Oh I don't think most fixes are that much more complex. The seal looks funny, and you might need an occasional weird tool or so. But today's vehicles are far easier than many 15 year old vehicles. Mostly due to the improved power of 4 bangers. The sixes we needed just a few years ago took up a good amount of space under the hood. These 4s today make access much better and bring home repairs to much less cursing. The modular design is built around replace rather than repair, but so long as parts are available, its not too bad to handle most things.

 

I haven't bought a car/van with mud flaps installed on it, ever. I've installed my own mud flaps on just about every car/van I've owned. Have never ripped one off the car, and I've driven on some pretty nasty roads in the last 47 years. Usually 3 screws/bolts per flap and maybe some backing clips on a few of the vehicles. Takes about an hour out of a day if you count the time to get the screw driver out of the tool box and then put it back. Not rocket science folks, and a lot less expensive than paying for this simple job.

Agree that some manufacturers/dealers go a little overboard on pricing accessories, although, if you keep your car a long time it amortizes out fairly cheaply. If you have to pay dealership labor to install something it gets expensive.

I tend to keep my cars longer than average. Have noticed that reliability is up and maintenance frequency is down. On oil changes, all depends how and where you drive. Hot, stop and go city commutes take a toll on oil. Very cold or dusty locations are tough challenge for any oil. There are other conditions that shorten oil life. On the other hand, if you live in a mild climate where the vehicle is driven gently without much load, you might get by following the regular oil service interval when you use a good quality synthetic. No argument with Frantz on oil changes. Don't let that interval go too long if you want to keep it a long time.

 

My wife and I keep our cars for a long time. That's part of the problem with in working with a new vehicle--very few updates. I've had my Explorer for 17 years and have touched just about every part. When I look at my TC I sometimes wonder what I'm looking at.


I installed the mud flaps on my TC and found the read attachment system both bizarre and somewhat cheesy--I liked the old 3 screws/bolts system better.


I had the hitch installed yesterday and it looks like a good job. I suspect I could have done the job but as I age I am more willing to share the work with others.

 

Congrads Evan on the install.. but this is something will not attempt.. I just don't see the van pulling it's own weight and proof of this was posted on another forum.. if my calculations are correct, two large ATV's plus the trailer in tow would really hinder the towing capabilities of the van.. Again we all view the van differently.. Mine is defiantly a sports car and the trip out west proved this. It drove and corned with the best of them.

 

When I'm not actually selling trucks, or reading how much everyone hates dealers on here I do sometimes go on Ford's training website and take some of the technicians test. They do a pretty good job dumbing down the parts. Other than the emissions, a few changes in fuel delivery (if you have a DI model) and adjustable cams, most of the parts are the same. I wouldn't be scared to work on my 2015 Fiesta for just about anything. Be brave! The internet makes it pretty easy to get support too.

 

Frantz, I understand your logic.. yet we have other plans for that space where the spare tire was suppose have been, which has been moving inside the vans till we can mount it on the side wall.. But we're hoping to incorporated a fuel cell in that space. So the only reason I see we need to have a tow system attached is for protection of the fuel cell.

 

I'm not interested in a big load. But I garden, and on in a while I head out for some good *****. I don't want that in the cabin. And once in a while I haul other messy stuff--I don't want that in the cabin.


In the meanwhile, I find this vehicle to be comfortable, sporty, and just fine.


And there is this. This has been a commercial vehicle. I believe that commercial vehicles have extra longevity. And so, I think I've gotten a vehicle that is distinctive, that drives like a sports car, and carries the load. Needless to say, I'm liking it.

 

It took me a while, but I finally found a trailer that suits my needs. It's 4x6 and I've been using it o bring in mulch and compost for the garden. The only problem was that I started with the ball set at a 2" drop--as a consequence the hitch would drag the ground when I came up my hill. I changed ball to a 2" raise and everything is now fine.


I could see the transit as suitable for a small tear-drop trailer or a small box trailer. When I visit Seattle I see a lot of Connects with small box trailers being used for commercial hauling. this is a pretty versatile vehicle.