Haven't decided yet on a promaster or transit, waiting on diesel reviews. Why is the Transit $2-4K more off the bat compared to similarly equipped promaster. Right now you can buy a Promaster $6K off so I'm leaning toward the promaster unless ford has a rebate/sale etc… like they do for their other vehicles offering outrageous discounts at different times of the year. If i had to buy now, the Ford would cost near $10k more for the same equipted/rated vehicle.
Why the extra cost for Transit vs Promaster
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>>> Right now you can buy a Promaster $6K off so I'm leaning toward the promaster unless ford has a rebate/sale etc… like they do for their other vehicles offering outrageous discounts at different times of the year.
My reasoned guess is there is probably very little demand for the promaster, thus necessitating an aggressive discount to drive sales. I have no idea about Transit demand, though I suspect if it were low, a discount would be offered.
Why discount if there is no need?
My reasoned guess is there is probably very little demand for the promaster, thus necessitating an aggressive discount to drive sales. I have no idea about Transit demand, though I suspect if it were low, a discount would be offered.
Why discount if there is no need?
1. Assembled in KC vs Mexico.
2. Cost of developing an all new design (Ford's fault, they could have used European model as-in IMO) vs just integrating the Pentastar powertrain into the existing Ducato.
3. MSRP isn't as much difference. Promaster just isn't selling apparently.
Even though I want an interior and rear AC, with street prices of PM $10K less than Transit, it might be worth it. PM has definite advantages for side-load handicap transport.
2. Cost of developing an all new design (Ford's fault, they could have used European model as-in IMO) vs just integrating the Pentastar powertrain into the existing Ducato.
3. MSRP isn't as much difference. Promaster just isn't selling apparently.
Even though I want an interior and rear AC, with street prices of PM $10K less than Transit, it might be worth it. PM has definite advantages for side-load handicap transport.
I took a PM for about a 20 miles ride , you should do the same. Then your question will be answeredI expect that from any vehicle that can almost carry its own weight in cargo. The suspension can't be tuned to go from empty at around 5000 pounds to loaded down approaching 10,000 pounds. And the mass ratio is more pronounced at rear when empty, so it's no surprise most complaints are about rear suspension ride quality.
By contrast a nice-riding luxury car may go from 4000 to only about 5000 pounds. In my opinion short of using very expensive air, independent, and active suspension on a van it's likely going to ride harsh when empty.
You should drive one. I was shocked by how well it drove and rode. I think, the much longer wheelbase helps a lot with the ride.
I agree with Dwight. They drive very well. That Pentastar v6 can scoot that van along pretty good.
It was the hideously awful driver ergonomics that kept me from buying one.
I'm 6'4" and it was the most uncomfortable vehicle I've ever driven.
The 5'9" guys think they're just fine though.
They have had quite a few gremlins and bugs plague them in this first year.
But considering the huge discounts being offered right now, it's probably a good idea to go drive one just to see if it would work for you.
Just driven one, nice quiet ride, plenty of power, bought it, 2500 159" High roof lots of options,$37,600 paid $30,000 + T&L. Couldn't pass up the savings. A Transit of equal size and options would have cost me at least $8k more right now.
I agree, although I'm not following the comment about it being Ford's fault for not using European Transit design. For the most part they look like the same vehicle to me -- it was just time for Ford to update the Transit there too so they combined and standardized the design to a large extent.
Anyway, in addition to your points I'd also add front wheel drive. FWD vehicles like the ProMaster are generally less expensive to manufacture everything else being similar. Other than the PM being bigger, the cargo version of the RAM minivan with similar power train can be seen advertised for as low as $20K sometimes, so I think RAM has an advantage over Ford in pricing. It will be very interesting to see how a van with similar function will sell compared to higher quality if the price is kept significantly lower.
Although I was waiting for the diesel, economics came into the picture, I can buy allot of fuel with the savings by buying a Promaster gas version at the current discounted price. Other than the Xcross country trip we will take, I'll be lucky to put 5K miles on it a year. The savings will invested in outfitting it for the camper conversion. $30K plus $25K for DIY conversion beats buying one for $80-100K. I live in CA so the license fees will be allot less yearly.
Good way to break it down
it really does help to look at it like that as there's some key things to factor in.
I was referring to the "existing" 2013 design at the time Transit was announced for the US. It shares no sheet metal with the 2015 version and was transverse engine in fwd applications. It was better looking IMO, was highly rated, and was not a very old a design by van standards. It was the Transit that I was hoping we'd get in the US. Seems like it would have been cheaper to just re-power the 2013 Transit with a US certified engine as Fiat did with Promaster. If you can stuff the 3.5 Ecoboost in a Taurus you should certainly be able to do it in a van. It will be interesting to see how the new Americanized version plays in Europe.
carnut, I view it more as that we only get the RWD version, not that the Transit concept has changed all that much from previous 2013 model. The European version was available in both FWD and RWD previously (don't recall about AWD), so that hasn't changed either. If you go to UK site they list FWD, RWD, and AWD Transit models.
If we don't get the FWD version here it's only because Ford doesn't think they can make as much money (either because of profit margins or they don't think we'll buy many of them). If the RAM ProMaster sells well I'm sure Ford will compete with a FWD version.
By the way, a good friend sent me a phone video inside a middle roof cargo Transit and even though he's only 5-7 or 5-8 tall he instinctively ducked his head to move around. He was checking getting between seats for me, and found it more difficult than in my Econoline. He even hit his head on top console the first time coming from cargo to seat. I still need to see one in person but data so far is less than I expected -- hence disappointing.
If we don't get the FWD version here it's only because Ford doesn't think they can make as much money (either because of profit margins or they don't think we'll buy many of them). If the RAM ProMaster sells well I'm sure Ford will compete with a FWD version.
By the way, a good friend sent me a phone video inside a middle roof cargo Transit and even though he's only 5-7 or 5-8 tall he instinctively ducked his head to move around. He was checking getting between seats for me, and found it more difficult than in my Econoline. He even hit his head on top console the first time coming from cargo to seat. I still need to see one in person but data so far is less than I expected -- hence disappointing.
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