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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
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Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 20, 2018 - 09:23am PT
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my wife and i are currently in the market for a used sprinter van. we are specifically looking for a 2003-2009 Dodge with the 144" wheelbase and high roof. preferably with low miles(under 150K) and one owner and clean title. we are willing to travel from the bay area as far as arizona, utah, or oregon. Camping conversion would be a plus. any help would be much appreciated, Steve Schneider
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Apr 20, 2018 - 09:29am PT
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Just curious why you’re not interested in a Merc in addition or instead of the Dodge.
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shipoopoi
Big Wall climber
oakland
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 20, 2018 - 09:47am PT
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we hear that the older dodge sprinter vans are a better value than the newer mercedes sprinter vans. ss
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Apr 20, 2018 - 10:18am PT
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I would think the best ‘value’ would be on one of either ilk at about 50K miles. As in financial markets at some point the ‘risk premium’ negates the value. I’ve been thinking of getting one but it would have to be pretty cheap to entice me into one with over 75K. I know that isn’t high mileage for a big diesel in an F250 but IMHO those smaller diesels are working a lot harder. Other than anecdotal ‘data’ have you found any more substantive data on longevity vs cost?
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Apr 20, 2018 - 10:38am PT
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The reliability and value thing only applies to units that have been well taken care of and driven with a light foot.
The T1N's of 03-06 are very old now, ones on the market are likely to be beat to hell, I wouldn't go there at all.
The 07+ Dodge's and Mercs have emission issues that, again, can be no big deal if you are handy with diesel motors and are working on a well cared for vehicle - otherwise possible financial ruin.
There is zero difference between the Dodge and Merc, except the hood ornament. Even the VINs all follow Merc format, absolutely every part has a Merc PN. Therefore, expand your search, if you insist, 2007-2018.
That said, I would also look at a Ford gasoline. The diesel fuel cost equation has changed in the past few years, it's gotten more expensive and the vehicles that burn it even more so, you're not saving much if anything over gas anymore.
I would not touch a Dodge/Fiat/Promaster with a stick.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Apr 20, 2018 - 10:41am PT
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Interesting, JLP. What's the low-down on the Promaster? They do look cool. :)
BAd
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Apr 20, 2018 - 10:55am PT
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^^^No reason for a van with that mileage to need that much work except in the case of incompetent mechanics and/or abusive owners. I wouldn't touch that thing.
That said, buying an older pro converted RV is definitely value, these vehicles tend to be owned by mellower drivers with more money for maintenance. Converting your own equivalent will be more expensive by far. The systems tend to be weaker, though - battery, solar, etc - but can be upgraded.
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Apr 20, 2018 - 11:41am PT
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Camping conversion - high roof - one owner - low, as in no, miles.
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John Mac
Trad climber
Breckenridge, CO
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Apr 20, 2018 - 12:35pm PT
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"I would not touch a Dodge/Fiat/Promaster with a stick."
I had a friend last year that purchased a 2017 Promaster and it's turned out to be lemon. It is in the shop more than out... So far the dealer is standing by the warranty.
It seems very under-powered when fitted out for a trip. Gas mileage has been quite bad as well...
He wishes he never sold his old sprinter ...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Apr 20, 2018 - 01:52pm PT
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Boy, if I dropped $150K on one tricked out by Airstream and it didn’t run I’d be screaming.
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John Mac
Trad climber
Breckenridge, CO
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Apr 20, 2018 - 02:09pm PT
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It's the gas version.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Apr 20, 2018 - 02:34pm PT
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Look at the rear axle on a Promaster. That clearance made it a non-starter for me- they are trying to sell to people who want to minimize load height, not maximize offroad clearance. That said, I did prefer that vehicle for the internal box dimensions to make a camper van. Easier to sleep sideways and waste less space on a bed without doing pop-out window extensions or sleeping diagonally.
I am pretty satisfied with the 4x4 capability on a new sprinter. If you add it to an old van, it is a $20k+ add-on. The used vehicle with outdated safety features and no warranty starts looking less attractive at that point. That's what turned us away from a gas Ford Econoline in favor of the new Sprinter.
If you want to do more homework on various vintages of Sprinters, check the forums and read up:
https://sprinter-source.com/forum/index.php
T1N are the older models you are looking for Steve. Lots of documentation of various age and reliability issues to work around:
https://sprinter-source.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=106
A little more info to sort out the history of Dodge vs Mercedes and the years in question with different feature changes:
https://sprinter-source.com/wiki/index.php/Sprinter
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WBraun
climber
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Apr 20, 2018 - 05:37pm PT
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I'm gonna become sprinter mechanic.
All these climber clones driving the same, lookin the same, etc.
It's cult I tell ya!
There must be a million clone climbers now all looking the same in their sprinters wearing their Patagonia clothing drinkin beer..... :-)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Apr 20, 2018 - 05:42pm PT
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Not often, but every once in a while, I wish I was a guy and could speak the language of man/car. I have a 2006 Chevy Express Van, AWD. It's still rollin'.
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hooblie
climber
from out where the anecdotes roam
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Apr 20, 2018 - 06:04pm PT
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this looks about right to me. height adjustable!
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Apr 20, 2018 - 06:57pm PT
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Sprinters aren't great for long term quality.
http://www.dashboard-light.com/reports/Van.html
But there's not many high roofline vans that get decent mpg. I'd do some serious number crunching between a Ford Transit and a Sprinter to see what's the best value.
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phylp
Trad climber
Upland, CA
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Apr 20, 2018 - 09:59pm PT
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Forget about this van stuff, Steve. Get a Winnebago and join me on the dark side. :-)
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