Ford readying a challenger?

ah yes the transit custom, a go between the transit connect wagon and the full blown tranist passenger van. I do wonder if they will offer it in commercial guise, would imagine that cannibalizes a bit from Transit and TC?

I think cargo would be a wise choice but it seems with Ford that could be a 50/50 chance of happening, maybe lower, but if it means moving more of these and giving folks an alternative, they could make the case for it.

warren said:

I think cargo would be a wise choice but it seems with Ford that could be a 50/50 chance of happening, maybe lower, but if it means moving more of these and giving folks an alternative, they could make the case for it.

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What are you saying? Ford offers both the Transit and Transit Connect in Passenger and Commercial trims... This guy would simply add a third option... I guess they feel if it works in europe why not here???

Yeah, plus it isn't that hard to slot in a commercial version, probably less work for them than building a passenger version.

After owning Ford Econolines for 30 years, I bought a Sprinter. I wouldn't consider a Ford, despite the new shape. Considering how they milked the Econoline for 50 years, I doubt the Transit will be any better than a rattle trap with poor suspension that will shake apart after 3 years.
My 2004 Sprinter with 100K miles still drives like it did 13 years ago. So, I would buy a Metris in a heartbeat.
B

We are a three van family, two old Astros, and a Metris. No other van in the market fits my needs as do those two. One of the Astros will be kept forever, I just had a re-manufactured motor put in it. When the other one dies, I'll be looking to replace it. I really like the Metris, but I have no brand loyalty at all. If a vehicle fits my needs, I'll buy it.

The original post is 2 years old.

I guess Ford isn't really serious about this market segment in the USA. :grin:

I test drove a Transit Connect & was thinking this was going to be my next vehicle. Thank God I found the Metris before I bought that! MB is not doing enough to get the message out about this far superior vehicle. Ford's kicking their ass in sales, just because most folks don't know the Metris is even available.

Ford offering the Transit Custom would be a win for Mercedes. Why? Because it will finally demonstrate that equipped like for like, Fords vans are overpriced- being more expensive than those of Mercedes-Benz.

MakerMark said:

I test drove a Transit Connect & was thinking this was going to be my next vehicle. Thank God I found the Metris before I bought that! MB is not doing enough to get the message out about this far superior vehicle. Ford's kicking their ass in sales, just because most folks don't know the Metris is even available.

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I was basically in same boat. Took a look at the Metris while researching TC online and saw the MSRP... wow out of my budget, but that size and 'Mercedes' brand fits my bravado and my small business. Then came along a great credit union auto loan pre approval rate plus the end of 2016 model year incentives and it was a close call... still more money with the options I wanted but I just knew I'd be a happier owner in the Metris. No regrets for the most part (standard paint sucks).

You're right about getting the word out. In NC I'm surprised to not see many on the road, yet I get questions at gas stations and the attendant at the recycle center has be curious when I open the barn doors the full 270 degrees.

Ditto MakerMark.
Though the real reason for low MB sales is that the Metris is higher priced than the competition. American mindset is to pay the least for an item, and not consider that the premium priced item may well be better made, and last longer.
As I posted previously, the many Ford's I owned were poorly designed (and, never upgraded) rattle-boxes that were meant to self-destruct after 3 years. My 2004 Sprinter shows that spending an extra $10K will provide you with a vehicle that will last more than 4 times what a Ford will.
Bob

True. Most people don't realize that paying 30% more for something that will last twice as long is a great deal.

I currently run a 2005 chevy Astro, #4 over 22 years. I'm having a tough time and highly looking at the MB but my concern is durability and power coming down from a 4.3 liter and a higher ground clearance. The cargo size is almost exact of a Astro.

I've owned 3 passenger Astros, still have 2 of them, lov'em. I have a 2016 Metris passenger van. The Metris will outperform the Astro hands down and with better gas mileage to boot. I don't see ground clearance being an issue on normal roadways. I expect at least average durability, but time will tell.

MakerMark said:

I test drove a Transit Connect & was thinking this was going to be my next vehicle. Thank God I found the Metris before I bought that! MB is not doing enough to get the message out about this far superior vehicle. Ford's kicking their ass in sales, just because most folks don't know the Metris is even available.

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Same, test drove it (FORD TC) with my daughter when Wife was out of town, we both liked its size, features, was a bit gutless, but, I was ok with it. WHen Wife got home, we went to test drive a Metris-bought it that day. Mercedes needs to treat it and market it like a Mercedes at an incredible price, not treat it's customers like the B-team.

Side note, my insurance company didnt know what the Van was, thought I was making it up. (Mercury).