I'm not sold on the capless fuel fill. Every other pump I have to hang a weight on the nozzle to keep it engaged in the fill pipe or it pops out a bit and shuts off. Maybe you have to be in CA where the pumps have vapor recovery (A.K.A. Godzilla's foreskin) on the nozzle to get that. I do like all the modern niceties though. Coming from a 12 year old Sprinter it would take all day to list the improvements.
little things you love about your transit
I feel like I was really negative on the quirks thread so how about little things about your transit that you think are great.
For me it's:
- the overhead storage area, we had under floor storage in our minivan and it was a pain to use
- the single seat, it drives me nuts that there isn't a car seat anchor but it's perfect for separating older kids who are either out of boosters or can use just a booster
- all the cup holders especially the big one that holds my huge water bottle
- the USB ports so I can charge my phone without the plug part, power inverter, or buying a 12v charger
- the dash phone holder, it fits an iPhone 6 perfectly and let's me see a short text without having to pick the phone up or take my eyes off the road more than I would using the radio
- the vinyl floors, I can't describe how fantastic it is to not have to steam clean carpet
- the usable space under the seats, on trips the kids can each bring a small bag of toys and books that fits under their seat
For me it's:
- the overhead storage area, we had under floor storage in our minivan and it was a pain to use
- the single seat, it drives me nuts that there isn't a car seat anchor but it's perfect for separating older kids who are either out of boosters or can use just a booster
- all the cup holders especially the big one that holds my huge water bottle
- the USB ports so I can charge my phone without the plug part, power inverter, or buying a 12v charger
- the dash phone holder, it fits an iPhone 6 perfectly and let's me see a short text without having to pick the phone up or take my eyes off the road more than I would using the radio
- the vinyl floors, I can't describe how fantastic it is to not have to steam clean carpet
- the usable space under the seats, on trips the kids can each bring a small bag of toys and books that fits under their seat
21 - 40 of 110 Posts
I spent a lot of time looking at Promasters and Transits. I drove both the gas and diesel Rams, and the 3.7 and 3.2 Transits. Although I bought (ordered) the Transit, I was curiously drawn to the Promaster. Every time I went inside one I could quickly visualize my build, where to fasten things, mount things, etc. I also liked the lower entry height and the nimble peppy handling of the pentastar v6, as well as the way the Promaster looked with privacy glass. The Ram seemed likely to be more efficient, lighter, yet with great payload as a conversion platform. So why did I go for the transit?
Rather than say anything bad about the Promaster, let me just say that the overall build and engineering quality of the Transit stood in a clearly different class. So this is my favourite "feature" of the Transit. The quality shows everywhere in a myriad of details. The overall robustness of the engineering, the way the doors feel, the way they are latched, the over-built unibody structure (compared to the Promaster), the proven truck-based drivetrain, the lack of evident cost cutting in any substantive item. When I crawled underneath one or two to take a detailed look and some pictures, it seemed to me a thing of beauty. Nothing looked likely to fail.
So, while I do believe I could have bought a Promaster and been quite happy with one, I would have forever looked wistfully at the Transit as the one that got away.
Rather than say anything bad about the Promaster, let me just say that the overall build and engineering quality of the Transit stood in a clearly different class. So this is my favourite "feature" of the Transit. The quality shows everywhere in a myriad of details. The overall robustness of the engineering, the way the doors feel, the way they are latched, the over-built unibody structure (compared to the Promaster), the proven truck-based drivetrain, the lack of evident cost cutting in any substantive item. When I crawled underneath one or two to take a detailed look and some pictures, it seemed to me a thing of beauty. Nothing looked likely to fail.
So, while I do believe I could have bought a Promaster and been quite happy with one, I would have forever looked wistfully at the Transit as the one that got away.
I like the ride height and view. Drove my 2002 Dodge Dakota the other day, and really noticed the difference. It felt old, low, slow, and dark, in comparison.
I purposefully dug up this thread after seeing the Quirks You Don't Like About Your Transit thread pop up so often in the Active Topics list. Sheesh, people coming here might think we don't like our Transits due to that list of mostly niggles.
We've had new owners join the forum since this thread was last active at the end of August 2015, so, maybe we'll see some new love, here.
EDIT: Oh! Forgot to mention another difference relating to view. When checking traffic coming from the right, the window in the Transit slider provides MUCH better view than I could get with the Dakota ext. cab.
I purposefully dug up this thread after seeing the Quirks You Don't Like About Your Transit thread pop up so often in the Active Topics list. Sheesh, people coming here might think we don't like our Transits due to that list of mostly niggles.
We've had new owners join the forum since this thread was last active at the end of August 2015, so, maybe we'll see some new love, here.
EDIT: Oh! Forgot to mention another difference relating to view. When checking traffic coming from the right, the window in the Transit slider provides MUCH better view than I could get with the Dakota ext. cab.
My 03 Dakota single cab is not slow. V8, 5 speed, limited slip with rear roll bar added. Much fun to drive. But as you say it is crude, old, low and dark.I like the ride height and view. Drove my 2002 Dodge Dakota the other day, and really noticed the difference. It felt old, low, slow, and dark, in comparison.
The Transit is great to drive, handles very well and is a much better vehicle than the 08 Sprinter that I drove for 5 1/2 years. No comparison.
I've got the 4.7L V8 in my Dakota ext. cab. I wouldn't call it slow. But, the 3.5 Ecoboost makes the Transit peppier. And, the Transit gets better gas mileage in general use... though the Dakota does better at fast highway speeds. From my early glance at the numbers, I think the 3.5 has about 150% of the horsepower and torque of the 4.7, too.My 03 Dakota single cab is not slow. V8, 5 speed, limited slip with rear roll bar added. Much fun to drive. But as you say it is crude, old, low and dark.
The Transit is great to drive, handles very well and is a much better vehicle than the 08 Sprinter that I drove for 5 1/2 years. No comparison.
Have you had these troubles with your Dakota? ... At about 100K miles, the 4.7L is known to start breaking exhaust manifold bolts. I got a broken bolt and exhaust leak at around 105K miles. And, the front brake rotors are known to warp easily. I've put 2 sets of rotors on in the past year. Have resolved to always put tranny in Park when at stop lights, when driving the Dakota... to keep from making a hot spot that would get a warp started.
Have 90,000 miles on Dakota. Lots of miles pulling a 6 x 12 trailer.
Had limited slip rear end rebuilt under warranty and two emission sensors replaced a few years ago. Been a very reliable truck. Have not had any other problems and still on the original brakes. Did spend the extra $50 to get rear disk brakes when I ordered it.
Had limited slip rear end rebuilt under warranty and two emission sensors replaced a few years ago. Been a very reliable truck. Have not had any other problems and still on the original brakes. Did spend the extra $50 to get rear disk brakes when I ordered it.
I'm amazed at the number of times people have come up to me at the gas station or parking lot and ask "How do you like it?" Then when I say I Love It and tell them that it seats 15 plus has an extra 2' of cargo space, they can't believe it. So here's my list of 'Loves':
1. Seating for 15
2. Large cargo space behind last seat
3. High roof
4. Privacy glass
5. Quiet diesel engine that gets almost 20 MPG & 6 speed transmission
6. DRW for added stability (dislike the skinny tires with limited size options)
7. Large front windshield with lots of visibility
8. Turn signals on the mirrors
9. Lane keeping warning (I like it, wife turns it off)
But probably the capability I love most about this van is how easy it handles on the road, at highway speed, in parking lots, in confined spaces, and just general overall drive-ability.
1. Seating for 15
2. Large cargo space behind last seat
3. High roof
4. Privacy glass
5. Quiet diesel engine that gets almost 20 MPG & 6 speed transmission
6. DRW for added stability (dislike the skinny tires with limited size options)
7. Large front windshield with lots of visibility
8. Turn signals on the mirrors
9. Lane keeping warning (I like it, wife turns it off)
But probably the capability I love most about this van is how easy it handles on the road, at highway speed, in parking lots, in confined spaces, and just general overall drive-ability.
1. EcoBoost power (of course)
2. Handling.....basically everything about the way the Transit drives and handles, no complaints.
3.Passing that person on the highway that clearly believes all vans are slow and not going to pass them.
2. Handling.....basically everything about the way the Transit drives and handles, no complaints.
3.Passing that person on the highway that clearly believes all vans are slow and not going to pass them.
Just got my first tank of diesel today and was pleased to see my distance to empty say 440 miles. That's probably 120 miles farther than the range of any vehicle I've ever had and now I just need a way to take a leak without stopping because I don't think my bladder has the range this van has.
I only have a couple hundred miles on it so far and the dash says I'm getting 17.1 mpg. I haven't calculated the actual mileage because it wasn't full when I picked it up. I only get about 12 mpg in the econoline I've been driving for 10 years and it's nowhere near as big as this van. I'd be really happy to see myself getting 50% more mpgs when the motor breaks in.
It's only been in my driveway a week and I'm getting a bunch of texts from people that see it and comment how badass it looks with the dually setup and they love the color.
I only have a couple hundred miles on it so far and the dash says I'm getting 17.1 mpg. I haven't calculated the actual mileage because it wasn't full when I picked it up. I only get about 12 mpg in the econoline I've been driving for 10 years and it's nowhere near as big as this van. I'd be really happy to see myself getting 50% more mpgs when the motor breaks in.
It's only been in my driveway a week and I'm getting a bunch of texts from people that see it and comment how badass it looks with the dually setup and they love the color.
I love the big SYNC screen. The side mirrors are awesome for lane changing. The rear camera for backing up. Driving it in general! I love having the option of putting the seats in or taking them out as the need arises.
Another thing that will cause warping is blasting them at the self serve car wash when they're really hot.Have resolved to always put tranny in Park when at stop lights, when driving the Dakota... to keep from making a hot spot that would get a warp started.
I'm mostly satisfied with the driveability of the van...a vast improvement over that days of old. I dig the commanding view, but shudder to think of what the replacement cost of the windshield might be!
The cupholders are outstanding, and although they're small, the info screens give lots of...well, info.
I got 6 speakers (a free upgrade when you order a van, just remember to include it) and it sounds much better than I thought it might. I plugged in the IPOD and let loose with some very old school Judas Priest and it rocks well enough. I'll be upgrading the front door speakers but I think the stock head unit has plenty of power. Clean sound, too.
Backup sensors...the camera works quite well but the signal going along with it makes it extra easy.
The leather seats...the fabric gets really dirty and just doesn't hold up.
The Ecoboost...what more needs to be said?
The cupholders are outstanding, and although they're small, the info screens give lots of...well, info.
I got 6 speakers (a free upgrade when you order a van, just remember to include it) and it sounds much better than I thought it might. I plugged in the IPOD and let loose with some very old school Judas Priest and it rocks well enough. I'll be upgrading the front door speakers but I think the stock head unit has plenty of power. Clean sound, too.
Backup sensors...the camera works quite well but the signal going along with it makes it extra easy.
The leather seats...the fabric gets really dirty and just doesn't hold up.
The Ecoboost...what more needs to be said?
Well, being I just bitched about the armrests in the quirk thread I thought I'd say something nice being I had never replied in this thread..........
Overall I'm very impressed with my van (T250, low roof, 130" WB, 3.5 EB, 3.31 LS). It's light years ahead of my old '03 E-250. Most impressive to me is the ride and handling while the Ecoboost is tons of fun.
It's also amazingly quiet for such a large hunk of tin.
Overall I'm very impressed with my van (T250, low roof, 130" WB, 3.5 EB, 3.31 LS). It's light years ahead of my old '03 E-250. Most impressive to me is the ride and handling while the Ecoboost is tons of fun.
It's also amazingly quiet for such a large hunk of tin.
Yes, same things appeal to me, the camera is great for backing up within 1/4 inch of a painted line.I'm mostly satisfied with the driveability of the van...a vast improvement over that days of old. I dig the commanding view, but shudder to think of what the replacement cost of the windshield might be!
The cupholders are outstanding, and although they're small, the info screens give lots of...well, info.
I got 6 speakers (a free upgrade when you order a van, just remember to include it) and it sounds much better than I thought it might. I plugged in the IPOD and let loose with some very old school Judas Priest and it rocks well enough. I'll be upgrading the front door speakers but I think the stock head unit has plenty of power. Clean sound, too.
Backup sensors...the camera works quite well but the signal going along with it makes it extra easy.
The leather seats...the fabric gets really dirty and just doesn't hold up.
The Ecoboost...what more needs to be said?
BTW, my dealer's shuttle has been waiting for a new windshield for weeks, in short supply.
But my all time favorite thing? This baby is is so easy to find in a busy Wally Mart lot... very important for the senior staff!!
Haha! Yeah, but just don't park it next to anyone else...all the dings on my old van are the result of other people! A bit more to walk, but if I have to park within the masses, I try not to get next to junky vehicles. People with nicer cars tend to care more about the edges of their doors.This baby is is so easy to find in a busy Wally Mart lot... very important for the senior staff!!
I often try to do this, but it seldom works... Seems like every time I park away from everyone else - even if I'm clear out in the North 40 - I return to find SOMEONE has parked RIGHT BESIDE me! WHY?!?!Haha! Yeah, but just don't park it next to anyone else...all the dings on my old van are the result of other people!
Had that happen to my S-10 when it was only a week old. Went to a ham radio swap meet, parked well away from everyone else. When I got back someone parked their 1970s-era land yacht about 8" away from me and opened the 4 foot door into the side of my truck! AUGH!
On the plus side I quickly got over keeping the truck pristine that way... Meh, dents and dings, who cares?!
Not the parking 8 inches away thing that you also mentioned, but...I often try to do this, but it seldom works... Seems like every time I park away from everyone else - even if I'm clear out in the North 40 - I return to find SOMEONE has parked RIGHT BESIDE me! WHY?!?!
Parking near you in an open lot, they may be using you as cover. I do that. Like, at Lowes, I park away from people, but, that's also the downslope area. I like to have a vehicle on the upslope side, to catch any heavy blue carts that come rolling down my way.
I haven't reached a conclusion, yet, as to whether the plastic lower panels on the Transit are high enough to catch errant shopping carts or door hits. Anyone had any experience with such?
Something else how we fret over them until the lust wears off. But my God, they sure are sweet when they're new!On the plus side I quickly got over keeping the truck pristine that way... Meh, dents and dings, who cares?!
I often try to do this, but it seldom works... Seems like every time I park away from everyone else - even if I'm clear out in the North 40 - I return to find SOMEONE has parked RIGHT BESIDE me! WHY?!?!
Had that happen to my S-10 when it was only a week old. Went to a ham radio swap meet, parked well away from everyone else. When I got back someone parked their 1970s-era land yacht about 8" away from me and opened the 4 foot door into the side of my truck! AUGH!
On the plus side I quickly got over keeping the truck pristine that way... Meh, dents and dings, who cares?!
I had one small ding after 12 years in my '03 E-250. The trick is to park in the tightest spots you can find.
21 - 40 of 110 Posts
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