I’ve been researching Sprinter Vans and I like the roof height, and improved fuel economy. However, I see a lot of poor reviews about everything from Turbo failures to minor electrical glitches. Anyone here actually own one that’s done some work with it?
-D
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Replies
There is at least one JLC user who has a Sprinter. I have heard the same as you about reliability. The UPS expeditor here is running several of them, and I will ask next time they come in the driveway. Sure are quiet for a diesel, and the driver's seat is a proper chair.
>>>>>>>>>>The UPS expeditor here is running several of them,I'm seeing more brown Sprinters around here than the old box vans. They may be switching.http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
"We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart?"
that has been their fleet vehicle of choice for the past 2-3 years now
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Company I work for assigned me one in Oct.'06, I've had the Ford E-250, E-350 (V-10 extended), my personal van is a GMC Savanna. My first service was at 10,000 miles, I think it cost $275.00, my next scheduled service is at 20,000 miles. I average around 23 MPG (both city and hgwy driving) It's a good van, but so are the others. I liken it to a mini-cube truck, The storage beats the others, the gas mileage is great, it turns on a dime.
Before we purchased, we asked other trades how they liked them, most responses were positive, one guy told me that his had a "shudder" whenever it was around 1600 RPM; he brought it in and he said it was fixed quickly.Once you get used to the "look", it is definately a great work van.
Good Luck,
Bob
This is the link to the Yahoo Sprinter owners group/forum:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/sprintervan/
Hope this helps
T
Run the numbers. A sprinter is an expensive vehicle to operate.
If you really need one get it, but being the least expensive vehicle per mile it isn't.
I think if someone is looking in the diesel powered van segment, the Sprinter should be no worse than the others.
The Sprinter ratings when compared to other cargo vans have earned it the following according to Intellichoice:Best in Class...Highest Retained Value
Lowest Depreciation
Lowest Fuel Use
Lowest Maintenance
Lowest Operating
Lowest Total Ownership Cost
Lowest Repair Cost
On what do you base this.Initial cost?Fuel consumption?Maintenance?Repair?Insurance?inability to pickup babes??wont fit thru the drive thru at Burger barf??I see a work van in my future...so I'd like to understand...If we don't bring the troops home,
How we gonna invade the next country that
Pi$$es us off???
(dollar signs have double meaning)
It was a couple of years ago, so I don't remember all the details. I travel mostly short distances from my home, so I don't really put a whole lot of mileage on my vehicle. I wanted a Sprinter really bad...but I couldn't make the numbers work out. I gave all the specs to my CPA wife and it made more sense, for me, to go with the Chevy Express. I bought an end of year 2004 Chevy Express 3500, with top of the line roof rack and interior shelving for $23,000....on the road. The Sprinter was $35,000. We tried all scenarios, length of ownership, mileage....it never worked out or even came close. I'm sure there is a reason FedEx and UPS are using them, probably because that rack up a lot of miles, I don't...so I guess that's where the difference lies.I could never figure out why diesel fuel is so expensive, if it comes out of the refining process earlier then gas...Oh well....maybe one day I'll get one, but it'll be a luxury..View Image
Jacobe,Did you consider resale value, after five years, for instance.That might make all the difference.Both vans will probably lose about 15k in value in that timeframe...so yours would sell for 9K and the Sprinter would be worth about twice as much (largely because the diesel engine is designed to run for half a million miles or so).So even if you don't pile up the miles...the Sprinter would hold value for you.
Not a fair comparison.
(1) GM and Ford have several "free" shelving packages and discounts if the vehicle is purchased for a business. The Sprinter does not.
(2) You are comparing a vehicle with a gasoline engine to a vehicle with a diesel. I looked at a heavy duty extended GM Express 3500 with the Duramax/Allison and it was $35K on the window- light on the options, too.
(3) The Sprinter is rated for a 400,000 mile service life (in writing, in the brochure, 2006). A Sprinter with 300,000 miles will be worth more than your van with 50,000 miles.
You are correct that a Sprinter is not the ideal commercial vehicle for everyone, but at least compare apples to apples. Except for towing capacity, appearance issues or size restrictions, I don't know why someone would choose something else in the diesel van market.
I have been using one for almost two years now and love it. It handles great in wind and on cornering. The only bad thing about it is that it does not handle well on snow covered roads or streets. Have 60k on it and have no mechanical problems with it at all
I noticed the snow thing also. The "electronic limited slip" seems to work fine, though. I bet the van would respond well to a set of real snow tires, but finding them with the necessary load rating might be a challenge.
There are rumors of a 4WD version being available in '08. There must be more than a grain of truth in that rumor because one of the aftermarket Sprinter companies shelved plans for an '06 aftermarket 4WD "kit".
Why deisel is expensive has been disussed aa few times. It is in high demand in the rest of the world more than gaasoline so there is more competition in the marketplaace for those prticular hydrocrbons.Also, the higher pollutant and stink components along with prejudice against the trucking industry means some states tax deisel more than gas - or so I've herad. You do realize that the cost of product is only a bit over half of whaat you paay at the pump, don't you?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
One issue with the sprinter is it puts you into the hands of DOT.
To drive it you need a medical card and have it annually inspected. You need DOT numbers on it and can't pass a weigh station. If you drive it over a state line you better know who does and doesn't require fuel stickers.... Ignorace is no excuse.... Been there done that.
In case any of you want to take a look see at there web site.http://www.fl-sprinter.com/index.asp?n=2&p=0&s=2Also an interesting body with an interesting option.
Any more info on that stuff for those not familiar with DOT regs?
I think that will be a state by state issue. Here in Ore. if the GVW is less than 10,000 lbs. you can register as a passenger vehicle, no special liscense needed. That has changed twice in the last 6 yrs.
I have owned a 78 chev. low bed box van for years, best thing I ever did in terms of trucks for my business, the Sprinter is the first truck that has me thinking it may be time to retire the old one. Course I may retire first . ;-)
In my area, the Sprinter is a Class D truck, no special stuff other than a yearly State inspection.
I have seen Sprinters here with plain old B truck tags... might be one more soon....
The fuel stickers and State line thing might be interesting, though.
10,000 GCVW (gross combined vehicle weight) is the magic number.
sledge,
After I posted that I happened to think that just a month or so ago when I retagged my van I switched from commercial truck plates (which at 10,000 had been required by law) to passenger tags. I did it at the suggestion of the DMV here , save me money .
Seems though that when I mentioned the old 10,000 lb. requirement the desk person told me something about it not only having been changed so that a 10,000 lb GVW was passenger legal but that it was now above that , near 12,000.
I may be wrong with what I posted as an upper limit for this stae, but I know for a fact that 10,000 is legal.
Here in Maryland you can tag a vehicle for anything you want. I can register a sleeper cab tractor as a personal vehicle.... but...... 10,000 lbs is the breaking point. If you are caught at 10,001 lbs either by accident or a random check you are screwed.
So the question is if you license a 13,550 lb gcvw sprinter 2550 at 10,000 lbs, why do you need a sprinter?
As I originally said... If you need one... buy it. But don't expect anyone to tell you the true cost of ownership and how to tag it. It's a commercial vehicle and a dam nice one at that. But cheap to keep it ain't.
Here are the GVWR numbers for the Standard Sprinter:--"The cargo van wheelbase lengths are 118 in., 140 in. and 158 in., while the interior roof heights are 64 in. (standard) and 73 in. (high roof model). The standard vehicle has a GVWR of 8550 lb. with 4123 lb. of cargo capacity; it is also available with a 9990 lb. GVW rating for a payload capacity of 5105 lb."The 2007 is available with a dual rear tires and a GVWR of 11,030. But most here would not need that. I think two tons of cargo is plenty.You would have to try pretty hard to exceed those limits...I would not lose any sleep over that.
it seems you are poopooing the sprinters for high costs but are not giving any specifics...from what I have gleamed..low milage low maint.high initial cost. but not significantly higher than a F or C diesel van.???If we don't bring the troops home,
How we gonna invade the next country that
Pi$$es us off???
(dollar signs have double meaning)
I'd suggest anyone wanting to know more contact their local state police. The rules are crazy.
Like drink one beer wait a few hours and get caught driving... That's a life changing experience.
Anyone know the cost of an annual inspection on a truck???? Being kept from working because a 2 light marker has 1 bulb working fine but the other is burnt out really sucks. Unless you have a mechanic shop like UPS or FED-X leave commercial vehicles to the big boys.
Being involved in an accident in a commercial vehicle is an experience. If your tires are 1/1000 of an inch too short you are screwed. Can you measure 1/1000th of an inch?
I have one- 2006 140" wheelbase high top. I have no first hand experience with the 2007's.
One van issue so far- air temp sensor flaked out, fixed the same day with the Business Link deal. Rear mudflaps are rubbing through the paint- that is next.
The outfit that installed the ladder rack scratched the paint in several places, and the dealer eventually fixed it. Not a van issue, but something to look for if you have similar work done- the damage was hidden by the rack supports.
If you are in a snow climate, then the diesel fired aux heater package is well worth it. The ASSYST option is another must have. Ordering extra keys with the van is much cheaper than later. Cruise, heated seats, power+heated mirrors, premium seats and central locking are also recommended.
There is a transmission "rumble strip noise" issue. I avoid it by manually downshifting, and I will mention it next time I take it in. The noise apparently does not harm the trans.
I am getting 20 MPG with the ladder rack in mixed driving.
Like any other vehicle and internet forum, complaints will be voiced more often than something like "My van is running great- no problems so far". The Sprinter up to 2006 has been on sale in Europe for a while- new here in the USA, not there. ULSD, finally available in the USA, should eliminate fuel related issues.
Electrical issues plagued early models, but that has been fixed and traced to poor grounding at the drivers seat ground location. Lots of info there at the Yahoo Sprinter forum. Turbo resonator failures seem to plague mainly RV conversions and high RPM/load conditions. Someone has made a billet aluminum piece to replace the OEM part.
Other small issues include honest to goodnes truck license plates, drive thru windows, parking garages, low hanging tree branches and while the Sprinter does not look big by itself, it probably will in your driveway.
Towing is a weakness. Yes, it is rated for 5K pounds, but that also includes the payload in the van. If you need to tow, better think long and hard before buying a Sprinter.
Domestic vans pale in comparison.
Edited 3/25/2007 11:29 pm ET by danski0224
Thanks for the realistic feedback. Is yours a Dodge or Freightliner? I've had some poor service from Dodge in the past, but lately Chevy has been great either.
-D
Mine is a Dodge.
My neighbor delivers coffee all over in one. He mentioned fuel pump/filter problems when filling up with BioDiesel. But that 's it. Here in Eugene everyone's rabid for the biofuel diesels and I see Sprinters all over.
I have an '03 hitop 153" wheelbase. I like the size- standing up in the back; getting ~ 20mpg.
I did not like getting a new tranny at 55K (still under warrenty, but over a month in the shop all together). Check out who will be working on it- very few independent mechanics will. I went to a place that serviced only sprinters and mercedes engines- they sucked and I think that they were a good part of the transmission problem. The dodge dealers might have competant mechanics but the service writers job is to make sure your bill is as high as they can get it.
The lockout feature is a pita, if the sensors are off or the locking tab gets bent a little, you cant lock the door- it unlocks itself. Personally, I am not a big fan of high tech "conveniences" that break down and are expensive to fix.
Overall, I am glad I got it. It replaced an E-250 with 200K miles.
A friend of mine bought one when they first came out and were sold as Freightliner. He is a carpet cleaner and has that thing loaded up. Last I talked to him, which was a few months ago, he has avg'd 23 or 24 mpg over the 3 or 4 years he's had it and he has some weight in that thing.
Compared to his old van which was under 10mpg, his fuel savings alone makes more than half his lease.
He loves the thing. I drove it, it is quiet, and he has had no problems with it.
Couple more...
It will likely be difficult to find a dealer that is familiar with the Sprinter and all of the available options. Research is your best friend here. Buying now is tons better than a few years ago as far as knowledge goes.
Get the options you want on the van from the factory or find one optioned the way you want it on the lot. It will be almost impossible to add some stuff later without hacking it in or spending mega bucks on OEM stuff. Delivery dates on an ordered vehicle are 6 months plus.
Insulating the cargo area is a must if you want the factory AC to keep you cool without getting the rear AC option. Automotive trim adhesive and radiant barrier stuff worked great for me. Dynamat keeps the noise down (I bet Grace I&W would also work).
I thought the "washable cargo liners" would be a waste, but the plastic is actually quite durable. Well worth it.
This vehicle must be driven to warm up- driven at highway speed. It will not warm up idling in the driveway or tooling around town below 1500 RPM below about 15 degrees F. The diesel fired aux heater package ties into the coolant system and the HVAC vents. It will act as an engine heater and it will keep you warm in stop and go traffic. You can also program it to warm the cabin, or just push a button. The diesel fired aux heater is an OEM Webasto package- learn more at http://www.webastoshowroom.com/blueheat/
The REST package turns on a coolant pump and the HVAC fan to recover coolant heat at stops for up to 30 minutes with the engine off. Nice feature.
If you buy one, take a clay bar to it and clean it real good. Then wax it with a good wax- especially the roof- doubly so if you buy the high roof version. Yes, it will take a while.
Edited 3/26/2007 7:14 pm ET by danski0224
Edited 3/27/2007 4:01 pm ET by danski0224
One more thing- you better check up on vehicle licensing weight regulations in your state.
This not only applies to the Sprinter, but any "heavy duty" truck.
In Illinois, the threshold between "plain old truck" and "commercial vehicle" is 8001 pounds GVWR. Below is nothing special, above is a whole new ball game.
Over 10000 pounds GVWR and crossing state lines requires DOT numbers.
If you think that the weight classification is based on "scale weight" instead of the GVWR on the doorframe... think again. The people here at the DMV will sell you the wrong license plate- and you get the ticket.
I did not have a safety sticker- one of those little extras brought on by the D class truck tags. I thought I needed one, but did not follow up on it. The selling dealer should have done it as a part of dealer prep before it hit the road. A local police officer educated me about my mistake and did not write me up. The State Police have the right to impound my truck for not having a safety sticker.
Just a "heads up" to those looking at Sprinters or other big trucks and vans. I might have reconsidered things if I fully understood licensing issues and restrictions at the time of purchase.
Fortunately, I do not live in an area that restricts privately owned class D (Illinois) trucks. Those places exist, though. Just something else to watch for if/when I move...
Here in Maryland it's not the GVWR but the GCVW they hang you on, thanks to a dump truck driver killing a family of 5 at a toll booth years ago. If you are involved in an accident here and aren't squeaky clean with everything in order... expect to be written tickets till the cops book is empty, regardless of fault.
I was pulled off the road once (not a sprinter)at a weigh station and shut down because 1 lbulb in a 2 bulb fixture was out. How does one add that into the cost of ownership?
The 2500 having a 13550 lbs rating, I'd expect that if the local dealer explained what's required he wouldn't sell quite so many.
The 2500 is a 8500 gvw vehicle about the same as any f-150. Also the 10
passenger 140 wb is a station wagon - Regular passenger tags in PA. As for the cost
I needed the interior Ht. so there is no competition but you have to compare Diesel
to Diesel then the price is more in line. As to feedback (the original ?) Handles great,
Stops great ,carries a load well, stereo sucks, Great driver seat, Built like a comercial
vehicle , 23 mpg average . But I liked my Toyota T100 much better.
Gross Vehicle Weight- GVW
and
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight- GCVW
Are 2 totally different weights under DOT regulations.
Glad to see you have done the extensive research and are a law abiding PA driver.... Word to the wise.... Don't venture into Maryland.
So as I understand this...all the new pickups with ther 10000# towing capacitys are gonna put thier GCVW over the limit and require the commercial Heavy tags and permits etc.does the trailering weight rule apply if you are not trailering???I don't Know what I am doing
But
I am VERY good at it!!
All states are different.
Here in MD , any vehicle except RV's and farm trucks with a GCVW over 10,000 lbs are subject to crazy laws. Expecting a dealer selling that big fancy truck to explain the laws is crazier.