I bought my 2010 TC about 4 years ago with 56,000 miles on it, and have since added another 30,000, mostly trouble-free.
The only thing I've had to replace that was pricey, was the front door latches ($331 each X 2). I was having a problem that I've read about a few times (but only a few) on my TC forum, where the doors would unlock and the interior lights would come on when the doors were really closed, because the computer thought one of the doors was still open.
When the problem got bad enough that I feared the doors might unlock themselves in a parking lot while I was away from it, I went ahead and ordered the latches. I bought them about a year apart, though, so it's not like I had to dump the entire $662+ on the van at one time.
Most parts can be found at your local auto parts store, but I'm picky when it comes to "complicated" electronic switches / latches, so I opted for the Ford Factory parts, instead of taking my chances with the cheaper Chinese knockoffs I've heard so many bad things about.
An example of local auto parts store prices (bases on super-high SF Bay Area / California prices) are, $35 each for brake rotors, $21 for the valve cover gasket (the dealer wants $42), and $10 each for spark plugs.
If I change the engine oil myself, it's about $35 for the oil & filter. It's twice that if you have the shop or dealer do it. :s
Pros: Tons of headroom (I'm 6' 4"), decent legroom, though as someone else mentioned, it would be nice to have an additional 2". Comfortable seats w/adjustable lumbar support, tilt and height settings.
It's also been very reliable and affordable to own. Pretty decent mpg too, though I'm not getting 30mpg. I'm pretty sure the 30mpg estimates are for the 2nd Gen TC's with the V6.
Cons: Gutless, powerless, weak-ass acceleration with almost zero passing power, unless you're driving downhill (downhill would also be when you'd get 30mpg).
Super-stiff, bone jarring, teeth rattling rear suspension, that will bounce you out of your mind on dirt or washboard roads.
I've been wondering if I could put TC passenger van springs on it to soften it up a bit.
This is minor, but I do wish that when you raised the driver's seat up, and it moves forward, that you could move it back again. Unfortunately, moving it up automatically moves the seat forward, reducing the legroom..... And that's a drag when you're tall like me.
For years I drove Mercedes Sprinters for work, and those would allow you to jack the seat up (a lot) and still move them back for legroom... which I always did.
I'd also prefer it if I could get the van with a 5-speed manual transmission instead of the automatic.
All in all, though, I really like it. I don't live in it, just use it for camping, and it's great for that.
I think I'd go crazy if I tried to live in such a small space.
~
