2010 Sprinter search begins

[cspexpeditus]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site, and looking for advice in my quest for obtaining a Sprinter!

So far my searching has been limited to the web. I have exhausted nearly all internet resources for a M.B. I have come to the conclusion that the "real" prices are never listed online.

I have also noticed that dealers tend to have only two or three vehicles on their lot at one time. I am eager to discover if this is merely the dealer's attempt to artificially create demand--as does Toyota with the Prius--which results in sales at or above MSRP.

After reading many earlier posts regarding new purchases, many members have recommended buying left-over '08-09's. I have two reasons why I am leaning toward an 2010 instead; a) M.B. recently bumped the engine warranty up to 100k, and b) M.B. lowered the MSRP to 35k. These two factors combined with more power, cargo capacity, mpg, and SCR have me sold.

I really need to decide between the 144 or 170WB 2500. The 144's offer 500lbs+ greater capacity than the 170, but I'm worried the smaller cargo hold of the 144 will limit what I can carry.

There are some vehicles in stock at a local dealer I'm going to look at. I know they're going to offer MSRP at least, but when they do I know I'll need to counter-offer before walking out. I just don't know what to realistically offer. If they call me back, I guess I will know at that point if they are willing to negotiate and sell their vehicle.

Please feel free to state your opinions, and of course, criticism is certainly welcome. I look forward to hearing from you all and I will keep you posted in the coming days.

Breakdown of Concerns

1. 2500 144 or 170wb?

2. Continental tires?

3. Leaf spring upgradeable on 170?

4. Urea (NH2)2CO refill, where to buy besides dealer?

[xiggi]

A 144" would be a very bad business decidion IMHO.

[cspexpeditus]

A 144" would be a very bad business decidion IMHO.

Thanks very much for that input xiggi, but could you elaborate on why the 144" would be as you said, "bad business?"

[OntarioVanMan]

It would depend on your need for personal space...and your sleeping plans....if you are planning to give a carrier only the 8 1/2 feet you could have a small bunk area...OR if you go with a fold down bunk you could give the carrier 10' with 2 feet for personal stuff...lots a variations....the 144 being lighter would prolly be slightly more fuel efficent than the 170.

Most of our loads tends to be of the height advantage...at 10' 3 48x40 skids loaded sideways is 10'...

even the 170 with 3 48x48's only leaves 26" left over so no room for a bunk anyways....

IMO and my personal needs for space I'd go with the 170"

with 2 skids over a weekend there'd be room for either a bunk or a fold down...

You have to give something somewhere...you can't really have it both ways...

[cspexpeditus]

You have to give something somewhere...you can't really have it both ways...

Thanks OVM, I would do well with 26" or even a hammock lol! My guess was also better mpg in crosswinds with 144." But three pallets like you said sound like $-$, a better deal. Looks like the dealers are asking 2k more for the extra 30" wheel base too.

[OntarioVanMan]

for the extra little bit on money after you get all your stuff in and you are sitting there looking...you'll end up saying...Darn I should have went for more room...*lol*

Its just natural....maximize your income and comfort...

Over a 5 year loan you'll easily make the extra 2G's back...

[guido4475]

Get the biggest van you can get.I made a permanent sleeper because I always wanted to make sure I had a place to sleep while loaded in case I needed a nap, or when freight doesnt come off when expected.But it is more cramped this way, and sometiems I wish I had used the whole van as a sleeper, as some have done, but I realized it is alot quieter the way I have done it, and staying warm and or cool is never a problem this way.I am going to buy a twin-size foam mattress and strap it to the side walls in the cargo area and throw it down on the floor when not loaded to sleep when it is not too hot of cold so I can stretch out.

[cspexpeditus]

Its just natural....maximize your income and comfort... Over a 5 year loan you'll easily make the extra 2G's back...

Thank you OVM, I agree with both statements.

Get the biggest van you can get.

Thanks guido, I will be comfortable. I am really a cybornetic organism here to steal your loads! lol

[chefdennis]

As was already pointed out, "get the biggest van you can. starting out you may be fine with a small personal living area, but over time you will want more as that van will become home for longer stretches of time. For the little extra it cost and the ability to handle larger freight, the 170 is the way to go.

As for the 2010 MB. I can tell you they are all over the place and can be bought for a every good price right now...as i type this my son in law is on a plane to St Louis to pick up a 170"MB today, He had dealers from all over discounting heavily and mad a good deal...they are out their, especially for the MB dealers that have just taken the sprinter line on for the 1st time....

[Jack_Berry]

there are certain options that would make the truck better. adjustable headlights are one. the extra rear leaf spring is another. heated mirrors, heated driver seat and powered is also desireable. they may have to be ordered.

a 144 van is nothing real special. even better mileage with the std roofline but then all you have is a cargo van. the space is worth it. that coming from a man and wife in a cargo van.

urea may be only a dealer item. it hink there is also a code that will need to be closed when the urea is added. flying j is advertising adblu available in their stores but will it work with the very needy/precise sprinter reqs is unknown.

[xiggi]

When I owned a boat the line was as soon as you put them in the water they shrink.

Get As big of sprinter as you can as soon as you go in service they shrink. You will never be sorry you went big, you will find yourself regretting it if you go small.

[OntarioVanMan]

my boats bigger the your boat....

[xiggi]

my boats bigger the your boat....

I tell the girls mine might be small but it sure does grow on ya.

[Ragman]

I tell the girls mine might be small but it sure does grow on ya.

Ummmm

[dhalltoyo]

FYI.

Toyota does not artificially create demand for the Prius.

The demand exceeds the production rate because fuel is markedly higher in the European and Asian markets; therefore the demand id greater in those countries.

Moreover, the production cost exceeds the selling price in the US market.

And I have sold a many them at flat invoice.

So why sell a unit that loses money?

The fleet regs for MPG's prohibits Toyota and other manufacturers from an unlimited number selling high end SUV's. Vehicles that have poor MPG ratings. And those units are ones where real profits are made. One drive through Crashville, TN will enlighten anyone as to the SUV craze in this country.

The Prius holds down the fleet MPG requirement; hence, you can now bring in more Sequoia's, Land Cruisers (Crushers), FJ's, 4 Runners, etc.

Same reason they stopped selling the wonderfully built, smoking twin turbo Supra. They needed to get their fleet MPG down to allow for vehicles that would sell better in the US market.

Buy the 170".

And when they finally make them available, let us know if you find a dealer willing to part with one at $35K. Something in a free market society about supply and demand. Why give up the farm if you have any vehicle that is in demand? I sold the first Prius units at $300 over MSRP (Manufacturers SUGGESTED Retail price) and folks were happy to get one. One year later, when the supply increased, I sold quite a few at $300 over invoice. Moreover, there is still an ample supply of 2008 and 2009 Sprinters sitting on lots. Just saw 3 in Xenia, OH last week at $36,000. Why would that dealer sell, or even order, a 2010 and then sell it for $35,000?