Opinions on Transit Connect, Promaster City?

[Horus]

From reviews I've read the Transit is a better ride then the Promaster. It's basically a Ford Focus, but that car also had transmission issues...

Promaster require serious pre-purchase check by someone who has experience with that specific vehicle, even if it is new. I have a 2021 Promaster 3500 I bought new a year ago, to early to tell long-term, but it’s been problem-free so far. It's surprisingly nice to drive and it handles well. I've done quite a bit of research, and although there are a few known issues, if you stay on top of maintenance they'll run for a long time. They're good workhorse vans and they're wider, which makes them very suitable for conversions. Also, this https://van2b.com/promaster-van-conversion-kits/ was is huge time-saver, and the results look better than what I'd have the patience to make myself.

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[MountainGoat]

I would avoid the ecoboost on both Transit and Transit connect just for reliability.

There are two Transit Connects for sale by me and BOTH have had the transmission rebuilt or replaced, one at 125K miles and another at 150k. What a joke. I've had tons of used vehicles and buying something with 100k or even 150k was no big deal. Not anymore.

 

[LostInTransit]

A bit late seeing how I just located this thread. but I wanted to chime in here with our experience with our 2020 2.0L Connect. Over all it's been very reliable, even with a few small hiccups. The thing that's been most rewarding is that we've upgraded the van's entire suspension with aftermarket or performance parts, things like a Hardrace 28mm sway bar, 19'' wheels and 245/40 Nokian all weather tires. We're still experiencing issues with our build because of the shop we've had to the part installation have not followed through with making sure things are correct. Plus Maryland roads have been extremely rough cause the front struts to go out 3 times over the last 4 years.

One of the best things we've done to the van was add a custom set of coil springs all around. The front being a stock ride height are 20% stiffer, while the rear springs 2'' shorter are also 20% stiffer. Installing the rear springs wasn't difficult, other than the OE shocks have too much up travel thus allowing the springs to randomly fall out. We've correct this by installed a set of class 3-6 truck shocks. But some step down sleeves and a few thick washers were needed to make this work. interestingly, the paperwork says the van is a flex fuel vehicle. But there's no indication as to any signs of the yellow filler tube. Ford did say that our 2.0L can run on the flex fuels or a mix of fuels. So we've been running E40. I can't say I'm sad that Ford discontinued the van, cause our van is one of a kind..

I've never test driven the promaster nor did I have the desire to do so. This makes our second connect since 2015. If one can waid through any electrical issue (main due to the poor battery) or the transmission issues, (mainly due to not changing the fluid every 30K miles) one can and should consider the Connect. But because you'd be looking at a used van, one must remember if you buy, you're inheriting someone else problems or a van that may not have bene care for.

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