Considering a Sprinter 4x4
- Thread starter Tex68w
- Start date
Tex68w
Beach Bum
True, but some depreciate a lot more and lot more quickly than others.
Tex68w
Beach Bum
I am not quite sure at the moment as I haven't yet nailed down "the truck" just yet as you know. While it could do a lot of my daily tasks it would never be a tow rig replacement.
Len.Barron
Observer
That was the single greatest factor in my decision to go with an older long wheelbase duramax powered van; I love the new 3.5EB transit,but, I can't get around to believing that after you add all the weight of a camper/expedition build-out, load it with provisions, then strap another 7500lbs to the bumper that anything good would happen..
luthj
Engineer In Residence
Not to derail this thread, but financing a depreciating asset, especially one thats going to drop 20k in the first year has no up sides. You are paying interest on that money, but also on a asset thats worth much less after a short period. There is zero advantage to financing, with the exception of zero interest periods, where you can invest that money for a return elsewhere.
Assuming 4.2% interest and a 68 month term with 5,000 down on a 60k purchase, you will pay about 69,288$ in payments total, about 7,400$ in interest alone. If you decide to sell at 6 years in, the vehicle will have around 70k miles on average. Value will be half or less than new. So you are looking at 39,000$ in total cost outlay. Thats 55 cents per mile, or 6500 a year.
On the transit front, the drivetrain shares many components with the F150, while it would handle quite a bit differently at 14,000 gross combined, I think it would likely be acceptable. If anything the more rearward weight distribution would make it handle better than a F150.
Tex68w
Beach Bum
I am aware of how financing and simple interest work. I usually don't finance if I can't get 0-3% for that very reason.
In regards to the Sprinters resale value, does it really depreciate nearly $20K in the first year? KBB shows a similarly equipped 2018 with 15,000 miles to have a trade value of $13K less than sticker when new just 12 months later, that is worse than I expected.
buildyourown
New member
Not sure why this has devolved into a lecture on personal finance. OP knows what money is and how much they have.
The 2019 Merc doesnt come in a passenger low roof, so if you want a low roof, your decision is made for you. I read something about passenger walk out egress rules for commercial vehicles. Sounds plausible.
As for the Ford, prices are listed. Something like $5k for the AWD. Merc is more than that sticker but MUCH more than that in real life.
Tires sizes: 33s require new mud flaps, maybe some trimming on the Merc. For the Transit, 32s require seam massage and a lift. No slapping 34s on either of them unfortunately.
I'm shopping both pretty hard but waiting til I get to sit in a 2020 Transit since the interior is supposed to be significantly nicer
The 2019 Merc doesnt come in a passenger low roof, so if you want a low roof, your decision is made for you. I read something about passenger walk out egress rules for commercial vehicles. Sounds plausible.
As for the Ford, prices are listed. Something like $5k for the AWD. Merc is more than that sticker but MUCH more than that in real life.
Tires sizes: 33s require new mud flaps, maybe some trimming on the Merc. For the Transit, 32s require seam massage and a lift. No slapping 34s on either of them unfortunately.
I'm shopping both pretty hard but waiting til I get to sit in a 2020 Transit since the interior is supposed to be significantly nicer
AbleGuy
Officious Intermeddler
Buildyourown,
“For the Transit, 32s require seam massage”........I’m ignorant about this, what’s a “seam massage” please. (SFW version please!)
Luthj,
“If you decide to sell at 6 years in, the vehicle will have around 70k miles on average.”.....I’m guessing you live back east because unfortunately, living in the big open spaces of the great wide west like I do means, for most folks, usually putting on a lot more mileage annually on their vehicle than that.
“For the Transit, 32s require seam massage”........I’m ignorant about this, what’s a “seam massage” please. (SFW version please!)
Luthj,
“If you decide to sell at 6 years in, the vehicle will have around 70k miles on average.”.....I’m guessing you live back east because unfortunately, living in the big open spaces of the great wide west like I do means, for most folks, usually putting on a lot more mileage annually on their vehicle than that.
AbleGuy
Officious Intermeddler
My wife (who does a great job managing our finances) takes it one step further, always telling me:
“If you don’t have a discount coupon for it or if it’s not on sale, you can’t get it.”
(Lo siento, couldn’t resist)
AbleGuy
Officious Intermeddler
Back on topic though:This was posted earlier today on another Merc Sprinter thread and may be useful:
Projectblue said:”
Diesel Emission Problems - Sprinter-Forum
Diesel Emission Problems NCV3 Talk
www.sprinter-source.com
Mercedes-Benz & Sprinter OM642 BlueTec Diesel Issues/Problems | Stephens Service Center - Sacramento's Best Mercedes-Benz Service & Repairs
Most people find this article shortly after they've gotten a major repair bill. I get a lot of calls from dealer parking lots. People are astounded at how
www.stephensservice.com
Projectblue said:”
Sprinters in the US have a history of diesel emissions problems that develop when they get somewhere around 100k miles, or less... expensive to fix and then they keep recurring. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fatal-flaw-mercedes-benz-sprinters-tom-robertson
Diesel Emission Problems - Sprinter-Forum
Diesel Emission Problems NCV3 Talk
www.sprinter-source.com
Mercedes-Benz & Sprinter OM642 BlueTec Diesel Issues/Problems | Stephens Service Center - Sacramento's Best Mercedes-Benz Service & Repairs
Most people find this article shortly after they've gotten a major repair bill. I get a lot of calls from dealer parking lots. People are astounded at how
Tex68w
Beach Bum
Back on topic though:This was posted earlier today on another Merc Sprinter thread and may be useful:
Projectblue said:”
Sprinters in the US have a history of diesel emissions problems that develop when they get somewhere around 100k miles, or less... expensive to fix and then they keep recurring. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fatal-flaw-mercedes-benz-sprinters-tom-robertson
Diesel Emission Problems - Sprinter-Forum
Diesel Emission Problems NCV3 Talk
www.sprinter-source.com
Mercedes-Benz & Sprinter OM642 BlueTec Diesel Issues/Problems | Stephens Service Center - Sacramento's Best Mercedes-Benz Service & Repairs
Most people find this article shortly after they've gotten a major repair bill. I get a lot of calls from dealer parking lots. People are astounded at how
www.stephensservice.com
The body and drivetrain tend to hold up quite well but I keep hearing the horror stories about the dieseling the emissions system.
That said, I am still tempted to build one of these. Perfect for hauling the dirt bikes out of sight. I just worry about the reliability of the diesel and 4WD system and the dealer network isn't the best either.
buildyourown
New member
The pinch seam on the rear part of the front wheel well is VERY tall. It needs to be folded over or ground off to clear a decent size tire. Front bumper needs a trim too but that's plastic.
Van Compass has a detailed list of what sizes fit with what mods.
AbleGuy
Officious Intermeddler
Have you looked at these? Brand new company I think.
www.modvans.com
2WD starts around $78,000
You can get AWD for about $5k more or 4wd for about $14.5k more.
They have good storage for bikes inside too.
Check them out.
ModVans: Modern & Modular Camper Vans
www.modvans.com
2WD starts around $78,000
You can get AWD for about $5k more or 4wd for about $14.5k more.
They have good storage for bikes inside too.
Check them out.
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