2012 Transit Connect day 2

[jacks18614]

Gas mileage over two lane rural Appalachian state highways with a few traffic lights=27.5

Climbed RT487 Red Rock Mtn. 2 mile 18 degree grade in 2nd gear at 35-40 mph, coolant gauge did not more a hair from level driving.

No comparison to old school RWD vans in handling, ease of parking, turning radius, driver visibility and driver comfort level.

Ford premium sound system with sync hooked to a 1.5 TB harddrive provides a massive music library with selection made by pushing one button on the steering column and then just voice commands.

 

[frater secessus]

Thanks for the report.

New (or nearly-new) vans are $$$ but do have benefits.  I've always driven used "cash cars" so my van was a splurge, or an investment in my retirement.  I fuh-reaking love it.  Completely planted in all situations, traction control, comfortable, good MPG for size, excellent cooling, insane turn radius for such a barn-sized critter.

 

[jacks18614]

It's actually cheaper in the long run to buy an off lease 4-5 year old euro van at 40-50% of it's brand new selling price vs. a dinosaur. My old dinosaur averaged 15mpg. In the Commonwealth fuel taxes are the highest in all 50 states. Unleaded is $2.87 a gallon in my town. It's only a matter of time that it will be moving up to say $4.00 a gallon.

Over a 100,000 mile period at $4.00 a gallon the dinosaur has a fuel cost of $26,666 and my eurovan is $14,545 which is a difference $12,121 which basically is just about the cost of my Transit Connect.

 

[jacks18614]

 Completely planted in all situations, traction control,

Today I was checking sites for the NEVR 2018 summer solstice fun fest in the Loyalsock State forest before the big noreaster. I was not able last year to investigate this camp site(s) due to a 7 ton one lane 12'6" bridge across the creek being closed for repairs.

After that I went to worlds end state park where I parked on a downhill incline facing the creek on the bare ground (100% saturated with water). Upon leaving I put the TC in reverse gave it some throttle and it climbed from the bare ground back onto the asphalt and the pure street tires with only 50% tread left no marks in the soil whatsoever.

 

[highdesertranger]

LOL, 2.87 a gallon I wish it was that cheap in California. CA average 3.50 a gallon. in your more remote areas it's well over 4 bucks. highdesertranger

 

[sephson]

Gas mileage over two lane rural Appalachian state highways with a few traffic lights=27.5

My Kia Soul gets about 30 MPG out on the highway, so I'd say you're getting great gas mileage for a vehicle that's twice the size of mine.

LOL,  2.87 a gallon I  wish it was that cheap in California.  CA average 3.50 a gallon.  in your more remote areas it's well over 4 bucks.  highdesertranger

Hey, I paid $3.46 a gallon today! What a deal!