- Hi scotty im looking to get a 2020 mercedes diesel 6cyl sprinter as a work vehicle. What are your thoughts on them as well as compared to the other option being a ford transit gas van? And which do you think i should get? Whichever it will be will be loaded heavy at all times.
well if you're after hauling capacity, then Mercedes seems to have the most:12,125 lbs GVWR
Ford: 10,360 lbs GVWR
The Mercedes will cost a lot more both up front, and down the road.
Thank you. After doing the math atleast on paper. Factoring in mileage, repair frequency and cost. Time in the shop and longevity etc. it appears that theyd actually cost about the same. (Again thats basic category factors) After having an ecoboost ford truck for six years ive seen it have a lot of expensive problems before hitting 100k miles. Kind of makes me lean towards a diesel for longevity. It feels like ive lost more money from the trucks time in the shop then the actual repairs so far. So i guess the question turns to which ones gonna stay out of the shop at longer intervals 😂
I'm pretty sure that there's a non-ecoboost Ford engine available.
Your first Mercedes inspection will cost around $800, so they can tighten bolts and look at the brakes lol.
I know a retired couple who got stranded on a road trip with their Sprinter that broke down with less than 1,000 mi . Parts were not available so they coaxed it back home in limp mode, and then had to wait another several weeks for the sensor or whatever.
Thats true ive been looking into the regular. Cant even special order a diesel eith ford though which is annoying. Also now im hearing mercedes isnt even making the 6cyl diesel till probably june. Bummah. And jeez thats a horror story forsure.
Generally the Mercedes would be my pick. This is probably the only area (commercial trucks/vans) where I would say Mercedes does a good job. The Transit seems to spend a lot of time in the shop for one thing or another.
Of course, the Mercedes is more expensive as well so you have to factor that in which it sounds like you are. 🙂
The Sprinter is sold as a light commerical van officially but the Ford T-series as it is called apparently is sold as a light commerical vehicle. I don't know the relevancy or what the difference is but there you go.
Thank you yeah thats what i keep hearing. Everyone i know that owns one loves them. And every mechanic ive talked to has the same comparative opinion between the two. I definitely would prefer something thats gonna last atleast 10 years
What kind of business? Long or short van? High top or not?
Farrier/blacksmith. And hightop
Also shorter wheelbase
I would go with Ford Transit 350, heavier suspension and dual rear wheels. I just like it better and it will tote the load. Longer wheelbase to spread the load.