I live in US and I want a gasoline van and most likely 1500 versions;
so my usual options are:
1) Ford Transit (3.5 PFDi V6 OR 3.5 EcoBoost V6) + (10-Speed by Ford)
2) Ram Promaster (3.6 Pentastar V6 + 9-ZF)
3) Chevy Express/GMC Savana= (4.3 EcoTech V6 + 8L90E) OR (6.6 LS V8 + 6L90E)
4) Mercedes Sprinter (2.0 M274 Turbo I4) + (9-Speed Tronic)
I'm leaning toward Ford Transit but hearing not so nice things about 10 speed transmission by Ford, I do consider RAM or Chevy/GMC. Not really considering Mercedes due to the parts costs.
Particularly looking for 'easy to maintain' and 'good longevity' van. All the vans can haul what I need to haul so HP, torque, Payloads (less than 1500lb) aren't really issue for all of those 4 choices.
3) Chevy Express/GMC Savana= (4.3 EcoTech V6 + 8L90E) OR (6.6 LS V8 + 6L90E)
This would be my pic. Those express vans seem to be able to run for a very long time. After doing some research, it looks like that 6.6 V8 does NOT have cylinder deactivation (GM RPO Code L8T), but the 4.3 V6 does. General consensus is avoid cylinder deactivation for longevity purposes.
I can guarantee you that the 6.6 V8 will be a complete gas guzzler, but other than that it should be extremely reliable. That trans can handle way more power than the engine can put out.
For the other options you listed... I do not trust a turbo ford motor, & I agree with your statement on the 10 speed. Seems like there's been issues for some time with them. If you get a ford only consider the N/A engine.
Cant speak much on the pro master or sprinter. But I see a fair amount of them around. Your statement about the Mercedes is probably accurate too.
New or used?
A V6 is going to be pretty gutless.
Ford and RAM are garbage.
Nothing is easy to maintain any more.
The best longevity is 100% the Mercedes. It may even cost less in the long run.
The listed engine+transmissions are mostly and fairly new model as in within 5 years-ish.
As long as the same engine+transmission combination is available for that specific used van, I'm all ears.
Chevy Express/GMC Savana (...) 6.6 LS V8 + 6L90E
Mechanically it is to closest to being decent.
I mean... are you ok with 13-15 mpg? is that something that will still make financial sense to you?
Mercedes Sprinter (2.0 M274 Turbo I4) + (9-Speed Tronic)
I do not think that a small turbocharged 4 cylinder is the correct choice - what about 4 cylinder diesel?
HP, torque, Payloads (less than 1500lb) aren't really issue for all of those 4 choices
The issue is that in the US there aren't many good commercial vans - you can't really find a Toyota ProAce 1.5 BlueHDi there (47 mpg city / 53 mpg highway)
why not just connect a trailer to a regular car?
Not huge fan of any of the options
I personally would get a Ford E350
hasn't been made in 9 years
I know
I mean... are you ok with 13-15 mpg? is that something that will still make financial sense to you?
I think the other 3 choices aren't any better; I see them at 15~18 MPG so 10~20% extra gas doesn't mean too much of the problem given I would only drive 10~12k miles a year.
I do not think that a small turbocharged 4 cylinder is the correct choice - what about 4 cylinder diesel?
I agree about big cars would put too much strain on 4 cylinder engine (even with turbocharge), but I don't want a diesel car. I know they are stronger and more fuel efficient, but from where I live, diesel prices are 30~35% more expensive than gasoline which kind of defeats the purpose of financial decision.
On top of that, I'm more used to DIYing gasoline cars.
why not just connect a trailer to a regular car?
Driving with trailer isn't much of option around the city I live.
Definitely more difficult unless I get on highway, but I do drive around busy local streets just as much.