2016 Mercedes Sprinter Cargo Van opinions

Question

Hi Scotty!

Long time lurker, but first time poster. I have spent much of COVID dreaming about a camper van, and have a few questions about the Mercedes Sprinter Van.

Do they really last?

What is your take on Mercedes Sprinters? 2WD, 4WD, 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder does it matter when we talk about longevity which engine is in there? The internet says the diesel engine can get 500k, but is that true? I know you generally say to stay away from Mercedes, but the Sprinters seem to have a reputation to run a long time and hold their value.

Price

How the heck can you even find the right price for one of these things, used seems to be getting awfully close to the price of new?! A lot of these used ones seem to be used hard as Amazon delivery vehicles or tradesman trucks which makes me weary.

What to look for?

That being said, I'm going to look at a used 2016 Sprinter 144 wb from an original owner who has a hobby of restoring cars (I imagine it's been well taken care of) — what questions do I need to ask to help ensure it’s not a lemon? What should I ask the pre-inspection mechanic? I’ve done a fair amount of research but at this point looking for anything a sprinter master would ask that a regular citizen like myself wouldn’t

.

Thank you!

Here’s more info on the particular van I'm looking at:

- 2016 Mercedes Sprinter Cargo Van

- 2 wd, 144 wb, high roof, 4 cylinder diesel, 7 speed with 125,000 miles

- original owner with original paint and no accidents

- all factory recommended services completed at same dealership

- oil changed at 7,500 mile intervals instead of the 20,000 factory recommendation

- Adventure Wagon interior kit with L-track system, dynamat sound deadening, thinsulate insulation, reflective sheeting and upholstered panels

-12 volt/USB multiple electrical outlets thru out Sprinter

-Auxillary house battery that consists of 2x 6 volt batteries with heavy duty wiring and mounting frame work in engine compartment

- 10 inch Pioneer stereo sound system, Apple Play, rear camera, Alpine amplifier, upgraded door speakers and tweeters with sound deadening in doors

-Bilstein front shocks, Fox rear shocks, front and rear Sumo springs with Helwig rear sway bar

- Tires- Mazama All Terrain Open Range installed at 102,000

- brakes-front, rear pads and rotors changed at 75,000

- new main primary AGM battery

- Pedal Box

P.s. how will I know it's been answered. Love your channel and all that you do!

MountainManJoe · Accepted Answer

it's a European vehicle, so expect none of the N.American luxuries. Out of reach cup holders. Stupid twist dial seats etc. etc.

Do they last.. sure, depending how deep your pockets are. They're not exactly established in N.America yet. Long term reliability unproven. Still kinda new.... Parts are expensive and not widely available.

The price.. is high as you expect for Mercedes. To buy, and to maintain. Over-engineered everything. Hundreds of computers for every little function.

Other than that... pretty capable I guess. It's not like you have a lot of choices in the high-top segment.

GrizzzlyGoat · Answer

If you plan to keep the thing for forever, I highly recommend you check out FCP Euro. Everything on their website is backed by a lifetime warranty, which includes wear items like brakes and oil. It will save you hundreds down the line.

From one Euro owner to another 👍