Used Ford Transit Connect for sale: everything you need to know
With its usefully large load area, user-friendly cab, great driving manners and low running costs, the popular Ford Transit Connect strikes a fine balance between the things that matter in a good quality used van.
Not to be confused with the larger Ford Transit Custom, there is also a passenger version, called the Ford Tourneo Connect that's available in five seat and seven seat long wheelbase versions.
Rivals to the Ford Transit Connect include the impressive Vauxhall Combo Cargo, the popular Citroen Berlingo and the Renault Kangoo.
If you think this might be the right van for you, you are in the right place to find out everything you need to know. Here, we’ll talk you through the range of bodies, trim levels and engines that are available. The Ford Transit Connect has been the UK’s best-selling small van for many years, so there are plenty of them available to buy used.
Should you buy a Ford Transit Connect?
Even a small van needs to be able to carry lots of stuff and, on that score, the Ford Transit Connect really measures up. You can get two Euro pallets into the back of the shorter L1 body, or three into the longer L2. Payloads vary depending on which body configuration you choose: the maximum is 982kg. The back doors open wide and the load area floor is relatively low if you need to climb in.
To drive, the Ford Transit Connect feels much like a Ford Focus: light and agile with accurate steering and a smooth ride. Whatever type of work you’re doing, whatever kind of roads you’re driving on, it’s easy and comfortable. It can even be quite good fun. There’s a choice of engines to suit different sorts of work, but they all get on with the job quietly and efficiently.
The Ford Transit Connect is also a good vehicle to work from, as Ford paid close attention to the needs of a variety of users. There are loads of storage areas for everything from drinks and snacks to clipboards and laptops, including a deep shelf above the windscreen. The dashboard is similar to that of Ford’s cars in its features, design and quality.
The cab is very roomy for two, although a third person may feel a bit squeezed with the optional dual-passenger seat. However, this also adds a through-loading hatch in the bulkhead at floor level, which is useful if you need to carry anything long and thin.
There are literally hundreds of combinations of body, engine and trim level available, so there’s a Ford Transit Connect to suit just about everyone. It’s very cost-effective and fuel-efficient, too.
Running costs are extremely good, it’s robustly made and generally very reliable. Retained values are only about average for this type of vehicle, simply because there are so many used examples available.
The Ford Transit Connect is one of the best small vans. It’s a great working vehicle that’s a pleasure to drive and use. There are also loads of models to choose from, plus it won’t break the bank.
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What's the best used Ford Transit Connect model to buy?
There’s no need to go to extremes with the Ford Transit Connect, and the middle of the range is where you will find the version that will suit most buyers. The 100PS 1.5-litre diesel gives a good blend of pulling power and economy.
The exceptions to this are if you are spending loads of time doing short trips in town – in which case the petrol model might be a better bet – or if you need to tow or regularly haul a heavy load around then the 120PS is going to be easier to live with.
The Trend trim makes the most sense on a value for money basis, so if you need the Ford Transit Connect as a tool first and foremost then it will suffice, but it misses out on a few desirable bits that you’ll wish you had. The Limited might be a bit of a step up financially, but it does have air conditioning, rear parking sensors and cruise control.
Used Ford Transit Connect fuel economy and performance
The Ford Transit Connect is available with one petrol or one diesel engine, although the latter can be ordered with three different amounts of power. You can also choose an automatic gearbox. Which one is best for you depends entirely on what sort of work you are planning. The petrol engine might work well for light, local duties, but the diesels will be better for heavy-duty or long-distance jobs. We should note that Ford doesn’t publish acceleration times.
Ford Transit Connect 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS petrol – This model has Ford’s characterful 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 100PS, which should translate to quite sprightly performance. CO2 emissions are 158g/km and a six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard.
Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi EcoBlue 75PS diesel – Here we have a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 75PS. That’s not much power, but it should be ample if you carry light loads. CO2 emissions are 133g/km and a six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard.
Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi EcoBlue 100PS diesel – This is the 100PS version of the 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. With a third more power than the 75PS model, it will accelerate usefully quicker. You can choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions are 135g/km for the manual and 150g/km for the automatic.
Ford Transit Connect 1.5 TDCi EcoBlue 120PS diesel – The most powerful engine offered in a Ford Transit Connect is the 120PS of this 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel. It’s also available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions are 134g/km for the stick shift and 150g/km with the auto.
What used Ford Transit Connect trim levels are available?
There are several trim levels available for the Ford Transit Connect. Leader and Trend are primarily aimed at commercial buyers who need a cost-effective working vehicle. The higher-spec trim levels are aimed at those who want a van that looks and feels more like a car, which the Ford Transit Connect certainly can do.
The Ford Transit Connect was launched in 2012 and facelifted in 2019, with new styling details including a revised front grille, plus updated tech and Ford’s latest engines.
Ford Transit Connect Leader – The entry-point Ford Transit Connect is intended as a hard-working commercial vehicle. Standard features include DAB radio, Bluetooth, electric windows, central locking and overhead storage in the cab.
Ford Transit Connect Trend – Trend is also aimed mainly at commercial buyers, but it looks a bit smarter with its body-coloured front bumper and wheel trims. The height-adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lights and voice command system also make it more suited to long-distance work.
Ford Transit Connect Limited – This model feels much more like a car from inside. Standard features include air conditioning, heated seats, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Ford Transit Connect Sport – As the name suggests, the Sport model looks pretty racy with its 17-inch wheels, deeper bumpers, aluminium roof rails and part-leather upholstery with red stitching. Standard features otherwise match those of the Limited.
Ford Transit Connect Active – The top-of-the-range Ford Transit Connect has the same kind of styling as many SUVs, including raised suspension and black plastic body cladding. It also has a Sync3 media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Used Ford Transit Connect dimensions and boot size
The Ford Transit Connect is available with two different body lengths, and you can have it as a panel van or five-seat crew van.
The Ford Transit Connect’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4,425mm (L1), 4,825mm (L2)
Width: 1,967mm
Height: 1,830mm (L1), 1,828mm (L2)
The Ford Transit Connect’s payload capacity is up to 982kg, depending on which body configuration and engine/gearbox combination you go for.
Maximum load length: 1,786mm (L1), 2,152mm (L2)
Maximum load width: 1,543mm (L1), 1,496mm (L2) – 1,249mm between the rear wheelarches
Maximum load height: 1,269mm
Used Ford Transit Connect road tax
As a commercial vehicle, the Ford Transit Connect will cost £320 per year to pay for its road tax.
How much is it to insure a Ford Transit Connect?
Which insurance group yoru chosen Ford Transit Connect falls into depends on the model and engine, but none are expensive when it comes to getting cover for them.
Read our full Ford Transit Connect review
