If you are mechanically inclined and don't mind a shortage of OVER PRICED Parts and 60% down time then the Sprinter is for you. Just Google it. Sprinters SUCK! according to a variety of web sites... The Sprinter has un - acceptable approval ratings for the past 6 years. Same with reliability, customer satisfaction at the dealer etc etc. There are a few, A FEW, that like their Sprinters but all in all people that have had them would never buy another. Much better to turtle top a conventional GMC, or Ford. Many major delivery companies went back to American iron after their Sprinters died or the leases ran out. Nothing but junk! And the PRICE? You would have to be nuts to buy one of these things.
Finally the NEW 2010 Sprinter...
- Thread starter TheOGExpediterGuy
- Start date
Ya know...I was just thinking that we had not seen all the usual characters come forward with their uninformed Sprinter Sux blah blah comments.
Backing up a statement with "just Google it".....I'm sure if I Googled "18 pints of beer a day is healthy" I would find a result that agreed.
I must let my wife know we can go on vacation...at 60 % down time I have at least 9 months coming to me! Woo Hoo! OVM can likely retire!
Backing up a statement with "just Google it".....I'm sure if I Googled "18 pints of beer a day is healthy" I would find a result that agreed.
I must let my wife know we can go on vacation...at 60 % down time I have at least 9 months coming to me! Woo Hoo! OVM can likely retire!
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Piper,
You know not to complain about people who have had bad luck with their Dodge serviced Mercedes made medium duty van but I get a kick out of the idea that anyone with some sort of mechanically inclination, you can work on the sprinter.
I have been collecting sprinter tools since D-C/Chrysler has closed a lot of dealers and there isn't much for someone who is mechanically inclined to fix on the thing - it's a Mercedes.
You know not to complain about people who have had bad luck with their Dodge serviced Mercedes made medium duty van but I get a kick out of the idea that anyone with some sort of mechanically inclination, you can work on the sprinter.
I have been collecting sprinter tools since D-C/Chrysler has closed a lot of dealers and there isn't much for someone who is mechanically inclined to fix on the thing - it's a Mercedes.
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
Okay, I have a Hino and it has given me a lot of problems lately
but I wouldn't go so far to say all Hino's are bad. I know a lot of companies that use them are happy with them.
Would I buy another? probably not, but this is just my experience. Any make of vehicle you are going to find people that hate em and people that love em.
I've had four Toyota pickups that each had 300K on the original engine when I sold them and they still ran good. Two of them I know are still running, not pretty to look at but are dependable.
but I wouldn't go so far to say all Hino's are bad. I know a lot of companies that use them are happy with them.
Would I buy another? probably not, but this is just my experience. Any make of vehicle you are going to find people that hate em and people that love em.
I've had four Toyota pickups that each had 300K on the original engine when I sold them and they still ran good. Two of them I know are still running, not pretty to look at but are dependable.
Anyone can have bad luck with anything at a dealer and whether they know it or not, they usually contribute to the problems. My complaint is usual suspects who enjoy coming in and mouthing off just to get a rise out of me, Turtle, OVM or rlent. When asked to back up their statements it usually involves a lot of hearsay and internet gossip. Take Dakota, he has every reason to bash the snot out of Hino but, he is smart enough to know that maybe his experiences are not normal (Wingnut has good luck with her Hino's). If I went around slamming Hino based on what I have read about his experiences I would be a complete dolt, as I do not know everything that happened and do not own one myself nor have I ever worked on one to draw any personal experience from. Therefore my opinions on a Hino would be just that...opinions and not facts to go spouting off things like "60% downtime" etc.
I also don't think mechanical aptitude helps a Sprinter owner any more than it helps any owner of anything. The more you know and understand about your vehicle no matter what make, the better your ownership experience will be. Most of the stuff people would attempt to do themselves on a modern Ford or GM can also be done on a Sprinter. Yes there are lots of fancy factory tools but, like the list of fancy factory tools for my GM's, You don't need all of them to do the basic stuff.
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I'd chime in but..They say ignorance is bliss...so the critic must be very happy...
dhalltoyo
Veteran Expediter
Blizzard,
It even gets better.
A single rear wheel with ... .... capacity and a light weight body that might allow for a true 3000 lb cargo capacity.
I call it my "Green" machine.
It's a prototype so the data will come after its trial run.
Don't want to be accused of CB chatter...don't you know.
It even gets better.
A single rear wheel with ... .... capacity and a light weight body that might allow for a true 3000 lb cargo capacity.
I call it my "Green" machine.
It's a prototype so the data will come after its trial run.
Don't want to be accused of CB chatter...don't you know.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
David,
What light weight body?
Piper,
It's true, you can find anything on the internet. I found out that a Model T doesn't do well on steep hills so I will hold off my purchasing one to replace my Caravan.
Buying tools is a very bad habit of mine, yes while most of the light stuff can be done with good selection of general tools, the special stuff is needed for things like trans and engine overhaul. After doing the sprinter thing for a friend, I like the simplicity of the vehicle - germanly speaking of course.
What light weight body?
Piper,
It's true, you can find anything on the internet. I found out that a Model T doesn't do well on steep hills so I will hold off my purchasing one to replace my Caravan.
Buying tools is a very bad habit of mine, yes while most of the light stuff can be done with good selection of general tools, the special stuff is needed for things like trans and engine overhaul. After doing the sprinter thing for a friend, I like the simplicity of the vehicle - germanly speaking of course.
bubblehead
Veteran Expediter
Close e'nuff
OSU study: Beer helps prevent prostate cancer!
"...a person would have to drink more than 17 beers to consume the same amount found effective in the study"
17 Pints Of Beer A Day Can Be Good For You Non Aviation Forum | Airliners.net
Guess I should have wrote that you can Google 'Sprinter' and find lots and lots of problems. And they seem to out weigh the positive aspects of the van. I will add that I have never had one but know of several expediting friends that have and will never buy another. Too much money, too much downtime for repairs and very costly for repairs and parts. And the warranty ain't so hot either. Gotta admit it was kinda fun watching you Sprinter lovers (all 3 of you) getting all wound up over my post
Be well and have a Happy Daytona 500 Sunday!
Be well and have a Happy Daytona 500 Sunday!
jrcarroll
Expert Expediter
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
Make that 4
I like them too!!! Maybe someday, looking to get out of a straight truck and into a van so I can live the good life hehehe
Van drivers are spoiled
You can Google anything and find lots and lots of complaints about it. That includes every vehicle that is or has ever been used for expediting, yes, your vehicle included. People don't have a burning desire to get online and post "Hey, I didn't have any problems with my <insert noun here> today. What should I do?" It's the same with cars, truck and vans, and software and anything else that has a complaint outlet. I used to do online tech support for various pieces of software, and if you were to limit your knowledge to the support forums, you would quickly reach the conclusion that the software sucks and it doesn't work for anyone, and everyone who buys it is a moron for buying it. Just like so many cops who eventually come to the conclusion that everyone is up to no good. It's because it's the no good is all they see.
People will say things like, "too much money, too much downtime for repairs and very costly for repairs and parts," yet they refuse to admit that there are Fords and Chevys which the same, exact thing can be said. I have expediting friends who have owned Sprinters, or who own them currently, who have had problems with them and will never own another one. The same thing can be said for Ford and Chevy owners that I know. I also have expediting friends who would, and have, bought more Sprinters without hesitation. The same thing can be said for Ford and Chevy owners that I know.
I've danced around the issue several times, but perhaps it's just time to come out and say it: most people who bash Sprinters are either bashing it on limited information and hearsay, or they are owners who are too stupid, too dumb, or too stubborn to be able to adapt to the uniqueness of a Sprinter and be able to treat it properly.
People treat a Ford like a Ford. Why? Because it's a Ford, and they have learned how to treat a Ford like a Ford. Some people think a Sprinter should be able to be treated like a Ford. Why? Because they are butt stupid. Many try to treat it as if, for some reason, it's not a Sprinter. They think that, just like a Ford, Sprinter spare parts should be cheap and plentiful and down time should be at a minimum. They think this because they are too stupid to be able to adapt to the fact that Sprinter parts are not cheap and plentiful, and fail utterly to properly plan and adapt to the fact that the Sprinter and it's parts are all foreign made, which results in extended downtime. Duh.
These are people who are too stupid to understand the concept of Total Cost of Ownership because they cannot see the overall cost forest for the individual repair tree, and almost certainly because they have a really bad grasp of money management and business planning. Those who go on and on about how crappy Sprinters are, are doing nothing but touting their own ignorance and/or stupidity. They bash those who have Sprinters in order to make themselves feel better, to better validate their own decision about not getting one, to make themselves feel smarter. People have an innate need to be validated in their views and decisions, which is why they strive to convince others to think the same way they do. The lamest of the lame actually deride those who do not agree with their decisions, in a desperate attempt to convince them to change their mind. They become evangelistic zealots for their cause.
If you don't want to buy a Sprinter, for whatever reason, then you shouldn't buy one. If you don't want to buy a Ford, for whatever reason, then you shouldn't buy one. If you don't want to be an lame luzer forever proclaiming your ignorance and stupidity, then don't deride and berate those who don't want to buy your vehicle of choice. I could care less what kind of vehicle you drive.
People will say things like, "too much money, too much downtime for repairs and very costly for repairs and parts," yet they refuse to admit that there are Fords and Chevys which the same, exact thing can be said. I have expediting friends who have owned Sprinters, or who own them currently, who have had problems with them and will never own another one. The same thing can be said for Ford and Chevy owners that I know. I also have expediting friends who would, and have, bought more Sprinters without hesitation. The same thing can be said for Ford and Chevy owners that I know.
I've danced around the issue several times, but perhaps it's just time to come out and say it: most people who bash Sprinters are either bashing it on limited information and hearsay, or they are owners who are too stupid, too dumb, or too stubborn to be able to adapt to the uniqueness of a Sprinter and be able to treat it properly.
People treat a Ford like a Ford. Why? Because it's a Ford, and they have learned how to treat a Ford like a Ford. Some people think a Sprinter should be able to be treated like a Ford. Why? Because they are butt stupid. Many try to treat it as if, for some reason, it's not a Sprinter. They think that, just like a Ford, Sprinter spare parts should be cheap and plentiful and down time should be at a minimum. They think this because they are too stupid to be able to adapt to the fact that Sprinter parts are not cheap and plentiful, and fail utterly to properly plan and adapt to the fact that the Sprinter and it's parts are all foreign made, which results in extended downtime. Duh.
These are people who are too stupid to understand the concept of Total Cost of Ownership because they cannot see the overall cost forest for the individual repair tree, and almost certainly because they have a really bad grasp of money management and business planning. Those who go on and on about how crappy Sprinters are, are doing nothing but touting their own ignorance and/or stupidity. They bash those who have Sprinters in order to make themselves feel better, to better validate their own decision about not getting one, to make themselves feel smarter. People have an innate need to be validated in their views and decisions, which is why they strive to convince others to think the same way they do. The lamest of the lame actually deride those who do not agree with their decisions, in a desperate attempt to convince them to change their mind. They become evangelistic zealots for their cause.
If you don't want to buy a Sprinter, for whatever reason, then you shouldn't buy one. If you don't want to buy a Ford, for whatever reason, then you shouldn't buy one. If you don't want to be an lame luzer forever proclaiming your ignorance and stupidity, then don't deride and berate those who don't want to buy your vehicle of choice. I could care less what kind of vehicle you drive.
Dakota
Veteran Expediter
chefdennis
Veteran Expediter
So Sprinters are a piece of crap....cost too much to buy, maintain, repair.....parts are too expensive and hard too get....and the payload is less then a Ford or GM....
Any of you complainers ever own a 911 Porcshe?!? Try threating that little 6cyl jewel like a 327 Chevy and see just how much you like it....oh and a valve adjustment on the 6 cyl 911 is regular mantainance and real expensive.......
German technology is 2nd to none, but it never comes cheap...reliabliity and longevity can be expensive, but in the long term, usually less expensive because they outlast the competition if taken care of as they recommend.
I don't own one, won't buy one because i wouldn't take care of it as it needs, but that doesn't mean it is a bad piece of junk...it just means i was raised in the ways of Fords and Chevys and old habits die hard.....Turtle as covered it in several threads, "they ain't fords".....and when he does it, i have never seen him bash fords because thet aren't Sprinters.....
And yea i owned a 911, for just short of a yr....loved it to drive...but i traded it in on a Z-28...go figure....
Any of you complainers ever own a 911 Porcshe?!? Try threating that little 6cyl jewel like a 327 Chevy and see just how much you like it....oh and a valve adjustment on the 6 cyl 911 is regular mantainance and real expensive.......
German technology is 2nd to none, but it never comes cheap...reliabliity and longevity can be expensive, but in the long term, usually less expensive because they outlast the competition if taken care of as they recommend.
I don't own one, won't buy one because i wouldn't take care of it as it needs, but that doesn't mean it is a bad piece of junk...it just means i was raised in the ways of Fords and Chevys and old habits die hard.....Turtle as covered it in several threads, "they ain't fords".....and when he does it, i have never seen him bash fords because thet aren't Sprinters.....
And yea i owned a 911, for just short of a yr....loved it to drive...but i traded it in on a Z-28...go figure....
Old habits die hard, indeed. When I first got the Sprinter I had someone I respect and trust, old school for sure, tell me that after 100,000 miles to start replacing quarts of oil with Lucas, because, duh, that's what you do with a diesel. Well, not with a Sprinter. Lucas ain't on The List, and no amount of die-hard habits or know-how will get it on The List. Always stick to The List.
He also said something to the effect that you can just rebuild the engine, simple, and keep on rebuilding it, that's it's quick, easy and cheap. Well, not with a Sprinter. The old school thought of simply rebuilding the engine doesn't take into account the myriad of attached parts and sensors that complete a total system, that the engine is just one small part of an overall system, and they must be tuned to work together. It doesn't take into account that even with an engine rebuild you are still looking at the replacement of a turbocharger, intercooler, fuel rail, injectors and glow plugs, alternator, pumps and relays and sensors which all add up to far more than simply replacing the entire engine system assembly which includes all those various and sundry parts already attached. Eight grand for a rebuild and then another eight grand for all the individual repairs ends up, over time, being far more expensive than a twelve grand quick and easy plug-n-play solution to replace the engine and everything else all in one whack.
It's Total Cost of Ownership that must be looked at rather than the cost of piecemeal repairs, and those who are trapped with old habits and old school thinking will get hammered by their own stubbornness and stupidity. In addition, owning a Sprinter, as with most foreign vehicles, requires not only a different mindset, but a different kind of commitment to maintaining the vehicle. If you want to approach Sprinter maintenance and repair with the mindset and commitment of a Ford owner despite the fact that it's the exact wrong approach and you're going to stick to your stubborn guns anyway, you're in for a deep disappointment with all things Sprinter.
I've owned a Ford E-350 and a Sprinter, and when I got the Sprinter I had to throw nearly everything I knew about repair and maintenance out the window, because very little of it was interchangeable between those two vehicles. I made the commitment to learning how to properly maintain a Sprinter. It took actual time and actual effort. If you're not willing to do that, or at least make the commitment into finding a competent Sprinter mechanic, don't get a Sprinter. Or, you could do as so many have done and fail to make the commitment and then blame the vehicle.
He also said something to the effect that you can just rebuild the engine, simple, and keep on rebuilding it, that's it's quick, easy and cheap. Well, not with a Sprinter. The old school thought of simply rebuilding the engine doesn't take into account the myriad of attached parts and sensors that complete a total system, that the engine is just one small part of an overall system, and they must be tuned to work together. It doesn't take into account that even with an engine rebuild you are still looking at the replacement of a turbocharger, intercooler, fuel rail, injectors and glow plugs, alternator, pumps and relays and sensors which all add up to far more than simply replacing the entire engine system assembly which includes all those various and sundry parts already attached. Eight grand for a rebuild and then another eight grand for all the individual repairs ends up, over time, being far more expensive than a twelve grand quick and easy plug-n-play solution to replace the engine and everything else all in one whack.
It's Total Cost of Ownership that must be looked at rather than the cost of piecemeal repairs, and those who are trapped with old habits and old school thinking will get hammered by their own stubbornness and stupidity. In addition, owning a Sprinter, as with most foreign vehicles, requires not only a different mindset, but a different kind of commitment to maintaining the vehicle. If you want to approach Sprinter maintenance and repair with the mindset and commitment of a Ford owner despite the fact that it's the exact wrong approach and you're going to stick to your stubborn guns anyway, you're in for a deep disappointment with all things Sprinter.
I've owned a Ford E-350 and a Sprinter, and when I got the Sprinter I had to throw nearly everything I knew about repair and maintenance out the window, because very little of it was interchangeable between those two vehicles. I made the commitment to learning how to properly maintain a Sprinter. It took actual time and actual effort. If you're not willing to do that, or at least make the commitment into finding a competent Sprinter mechanic, don't get a Sprinter. Or, you could do as so many have done and fail to make the commitment and then blame the vehicle.
chefdennis
Veteran Expediter
Turtle wrote:
.
How true it is!! And if us old school guys took the time to really look at the newer vehicles we are driving, the american built ones, we would find that more and more our vehicles are becoming the same way.
Last week I had to have the trans rebuilt in my 2005 GMC CV...now i was a NIASE Certified auto/ light truck mechanic back in the early 70's....when we had a trans go bad it was simply a matter of taking one off the self, making sure it had the proper "parts" for the applications and "swapping" them out....not so today.....there are over 200 different applications for the trans that is in my van, and each is controlled by a computer and has different sensors for each application...yea this is a over simplifacation, but the point is, things have progressed and nothing remains the same....yea we can get away with being lack in a Ford or GM product to some extent, don't try it is a higherline "import' especially the German built stuff...they are technically and enginnering wise light yrs ahead of our stuff....its just how it is...and for the most part, they are fine pieces of machinary......lol...even as simple as the old VWs were, they were not open to great amounts of abuse.....geez i hated those "gas heaters"!!!
.
How true it is!! And if us old school guys took the time to really look at the newer vehicles we are driving, the american built ones, we would find that more and more our vehicles are becoming the same way.
Last week I had to have the trans rebuilt in my 2005 GMC CV...now i was a NIASE Certified auto/ light truck mechanic back in the early 70's....when we had a trans go bad it was simply a matter of taking one off the self, making sure it had the proper "parts" for the applications and "swapping" them out....not so today.....there are over 200 different applications for the trans that is in my van, and each is controlled by a computer and has different sensors for each application...yea this is a over simplifacation, but the point is, things have progressed and nothing remains the same....yea we can get away with being lack in a Ford or GM product to some extent, don't try it is a higherline "import' especially the German built stuff...they are technically and enginnering wise light yrs ahead of our stuff....its just how it is...and for the most part, they are fine pieces of machinary......lol...even as simple as the old VWs were, they were not open to great amounts of abuse.....geez i hated those "gas heaters"!!!