TEC freetec 688i on ford transit automatic

[davanne]

Can anyone give me information ...good or bad...on the TEC freetec 688TI on the automatic ford transit.

The model I am looking at is a 2006 but is 140 miles away and I want to make sure it's ok before I travel to view.

Any information gratefully received.

 

Anne

[Derek Uzzell]

As TEC motorhomes are fairly rare in the UK, and automatic Ford-based TECs even rarer, I'm guessing this is the vehicle you are interested in:

 

http://www.cotswoldedge.co.uk/browse?vid=770

 

The Durashift EST 'automatic' transmission available on certain Transit Mk 6 vehicles was something of an oddity, with gear-shifting performed by buttons on the steering-wheel. It wasn't carried over to the Transit Mk 7 introduced in mid-2006. You might find that, if there were transmission problems, repairs could be costly.

 

You might also find that, fully loaded, the motorhome would be pretty close to its 3500kg MTPLM.

 

 

 

 

[davanne]

Thank you Derek I am always grateful for advice.

That actually isn't the van in question but is the same age.

I think the automatic transmission is going to sway me away from it as it seems quite a rare system so as you say repairs will be very costly.

Anne

[Mike88]

Derek Uzzell - 2013-11-07 11:21 AM

 

 

The Durashift EST 'automatic' transmission available on certain Transit Mk 6 vehicles was something of an oddity, with gear-shifting performed by buttons on the steering-wheel.

 

 

 

Only partially true. The gearbox also operates in automatic format. I had my Durashift auto for over 7 fault free years and I know someone who has a Durashift vehicle with over 90k on the clock. Repairs might be expensive but that is true of many vehicles. I wouldn't let the auto put you off but that view is only based on my first hand experience.

 

According to the dealers I spoke to an auto Transit is in high demand and that was confirmed by the price I received for mine when I came to sell it.

[davanne]

Thank you Mike it is always good to hear from someone that has had experience of the vehicle.If like you say it also works as a true automatic without having to physically change gear then it is a better prospects or me. Trying to find an automatic is so difficult I am beginning to regret selling my automatic Autotrail .

I only sold it as the layout was wrong for me since I lost my husband.

Anne

[Derek Uzzell]

Mike88 - 2013-11-07 11:59 AM

 

Derek Uzzell - 2013-11-07 11:21 AM

 

 

The Durashift EST 'automatic' transmission available on certain Transit Mk 6 vehicles was something of an oddity, with gear-shifting performed by buttons on the steering-wheel.

 

 

 

Only partially true. The gearbox also operates in automatic format. I had my Durashift auto for over 7 fault free years and I know someone who has a Durashift vehicle with over 90k on the clock. Repairs might be expensive but that is true of many vehicles. I wouldn't let the auto put you off but that view is only based on my first hand experience.

 

According to the dealers I spoke to an auto Transit is in high demand and that was confirmed by the price I received for mine when I came to sell it.

 

Durashift EST is a robotised manual transmission and I should have said "...with manual gear-shifting performed by buttons on the steering-wheel".

 

Comments on the MotorHomeFacts forum suggest that problems with the transmission tend to relate to high-mileage 'commercial' Transits, rather than Transit-based motorhomes.

 

http://www.motorhomefacts.com/ftoptitle-57991-ford-transit-durashift-auto-box.html

 

I've always believed that Durashift EST's operation-by-button was a mistake. Although it resulted in the Transit's long between-seats gear-lever disappearing, even drivers used to a conventional automatic transmission needed to adapt to it. If Durashift EST's introduction had been delayed until the advent of Transit Mk 7 (when the gear-lever was moved to the dashboard) it might have proved more popular. 2004 comments on the system can be read here:

 

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/vans/review/ford-transit-24-tddi-durashift/37282/

 

There have been a couple of earlier forum threads relating to Durashift EST

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Auto-gearbox-AUTO-SLEEPER/12064/#M118993

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Transit-Durashift-auto-dropping-into-neutral/2278/

 

Engine options for Durashift EST were 90bhp or 125bhp, and it's probable that a Frretec 688i would have the latter (It would certainly need it.). Transits with twinned-wheel rear axles tend to have a low gearing, which is fine for hill climbing but can make motorway driving tiring and it will impact on fuel consumption. It's something to look out for on a test-drive.

 

According to Which Motorcaravan magazine, in 2006 a Freetec 688i cost £39995 and there's a 2008 MMM report on a FreeTec 718Ti (on a Transit Mk 7) here

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/userfiles/file/MMM%20historic%20road%20tests/TECFreeTec718Ti.pdf

 

[davanne]

Thank you Derek quite informative reading.

I have found a motorhome for sale on a ford automatic locally. It's not the layout I want but am going to go to the dealers and have a look before I commit to making the journey south to view the TEC freetec.

I viewed a ci cipro on a mercedes auto the other day.... advertised in excellent condition .....it left a lot to be desired ...at least the TEC looks in good condition.

Thanks once again to everyone that has given me advice.

Anne