Sprinter vs. Cargo Van
- Thread starter Everything Apax
- Start date
While we're awaiting what appears to be the inevitable thread lock, a quickie recap.
Sprinters have the advantage-- especially the big ones-- of having plenty of room. The payload is similar to any 2500 series heavy van, so weight-wise there's no gain/loss either way. Volume gives the Sprinter the advantage. Diesel engines drink less fuel, so reduced fuel cost is an advantage. Diesel engines also are more likely to start in wet weather--- while gasoline ignition has come a long way, the fact remains that damp weather can shut down spark ignition but not affect diesel ignition.
Disadvantage--- I have to say I don't much care for Mercedes' lack of support after the sale. It can be nearly impossible to find a mechanic when you really need one, even Freightliner or Mercedes dealers are hit-or-miss. If the Freightliner or Mercedes dealer happens to sell Sprinters, you're in luck. If that particular dealer doesn't sell Sprinters, it's doubtful you'll even get them to do an oil change for you, let alone serious mechanical work. Chevys and Fords get the advantage here, if you break down someone nearby can fix it. The other problem with the Sprinter has to do with the fact that it's a Mercedes, too. It's ungodly expensive to fix almost anything on a Mercedes. You have to be rich to own one of these things, as it happens.
I had a 2005 which I ran into the ground. It was roomy, and it had the ability to be comfortable. You could have two skids in there and still have room for your sleeping area without any real trouble. If only fuel cost was the only thing to consider. Alas, it wasn't, so today I drive a considerably less roomy-- but less expensive to maintain-- Chevy.
Sprinters have the advantage-- especially the big ones-- of having plenty of room. The payload is similar to any 2500 series heavy van, so weight-wise there's no gain/loss either way. Volume gives the Sprinter the advantage. Diesel engines drink less fuel, so reduced fuel cost is an advantage. Diesel engines also are more likely to start in wet weather--- while gasoline ignition has come a long way, the fact remains that damp weather can shut down spark ignition but not affect diesel ignition.
Disadvantage--- I have to say I don't much care for Mercedes' lack of support after the sale. It can be nearly impossible to find a mechanic when you really need one, even Freightliner or Mercedes dealers are hit-or-miss. If the Freightliner or Mercedes dealer happens to sell Sprinters, you're in luck. If that particular dealer doesn't sell Sprinters, it's doubtful you'll even get them to do an oil change for you, let alone serious mechanical work. Chevys and Fords get the advantage here, if you break down someone nearby can fix it. The other problem with the Sprinter has to do with the fact that it's a Mercedes, too. It's ungodly expensive to fix almost anything on a Mercedes. You have to be rich to own one of these things, as it happens.
I had a 2005 which I ran into the ground. It was roomy, and it had the ability to be comfortable. You could have two skids in there and still have room for your sleeping area without any real trouble. If only fuel cost was the only thing to consider. Alas, it wasn't, so today I drive a considerably less roomy-- but less expensive to maintain-- Chevy.
I think the Ragman might be able to dig one up somewhere.
paullud
Veteran Expediter
You may need a big bag of popcorn, I'm done driving for the weekend.
Sent from my ADR6400L using EO Forums
Call it what you want. I'll stand my ground and don't care if I get booted frim site. It's how you guys deal, run and hide. And who is directing who, princess!? Lol
paullud
Veteran Expediter
Well since you are reacting to what I say and you get your panties in a wad when someone disagrees with you, it would appear anyone who wants to could direct you. You have demonstrated a lack of control and a lack of a few other things. Your ability to think of an insult seems to get you no further than calling someone gay, like that is an insult in the first place. You can keep reacting in a manner that you will gain nothing from or the option to disagree and debate from your point of view so that you can learn and let others learn from you. I have a feeling you are going for the first because you want to get banned to prove something or maybe trying to prove you're not something....
Sent from my ADR6400L using EO Forums
paullud
Veteran Expediter
Sorry, I'll try to keep my urges to myself in the future.
Sent from my ADR6400L using EO Forums
Mine's not an opinion, it's an established fact of reality. Just because you prefer your misinformed opinion to the truth doesn't make it a valid opinion.
I sincerely hope so. But keep in mind that I and many other have heard that before, only to watch those who have said that have nothing but trouble. The worst thing you can do with a Sprinter is think you know all about it already and think you've got it covered.
I'm not talking you down, I'm giving you honest reality so you can at least be warned and think about some of the things you will have to consider. Would you prefer that I agree with everything you say, tell you things are easy peasy out where with a Sprinter and you'll have no unexpected or thoroughly befuddling surprises?
Good for you.
First, I gave you an infraction for attacking another EO member and calling them names. I have not done that to you, as tempting as it has been. Second, you're in no position to tell me what to do. I don't take very kindly to thinly veiled threats. If you want to get into a public pіssing contest with me, you'll drown, and I won't even have to wear my Mod Hat to do it. You'll drown yourself.
It's up to you - you can use this site to learn valuable information about this business, or you can be a tool. I really don't care either way.
Edit: Whoops. Sorry, I see that while I was composing my reply, you have won an all expense paid vacation to not here. Oh, well.
Last edited:
You definitely saw that one coming! I guess it was inevitable, just didn't think it would happen this soon.
I have put almost 1 million miles on two Chevy gassers. Never had an ignition problem due to damp weather. If you have had a problem starting in damp weather, replace your ignition wires with a quality set. How often (mileage) do you replace your wires?
paullud
Veteran Expediter
Going to the distributorless ignition helped get rid of a lot of the wet starting issues, now the wires are the main issue but it is easily solved.
Sent from my ADR6400L using EO Forums
Leo...Here is the site...that just a couple months ago had 10...170" full size sprinters for 31,999..2012"s....
"Sprinter Guy" News and Talk
guido4475
Not a Member
I was also on the same frame of mind....Only once did I have a damp weather issue, and a good set of OEM wires took care of that. I have an 03 Ford van now, and it doesn't even have wires, but a coil pack on top of the spark plug.That's it. So easy.
Let me just break it down in simple terms for the rest of you guys. Sprinter means you're sprinting through the Flying J parking lot, and Chevy means your running down the highway! This opinion might not be based in fact, but it is my opionion nonetheless.