could use some opinions on these 2 vans

[AlexK90]

I'm trying to decide on a van for my build.  I know I definitely need a high-top (my back is messed up and I won't last long crouched over all the time) and I'm planning to live in it full time for the foreseeable future.  I would love a high roof Ford Transit but they came out so recently I can't find a used one for less than 25k.

I recently found 2 vans that I like and I could use some input.

One is a 2013 MB Sprinter 2500 (144wb) with 78k miles in great condition.  Drawbacks are it has a cracked windshield and side mirror as well as only being able to take ULSD which restricts travel in South America.  They are asking $20k, blue book value is around $18.5 so I might be able to get it down a bit.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/5823409725.html

This is a 2011 GMC Savana 2500 Extended with 88k miles also in great condition.  A bit longer in the cargo area but still able to fit in a regular parking space.  Drawbacks: I would have to have a high-top installed which would run several thousand dollars beyond what I end up paying for the van.  Parts will be cheaper and easier to find, and it runs on gasoline which is readily available everywhere, but the Sprinter has the potential to last longer.  They are asking $15k, blue book value is around $13.5 and I think I could probably get them to lower the price.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/ctd/5787067449.html

Either of these options will eat the majority of my savings, and I'd like to have enough left to do a good job on the conversion (at the same time, if I'm going to do a good job I want it to be with a van that will last a long time!)  Any advice/words of wisdom are much appreciated.

 

[DannyB1954]

Google Sprinter problems. You can get very high mileage from some vehicles, but the question is at what cost. I think anything made by Mercedes is going to cost you dearly for whatever you get. Diesels that are past warranty are a big gamble in my opinion. They could run a long time, or something drastic can happen and it will cost you $15K or more to repair. So like Clint Eastwood said, Do you feel lucky, well do ya? So you spend a ton of money on a vehicle with the idea it will run forever, and when it breaks you can't afford to fix it. Say bye bye to your forever vehicle and the money you already put into it.

One guide that I use is Craigslist. If a vehicle has been around for a number of years and it runs forever, there should be a large number of high mileage units for sale. If there is only one unit with 300,000 miles on it, what happened to all the others? And how much did it cost that person to get the 300,000?

I have a Dodge van, but I do like Chevys as well. I would not buy a 2005 - 2008 Ford van with a 5.4, (google ford 5.4 problems as well). To be honest I don't like Fords to begin with. Parts are expensive and they make so many changes so often that you almost need the VIN number to make sure you are buying the correct part.

BTW, often the fiberglass high top will outlast the vehicle. You might find one in a wrecking yard cheap. If I put one on mine, I only plan on cutting out part of the old roof, (maybe about 4' in the center. The rest of the old top makes for a lot of storage for light items.

 

[akrvbob]

The Chevy is by far the beter van and after 250,000 miles of use will have cost much less to repair and maintain than the
Sprinter.

 

[BradKW]

I was going to get a Sprinter, got scared off by researching possible problems, and then my boss telling me I was nuts, that his Sprinter never has problems and it's not hard to find people to work on them.

In the past 5 months his Sprinter has needed of $2k in AC issues, $1800 in electrical issues related to the "lock problem", and now requires replacement of the leaking turbo unit for around $4500. And despite efforts of local mechanics, tuning out he has to shuttle the Sprinter 7-hour-roundtrip to get stuff done.

 

[djkeev]

I used to work for Mercedes Benz.
Their products were great!
Sadly, their parts prices are sky high!
You need to be able to afford not only the used purchase price of a Mercedes....... but also the unanticipatedly high often proprietary parts prices as well.

Dave

 

[Wanderer]

I'd go with the Express and have a top mounted.

You COULD do it yourself as some have done.

Oh bother, CR listing for Express has expired..Guess it got bought....

 

[BigT]

I'd go with the Chevy.  A lot easier to work on or get worked on than a MBZ.  A lot cheaper too.

I've been driving a 2015 Sprinter for work (10hrs day) for a year and a half, and have had no serious issues in that time....  Then again, they get a DOT inspection every 45 days and go the dealer routinely, so there's not much time for something major to happen.  Still, when something does go wrong, it costs a fortune to get it fixed.  

From 2012 to 2014 I drove brand-new Sprinters and had no serious issues with them either.  Again, though, it had the 45 day DOT inspections.  

So I guess what I'm saying is, they've been super reliable, but watch out when something needs repair!  It gets really expensive, really fast.  

 

[DrJean]

Have you looked at Ford Transit?

 

[AlexK90]

Have you looked at Ford Transit?

I have, I would love to get one but they came out so recently it's impossible to find out that I can afford.  I really like the high roof versions because they have so much clearance.  I suppose I could try to finance one but anything like that makes me nervous, I'd rather be able to own it free and clear.

 

[AlexK90]

Thanks for the advice!  Can I ask what kind of Dodge van you have?  And how is it working for you?

 

[Cammalu]

I was at the vet today and a woman pulled up in a ford transit. I stopped and asked if I could talk to her about it. She started off with, "You don't want one." I asked why and she said she has already has the engine and transmission replaced (it's a 2015). She also said power wise it's weak and sluggish and after just a little bit of driving the seats were very uncomfortable. She said there was always a light coming on for some problem.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[DannyB1954]

Thanks for the advice!  Can I ask what kind of Dodge van you have?  And how is it working for you?

I have a 1983 dodge conversion b250 with a 318 and a 3 speed automatic. I bought it as is not running from an acquaintance. You know, the story about it ran fine when I parked it, (truth is usually it was not running that is why it got planted in the yard).  If I was paying someone else to work on it, It would not be worth it. Eventually I will get it done. I replaced the gas tank sending unit, (modified an aftermarket part as original part no longer exists). I rebuilt the transmission, repainted the Van, replaced the leaking heater core, replaced the carburetor and ignition switch. Tomorrow I will replace the lower strut bushings. I bought a different transmission just because it has an overdrive. I got it out of a 1992. That might go in next, or I might put it off and redo the interior first. 

I like Dodges, but one thing to watch for is they used unibody construction. This means when the body rusts out, so does the frame, ( the body is the frame). Mine seems to be a Nevada car. The bottom is pretty clean. Also Dodge calls the b250 a 3/4 ton, but it really isn't. It might be made a bit heavier than a 1/2 ton, but not by much. For me it is irrelevant as I am not going to load it to it's max anyway.  I just finished working on a 2005 Ford Expedition, (replaced the engine). I would take my Dodge over the Ford any day as far as being workable. 

All in all for a non mechanic, I would have to recommend a Chevy that is in good condition. 3/4 or one ton.

 

[DrJean]

Yeah well on the Transits, they have only been made here in USA a few years (3?)... and for what I ordered well...I think there's a mole in the KS factory that is combining orders!  It appears there are still lemons being squeezed there. I've been there done that, now I get a good one right? ; They are the replacement to the F 150s etc work vans and are all over the place here.

 

[cortttt]

Yeah well on the Transits, they have only been made here in USA a few years (3?)... and for what I ordered well...I think there's a mole in the KS factory that is combining orders!  It appears there are still lemons being squeezed there. I've been there done that, now I get a good one right? ; They are the replacement to the F 150s etc work vans and are all over the place here.

Anyone considering a Sprinter van should probably check out this post from a guy running a commercial trucking company...After 100,000 miles the emission control systems apparently start to falll apart...and they are very expensive.

He's doing pretty good with the Ford Transits and surprisingly with the Ram Promasters, though.

This article is my personal opinion, based upon my experiences with Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans.  Please understand that these vehicles are used in a commercial trucking application with annual average mileages exceeding 100,000 miles, and that I am not an automotive or diesel expert.  The majority, but not all of the problems occurring with these vehicles occurred after the initial 100,000 miles.  It is my belief that the problems I have experienced, will occur with a vast majority of every Sprinter as the mileage of each vehicle approaches 120,000 miles. Only 3 vehicles have reached 150,000 miles without serious charges for maintenance.to the EGR-DEF- exhaust system.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fatal-flaw-mercedes-benz-sprinters-tom-robertson

 

[anelder1]

Pretty sure you have already thought of this, but you might try looking in rural towns around you as well. Some large cities seem to be higher in price than others.