Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Sep 06, 2002 06:38am | #1

   my electrician bought one .. loves it.. i'll ask him for more specifics

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   awschmidt | Sep 06, 2002 02:53pm | #2

        I've had experience with the technical aspects of the van (electrical, computers, and fuel injection).  I can't say much about the chassis other than it is a proven merc. chassis from overseas.  The computers and fuel injection are about the same as the 2003 and up diesel in dodge trucks.  All good stuff that is evolutionary not screwball generic motors diesel stuff. 

3. 
   ahneedhelp | Sep 07, 2002 06:00am | #3

   The numbers may be a bit off but Federal Express bought 1500 of these diesel vans.

   As an owner of a Mercedes Diesel sedan, I have no doubt the diesel vans will be first class in every aspect.

1. 
   JerraldHayes | Sep 07, 2002 06:26am | #5

   I had seen some of the Daimler/Chrysler Federal Express Trucks around as I was asking questions as to whether or not they were made custom just for FexEx since I hadn't seen them anywhere else. Just the easy access to their guts attracted me and now that I know a little bit more thanks to this discussion I am really going to seriously look in to getting one myself. I think they’re just the right size too for a finish carpentry/architectural woodwork operation. I had an Izuzu NPR a while back and while it was a great vehicle it was bigger than what I would want nowadays.

   "Architecture is the

   handwriting of Man." - Bernard

   Maybeck.

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Sep 07, 2002 03:38pm | #9

   One more thing...

   Rumor is smaller passenger versions of these vans will start appearing at Dodge dealers sometime in 2003.

   Maybe smaller work vans as well.

   Most of the excitement over these vans seems to be over the diesel engine and drivetrain.

1. 
   Piffin | Sep 08, 2002 07:07am | #10

   For me, the excitement waas the easy walk in standing, berfore I knew what the power train was.

   The literature at the link shows the passenger van too. I had to assume that Chrysler dealers would be selling them since it is a Daimler/Chrysler product. The posted list of dealers isn't much more than an average one per state. Mostly existing Freightliner dealers.Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   MisterT | Sep 08, 2002 04:44pm | #11

   How much $$$

   The boss is going to want to know that before he tells me he won't be buying me one!

   TDo not try this at home!

   I am a trained professional!

4. 
   Piffin | Sep 07, 2002 06:13am | #4

   I just saw the ad a week ago in a trade magazine and have been having dreams about it.

   Somebody quote a price to wake me up!

   Help!

   Excellence is its own reward!
1. 
   househelper | Sep 07, 2002 06:40am | #6

   Looked into these briefly before I bought my Chevy van. At 30K and up, the price was a bit steep. Maybe when they start to surface as used. Great van tho'.

1. 
   Piffin | Sep 07, 2002 06:55am | #7

   Being able to stand up inside and not have to climb a ladder might make it worthwhile.

   Some appealing points from the literature - up to 22 MPG, comfortable driving quarters, and the Mercedes deisel could possibly make it my last truck before I start fertilizing the landscape.Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   NotChuck | Sep 07, 2002 07:19am | #8

   I was thinking along these lines myself, many positives,long term investment,would probably be well worth it.