ford is ridiculous and I am ashamed that I am doing any business with them. Is Ford ready for another government financial help?? Ford behavior remains me behavior of some swimming pool contractors. You pay them, they dig just a hole and that is it !!
Sooner you find reliable business to deal with - better for you.
Sooner you find reliable business to deal with - better for you.
Yes. Not sure why I even follow the Forum anymore. Misery loves company I guess.
I'd order a Sprinter myself, but the nearest dealer is over 150 miles away. Even though I've had very good luck with my Mercedes ML, I can't risk needing to have it towed that far for warranty work.
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I believe Ford was the one who did not take financial help from the government...
I can understand frustration for those who want one quickly. I am not in a hurry so I plan to stick with the transit. I just see the normal issues with a new vehicle and poor communication from a large company.
I can understand frustration for those who want one quickly. I am not in a hurry so I plan to stick with the transit. I just see the normal issues with a new vehicle and poor communication from a large company.
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220 Posts
I'm in the same category as in not needing to purchase right now and can wait for things to speed up and sort itself out. I bleed blue, so going with another manufacture is out of the question. Besides the transit looks to be a better van anyways. Also glad there are choices for people to choose, as they say there is an ass for every seat.
A/C guy I hope the MB van works for you.
A/C guy I hope the MB van works for you.
Isn't the huge problem with the Sprinter the parts and limited service network?
I'm not sure how many people are ready to put up with this:
Need some help. Stuck in Albuquerque. - Sprinter-Forum
Whereas, the Transit is encountering laucnh issues that would, for the most part, most likely be gone after this year.
I'm not sure how many people are ready to put up with this:
Need some help. Stuck in Albuquerque. - Sprinter-Forum
Whereas, the Transit is encountering laucnh issues that would, for the most part, most likely be gone after this year.
In my opinion, the new Transit has the potential to be a far superior product to the Sprinter, for all the reasons given above. Too many business friends with Sprinters have had too many problems.
My previous experience with Ford vans, going back decades, is fueling my patience.
Here's hoping that I am not running on empty . . .
My previous experience with Ford vans, going back decades, is fueling my patience.
Here's hoping that I am not running on empty . . .
I'm with you PeterR. I very seriously considered the sprinter but with the problems, the expense to fix, closest dealer over 1 1/2 hrs. away and the rust. I could not bring myself to do it. If my current Van perishes before the arrival of my new transit I'll be forced to go sprinter and lose my deposit. I cant work without my van and if I am shelling out over 40K for a cargo van I should not have to settle.
No Diesel! I had originally planed to get a promaster last year.
waiting for Sprinters
It is fascinating to me, as evidenced by this forum, how much anticipation is being devoted to a new utilitarian van (for either primary passenger or cargo use) that most have never test driven, sat in, or even seen!
I have been drawn into it too. I follow this forum daily and have been watching the auto industry news for a year for any news about the Transit.
Where does the intense interest come from for this vehicle?
It seems obvious that there is a huge gap in product availability that North American auto makers have been extremely slow to understand or address. The Sprinter design appeals to many. But cost and various potential hassles associated with owning a Sprinter will keep it from being a mass market product. Ford has almost a wide open market to fill with its new "Sprinter alternative." But they seem very casual in their approach to reaching that market -- even though they have had a highly suitable product for decades in Europe to plug into our market . Why has the E Series van been allowed to live on for son long?
Like others here, I will continue to follow this forum. But it makes more sense to check in maybe weekly and hope for some regular new owner feedback as opposed to the endless speculation over when a particular ordered vehicle may or may not get manufactured or shipped or delivered.
A new van will be a discretionary purchase for me. I can wait a while. I am going to draw back my anticipation for a vehicle that I still have not even seen on a public highway. I know the Transit is in production in the good ole USA. But you would hardly know it. I am waiting until there is less smoke and vapor and more steel.
It is fascinating to me, as evidenced by this forum, how much anticipation is being devoted to a new utilitarian van (for either primary passenger or cargo use) that most have never test driven, sat in, or even seen!
I have been drawn into it too. I follow this forum daily and have been watching the auto industry news for a year for any news about the Transit.
Where does the intense interest come from for this vehicle?
It seems obvious that there is a huge gap in product availability that North American auto makers have been extremely slow to understand or address. The Sprinter design appeals to many. But cost and various potential hassles associated with owning a Sprinter will keep it from being a mass market product. Ford has almost a wide open market to fill with its new "Sprinter alternative." But they seem very casual in their approach to reaching that market -- even though they have had a highly suitable product for decades in Europe to plug into our market . Why has the E Series van been allowed to live on for son long?
Like others here, I will continue to follow this forum. But it makes more sense to check in maybe weekly and hope for some regular new owner feedback as opposed to the endless speculation over when a particular ordered vehicle may or may not get manufactured or shipped or delivered.
A new van will be a discretionary purchase for me. I can wait a while. I am going to draw back my anticipation for a vehicle that I still have not even seen on a public highway. I know the Transit is in production in the good ole USA. But you would hardly know it. I am waiting until there is less smoke and vapor and more steel.
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55 Posts
Keep in mind that true global vehicles are something relatively new for Ford. Alan Mulally has created a new collaborative culture in Ford that replaced a culture that didn't really have much collaboration across global regions. There are always start up issues with a new vehicle launch and I don't see anything unusual with the US Transit launch. They are just ramping up slowly to insure they don't have any major issues. After the ramp up period I expect this will be a very successful replacement for the Econoline with reasonable delivery times for ordered vehicles and lots of options for upfitting for individual purposes. Ford will address the high volume options themselves and the other options will be addressed by the aftermarket. The posts on this forum reflect the usual mix of enthusiasts (who can have strong opinions on every little detail), new people looking for info, and the occasional troll. What percentage of the actual customer base is here? I would guess a few percent at most...
Good points John S, Greg, et al.
I would add mainly that I HAVE driven two new Transit cargo vans, and found them to have very good handling, acceleration, driver visibility and so forth. Starting with my first Econoline cargo van in 1969 (which received a very cursory DIY upgrade for cave man dwelling on the road), subsequent Ford vans and a passenger E-350 Club Wagon, I have been happy with Ford's quality and attention to detail, as backed by a great local dealer's service department.
The new Transit compares very favorably with my past Ford van experience, and as I have said above has the potential to take over the American market with its various lengths, roof heights, engines, rear end ratios, and many other options. It is superior to the Sprinter and ProMaster in my opinion.
Yes, one's patience is tested at this stage of the roll out, but in the end the wait will hopefully be worth it.
And of course it is nice not to have a pressing business need for a new work/business vehicle, as others do.
Good luck to all!
Peter
Test drives:
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/purchasing-ordering/3161-crew-van-test-drive-4.html
When someone actually takes delivery of a real life Transit, please chime in here:
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...elivery-custom-ordered-transit.html#post52002
I would add mainly that I HAVE driven two new Transit cargo vans, and found them to have very good handling, acceleration, driver visibility and so forth. Starting with my first Econoline cargo van in 1969 (which received a very cursory DIY upgrade for cave man dwelling on the road), subsequent Ford vans and a passenger E-350 Club Wagon, I have been happy with Ford's quality and attention to detail, as backed by a great local dealer's service department.
The new Transit compares very favorably with my past Ford van experience, and as I have said above has the potential to take over the American market with its various lengths, roof heights, engines, rear end ratios, and many other options. It is superior to the Sprinter and ProMaster in my opinion.
Yes, one's patience is tested at this stage of the roll out, but in the end the wait will hopefully be worth it.
And of course it is nice not to have a pressing business need for a new work/business vehicle, as others do.
Good luck to all!
Peter
Test drives:
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/purchasing-ordering/3161-crew-van-test-drive-4.html
When someone actually takes delivery of a real life Transit, please chime in here:
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...elivery-custom-ordered-transit.html#post52002
I'm not worried about the delay, though I know people who depend on a van for their work needs are in a much different situation.
Having driven several Transits on the test track at the Ford ride-n-drive tour I came away knowing it's the van I've been waiting for. I was interested in a Sprinter going back 5+ years, but had the same concerns many have expressed earlier on this forum. Glad I waited.
I know what I want, but haven't placed my order. I'm waiting for some of the dust to settle. Also, if my architect can work it out, the home remodel I'm planning will incorporate a larger garage and a high roll-up door.
In the mean time, I'm putting a lot of effort into designing the road-trip van that meets the needs of me (a photographer who does projects) and my wife (a painter and illustrator). There are a lot of things to suss out, starting with our requirements. No hurry on that.
I've made good progress designing a system that will my electrical needs, and have prototyped on a cart what I'll be going (using a small AGM battery, rather than the dual 100 AH AGMs I'll purchase when the van is ready) with and running it through its paces powering this and that (fridge, microwave, lights, Ham radio). Attached is a phone snap - solar charge controller and 120v three stage battery charger on the top deck; battery, shunt, battery monitor, and inverter on the bottom.
I really can't get into the Ford thumping (again, fortunately, my timeline is flexible). It will be ready when it's ready...
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Having driven several Transits on the test track at the Ford ride-n-drive tour I came away knowing it's the van I've been waiting for. I was interested in a Sprinter going back 5+ years, but had the same concerns many have expressed earlier on this forum. Glad I waited.
I know what I want, but haven't placed my order. I'm waiting for some of the dust to settle. Also, if my architect can work it out, the home remodel I'm planning will incorporate a larger garage and a high roll-up door.
In the mean time, I'm putting a lot of effort into designing the road-trip van that meets the needs of me (a photographer who does projects) and my wife (a painter and illustrator). There are a lot of things to suss out, starting with our requirements. No hurry on that.
I've made good progress designing a system that will my electrical needs, and have prototyped on a cart what I'll be going (using a small AGM battery, rather than the dual 100 AH AGMs I'll purchase when the van is ready) with and running it through its paces powering this and that (fridge, microwave, lights, Ham radio). Attached is a phone snap - solar charge controller and 120v three stage battery charger on the top deck; battery, shunt, battery monitor, and inverter on the bottom.
I really can't get into the Ford thumping (again, fortunately, my timeline is flexible). It will be ready when it's ready...
Same issue here from Clearwater, FL! I ordered my half ton, mid roof, reg wheelbase with lots of options on July 29....promised date went from mid September to mid October, now is Thanksgiving. <gobble gobble> As others noted, I also drove a Transit before buying and loved it. I could never, repeat NEVER get another Sprinter, let alone Mercedes. They are highly overrated with no knowledgeable techs in my area. My Transit will be a work vehicle, I don't mind waiting. In fact, the dealer has graciously agreed to extend my mileage agreement passed the 35k mile mark as per agreed upon on the contract. That rolled by this weekend.
Waiting for Transits
Just noticed that I mis-titled my post above. Meant to say "Waiting for Transits," not "Waiting for Sprinters."
On this point, I realize now that perhaps the most passionate category of expectant Transit owners are you folks out there who see a new Transit as a blank canvass upon which you can create your own special purpose vehicle for the adventures, hobbies and various unique purposes that you look forward to. The passenger seating issue is of little concern to you because you see all that space behind the two front seats as space to be filled with beds, toilet, cooking equipment, heating and cooling equipment, augmented power, and all the special gear needed for your particular road-going passion. That's great. I admire that. You approach this challenge with the same zeal of someone getting his 40ft sailboat ready for a trip from Los Angeles to Bora Bora. I think of you guys as the "McGiver crowd" -- perpetual tinkerers.
Then there are the electricians, plumbers, roofers, and contractors and trades-people of all description. You want a spacious and reliable vehicle that will make it easier for you to make a living. You are more pragmatic than the group described above. "Just give me a van I can (preferably one I can stand up in) so I can organize my tools and parts and get more work done more efficiently." I understand that need perfectly.
Then there are people like me who are looking for a the 21st Century version of the Ford Country Squire Wagon, the Buick Estate Wagon, the Olds Vista Cruiser Wagon, the Ford Aerostar van, the Chevy Astro/GMC Safari, and the Dodge Grand Caravan, and the VW Vanagon and Eurovan. We want something offer the practicality/ versatility of all these vehicles but exceeds what they offered in terms of usable space. The Ford Expedition EL and the Chevy Suburban/ GMC Yukon XL are alternatives but somehow not quite right.
I had hoped the short, low roof Transit Wagon would be the holy grail to fill this need. Not yet, I'm afraid. I hope Ford continues to refine a version of the Transit to zero in on the market segment I just described.
Just noticed that I mis-titled my post above. Meant to say "Waiting for Transits," not "Waiting for Sprinters."
On this point, I realize now that perhaps the most passionate category of expectant Transit owners are you folks out there who see a new Transit as a blank canvass upon which you can create your own special purpose vehicle for the adventures, hobbies and various unique purposes that you look forward to. The passenger seating issue is of little concern to you because you see all that space behind the two front seats as space to be filled with beds, toilet, cooking equipment, heating and cooling equipment, augmented power, and all the special gear needed for your particular road-going passion. That's great. I admire that. You approach this challenge with the same zeal of someone getting his 40ft sailboat ready for a trip from Los Angeles to Bora Bora. I think of you guys as the "McGiver crowd" -- perpetual tinkerers.
Then there are the electricians, plumbers, roofers, and contractors and trades-people of all description. You want a spacious and reliable vehicle that will make it easier for you to make a living. You are more pragmatic than the group described above. "Just give me a van I can (preferably one I can stand up in) so I can organize my tools and parts and get more work done more efficiently." I understand that need perfectly.
Then there are people like me who are looking for a the 21st Century version of the Ford Country Squire Wagon, the Buick Estate Wagon, the Olds Vista Cruiser Wagon, the Ford Aerostar van, the Chevy Astro/GMC Safari, and the Dodge Grand Caravan, and the VW Vanagon and Eurovan. We want something offer the practicality/ versatility of all these vehicles but exceeds what they offered in terms of usable space. The Ford Expedition EL and the Chevy Suburban/ GMC Yukon XL are alternatives but somehow not quite right.
I had hoped the short, low roof Transit Wagon would be the holy grail to fill this need. Not yet, I'm afraid. I hope Ford continues to refine a version of the Transit to zero in on the market segment I just described.
Well said John S.
I am hoping that the first bench seat can be moved back, and/or replaced with a full-width seat, while the second bench seat is removed for a small DIY area for tools, camping equipment, and a small day bed, size and shape TBD. For my needs the low roof Wagon would be ideal except for the bench seat knee space issues you have raised elsewhere, which can be dealt with via some ingenuity and custom floor brackets of some sort. (As an old carpenter friend used to say, as we would start a new renovation project: "Man has put it together -- man can take it apart!")
Not sure if you saw the photo I posted of the low roof 130" WB cargo van (link below), but seeing this short wheelbase low roof van confirmed that the Wagon version will probably work for me, to tow a small trailer like the ParkLiner.
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/53882-post18.html
I am hoping that the first bench seat can be moved back, and/or replaced with a full-width seat, while the second bench seat is removed for a small DIY area for tools, camping equipment, and a small day bed, size and shape TBD. For my needs the low roof Wagon would be ideal except for the bench seat knee space issues you have raised elsewhere, which can be dealt with via some ingenuity and custom floor brackets of some sort. (As an old carpenter friend used to say, as we would start a new renovation project: "Man has put it together -- man can take it apart!")
Not sure if you saw the photo I posted of the low roof 130" WB cargo van (link below), but seeing this short wheelbase low roof van confirmed that the Wagon version will probably work for me, to tow a small trailer like the ParkLiner.
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/53882-post18.html
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