[andi wilson]

Need to get a replacement van for one of the boys.. Looking at the old shape Connect as I don't want to spend too much. (Lad tends to be rather unlucky with fence posts jumping out at him..)  What size tank can these carry, and any issues I should be aware of, part from the dreaded rust..

[johnwillan]

Need to get a replacement van for one of the boys.. Looking at the old shape Connect as I don't want to spend too much. (Lad tends to be rather unlucky with fence posts jumping out at him..)  What size tank can these carry, and any issues I should be aware of, part from the dreaded rust..

T230 (LWB) Gross Payload 900kg. We use 500L Delivery Systems. Not had any issues.

[Tony dunmall]

I've an old 10 year old T220 SWB 500 litre  grippa system two reels

No issues used 4 days weeks now by a polish chap economical and reliable 

[Spruce]

T200 = 625kg payload
T220 = 825kg payload
T230 = 900kg payload

for the first generation of Transit Connects from 53 plate. Rusty sills seem to be the norm with older vans.  Corrosion of the chassis is also a very common  MOT failure. A good indication is to do a search on MOT history with the vans reg number.  It will give you an indication of the van's under body condition, how well its been maintained and whether the dealer is showing the van in a better light than it actually is.

Electrical issues - alternator charging harness to the battery was/is an issue. The insulation around the wire breaks down causing shorts and charging issues. Main issue is the section of cable under the battery holder. Ford have a revised harness as a spare part which they will charge to fit.

Suffer from electrics to rear tail lights as harness is too short resulting in chafing on bodywork.

Central locking is also known  to play up but should be corrected with an ECU software upgrade which Ford will charge you for.  A locked van would automatically unlock and the interior lights remain on which flattens the battery.

Probably worth your while to get an AA or RAC inspection if you settle on a half decent one. Used out there tend to be high milers.

We fitted son in laws T220L with a 500 liter tank. Handled a full tank of water well - better than son's Peugeot Partner 800 lx.

.

[robbo333]

I've had the Connect T200 for about 7 or 8 years. Brilliant van. Last year water pump and in the last few months, new clutch and starter motor but I'm more than happy with it's reliability. My mate just sold his lwb connect, again no major problems at all.

[DeLuce]

I've got the T230 lwb. 2004. Had it about 6+yrs. It's been great. As has already been said, I have had both sills welded back up. Definitely a problem. This was a few years ago now and the rust is coming through again and it's starting to look tatty. The rear bumper is very similar.
Mechanicaly and electrically it has been sound. Drives like a car. I've got 500ltr upright tank fitted across the bulkhead. Quite stable fully loaded and under braking. Excellent reversing with full load, good gearing.
I think, overall, an excellent machine. It serves me well. The timing belt needs changing at 100,000/10yrs whatever comes first (if memory serves me right!!)