2015 Mercedes Sprinter 4x4

[Alpenmeister]

I really like everything about Vanagon as far as the coolness factor, uniqueness "ahead" of its time etc... . honestly.

However, wanting to use and drive one daily, does require extensive and expensive modifications. Furthermore, I am also struggling to justify spending +$40K for a nice 25 year old Syncro. No doubt, a high percentage of this price is in the uniqueness and collectability. However, to be compliant with modern times, these rigs do need quite a lot of modifications and maintenance.... at least that is what I have gleaned in this forum.

There is now an option. If you have the means to find a rust free original syncro and do the mods yourself, this won't apply to you. But as far as I can tell having read countless threads, most need the mods done by pros.

So if you are willing to spend $45-50K for a brand new Sprinter, perhaps this may appeal to you. This 4x4 system is designed and installed by Oberaigner of Germany and will be "military grade", ...just quoting what I have read.

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1403-2015-mercedes-benz-sprinter-4x4/



[/list]

[mrshrimp]

The base sprinter starts at ~37k, plus 18-25 for the 4x4 option. Any extra bells and whistles and your basically at 60k, non camperized.

Nice rigs but not really compact, no locking differential, and in no way as off road capable as a syncro. This would be nice in slick icy conditions but not sure what else.

Spend close to half that on a engine converted westy syncro.

[Xtremjeepn]

Just a few thoughts as I own both a Sprinter and Eurovan. (Both mine in the picture below).

The Sprinter, even the shortest one, is on a completely different size scale than the Eurovan/Vanagon.

I know people like to compare them but they really are in a different class. The Sprinter is definitely more useful for some things but nowhere near as car sized and convenient as a Vanagon/Eurovan sized camper van.

[mrshrimp]

Is that a stock/standard size sprinter? I didnt release they were that big.

[Xtremjeepn]

[Xtremjeepn]

I've got a couple of other size comparison photos here.

This is the short wheelbase of the current generation Sprinter. With a low roof and Poptop.

[Xtremjeepn]

Alright, one more set. Sorry they are all Euros for size comparison.

The 2015 4x4 Sprinter will also sit 3-4" higher than a 2wd version.

This is a short wheelbase current Sprinter, low roof, poptop next to the long wheelbase Winnebgo Eurovan full camper.

[Xtremjeepn]

[Gruppe B]

Alot of the height in the Sprinter is due to the high floor caused by the rear wheel drive layout. Its amazing how high the floor is compared to the Vanagon or Eurovan and the loss of space due to the design.

If only we could get the VW T5.....

[Xtremjeepn]

[aswah]

i would love one... I love my Kaya but I would love something with more modern amenities... someday I will buy a sprinter... now I have to pay off rebuilding the motor...
_________________
WIT WA DA DA (Peace and Unity)

Aswah, Lisa, Beaumont and Loose Lucy Too!

1989 Westy
2013 Jetta Sportswagon TDI

[Xtremjeepn]

[Alpenmeister]

Agree on all accounts.... They are all different vehicles.

The Sprinter is an option and in my opinion, a very good option for many in the 144" high top. Versus EVs and Vanagons, the Sprinter is nothing short of awesome for lots of travel with hours of highway time etc... For those using as a daily driver, sure the EV and Vanagon are smaller which make them convenient for hopping around town.

For long range travel, which a lot of folks use their EVs and Vanagons, High Top Sprinter properly/modestly equipped in a 144" wheelbase is outstanding. Now with the 4X4 option, very compelling, plus I like standing up inside the van and having a warranty.


The base Sprinter can be purchased for $34K from the right dealer. The 4X4 option pricing was just released yesterday at the Sprinter dealer gathering... <$8K. With modest up-fitting you are now looking at $50K all in. Sure it will depreciate a little, but the 4X4 version will hold up better than the RWD.

I really like Vanagons a lot .. especially Syncros, but $40-50K for a 25 yr old Westy still needing maintenance and modifications is expensive. For a freshened up go Westy at +$70K is even harder....

[mrshrimp]

I understand the modernized/updated idea, especially the warranty. But you could probably just get a RWD with chains or studded tires for winter conditions and get as much out of it.

[Corwyn]

[Farfrumwork]

[Westified]

What about a 2015 Ford Low Roof Transit Van with a poptop. These are the full size Transit Vans. The base price is $33,000 but no 4x4 at this time. Hopefully it will be garageable. That is one of my requirements living in Hurricane country. My Westy survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992 very nicely in my garage. No so for our cars outside. I also like the smaller size vans for around town. The Sprinter seems very large and subject to crosswinds. To bad VW will never bring in the T5 California. Also, Ford has a nice van in Europe called the Ford Terrier with a beautiful conversion by Wellhouse.

http://wellhouseleisure.com/ford/[url]
_________________
1984 Westy Wolfsburg, owned since 1987. FAS 2.0 NA engine conversion in 2022.

[scottbott]

there are plenty of rusty sprinters over here,some are fairly new,the mercedes vito are very prone to rust as well

[gears]

[Alpenmeister]