How miles will a Sprinter last???

gojack

Expert Expediter
I read an article that quoted
UPS as getting to about 650,000 miles
before 50% of the Sprinter test group
had a "major failure"

Dave
 

Twmaster

Expert Expediter
The real question is what defines 'major failure'? How many EGR valves at several hundred a pop? How many expensive brake jobs? Timing chain?

When I see numbers like that I just cringe. I also understand that now that the Spinter is gaining market share here in the US it is getting a better service base (read that as repair facility) and repair costs are coming down. I also see where the Spinter has advantages in capacity over the GM and Ford vans. This is a plus in my book but still not enough to convince me.

I am still not convinced that a Sprinter is a better alternative to a GM or Ford 1 ton just yet. If they continue to refine the thing I *can* see it as a good alternative. I know some here Tom R., Geo and others are getting good service out of their units. I also see others with heartburn.

I'll sit on this side of the fence for now although I will admit the first time I stepped up into the rear of a Spinter at the Freightshaker dealer I was drooling just a little. ;)

--
Mike N

Faster than a speeding poulet.

Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)
 

gojack

Expert Expediter
I took major failure as
either a transmission or engine
that was dead., unrepairable.

I do think UPS, FedEx, DHL are
buying them over Ford/Chevy for some
reason...I am guessing they are saving $$$

Dave

By the way, if someone is idleing a sprinter
and putting in EGR's as a result, it is their
own fault.
 

geo

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Retired Expediter
US Navy
taking care of mantance will make them last
one thing found out is go to local dodge dealer as they have better service than most truck places as they are more into big trucks and
dodge dealer is cheaper
 

Crazynuff

Veteran Expediter
You know UPS went for the cube space and probably needed a fleet order too large for GM or Ford to handle .
 

Twmaster

Expert Expediter
If GM and/or Ford ever take a big hint from the Sprinter and offer a factory raised roof with tall rear door model Sprinter will be handed it's hat IMHO.

One look at the durability of GM vans (See Terryandrene's 500K mile Chevy gasser) and it's hard to bet on an expensive to maintain Sprinter that still has teething problems.

I would take lower fuel mileage and durability over frequent expensive repairs any day.

--
Mike N

Faster than a speeding poulet.

Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)
 

gojack

Expert Expediter
Yep I'm sure you guys are right

I can see it now,

UPS FedEx and DHL went to Ford and GM, and said
"we would like to spend Ohhhhh ... about 1.5 BILLION dollars
on vans"...plus parts, maintaince etc.,

Ford said no thanks, we did a knock-off of the Sprinter
for Europe, its doing pretty well there to,
BUT it's too much trouble
to import it to the US for only $1,500,000,000.00

GM said we COULD get you a working prototype for your
for 1.5 Billion, in about 9-12 years. BUT it would cause
Union troubles, The AFL/CIO thinks that big fat grown men,
plumbers, carpet-layers, carpenters etc., Crawling
around in the back of a Chevy van, showing off their butt
crack to the world is one of those great American Icons,
and they will strike if we do anything to allow
American workers to stand-up and work in a Chevy van.
And besides that, we have been selling passanger vans
with the seats pulled, and the windows plywooded ...eerrrr...
covered up as a commercial vehicle for years
why change a winning van like that???

So GM said ...,give the Germans the business...
maybe it will slow down the Japanese from
taking over our markets.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

You guys crack me up.
My wife is always wondering
what I am snickering about as I type.
I think she thinks I have a girlfriend
 

TDIdriver

Expert Expediter
One reason Ford is not importing the Transit is that in cannot run on our dirty diesel, until we get ULSD fuel in 2007 were not going the best of diesel technolgy. Also remember that light duty trucks have tougher emissions standard to meet.
 

Twmaster

Expert Expediter
>One reason Ford is not importing the Transit is that in
>cannot run on our dirty diesel,

It seems the Sprinter can't either. The word EGR comes to mind.

--
Mike N

Faster than a speeding poulet.

Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)
 

TDIdriver

Expert Expediter
I just looked at used 2002 Sprinter today, I don't if my butt going to last 100 miles on those seats. Talking about thin padding on seats, I think my folding chairs have more padding. I notice that new 2004 Sprinters have better padding.
 

LDB

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
I think they changed the seats in the 2003 because they weren't padded enough for American behinds.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
 

gojack

Expert Expediter
Sprinter seats are either standard (poor)
or the optional "de luxe seats" (much better)
The deluxe seats are Isri seats,
good, firm and very adjustable. Not lazyboy soft.
(they had a big display at last years MATS)
See:
http://www.isri.de/english/

Dave
 

TDIdriver

Expert Expediter
I'm looking at 2003 Sprinter with a 120,000 miles for about $20k and I can get new 2004 for about $32,000. Is the new one worth $12,000 differnce?

Thanks guys.
 

gojack

Expert Expediter
2006's are due out soon
new design better mpg

Me? I would wait

Dave

Straight math answer:
500,000 mile life divided by $32,000 = 15.63 cents per mile
380,000 mile life divided by $20,000 = 19.00 cents per mile
 

Driveguy 207

Expert Expediter
Its one thing to be objective when comparing operating costs. But how much is comfort worth? Im more likely to stay out longer and make more runs if I have some creature comforts. Being able to stand up is the biggest one. I don't use a bulkhead so when Im empty I have over 13' of sleeper space. With 2 skids, over 5'. last week I had an Espar Airtronic 4 heater installed. Its great! I just push a button to turn it on, adjust the thermostat and Im always warm. No more waking up in a cold van. Thats a real help when it gets down in the single Digits. Im always looking for a new way to make things better without adding much weight or take up space. I talk to fellow sprinter owners as much possible. And so far Ive heard 286,000 on a 2002 with preventitive maintanance and still going strong.
 
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