Ford Van vs Sprinter Van. Compare and contrast.

[BravestDog]

Wondering if anyone has driven or knowledge of the Sprinter Van?

I'd like to hear a comparison/contast of the two if you have information.

Thanks

[sixiron]

I was seriously looking at one the first of the year and had a unit over in knoxville, tn ready for me. I found 2 guys running them over the road...went to several mercedes benz sites and gathered enough info to stay away from them for a while...here's why
1. they w e r e being sold/serviced by freightliner dealers...now they will go to the chrysler dealers . the truck dealers know you make your living with their vehicles, auto dealers do not care.The local freightliner dealer was selling these right along and all of a sudden the germans say: you have to fork over the "franchise" fee for selling them...My local dealer says you're crazy if you want me to pay the franchise fee and next year you dump the same van on the chrysler lot up the street!!
2. price increase of 6% on 2003 ...ouch! 36-37grand for the big one
3. they are having problems with egr valves...they said they had them worked out but 1 person running a sprinter (150,000 miles) had 1 valve replaced under warranty...the other he had to eat at $ 550.00 for the valve
4. I was looking at the 2500HD single rear wheels/long wheelbase/ high roof...these boys have blown over in high winds.
5. Had one person wreck one and all the parts were not available...so to me it was a crap shoot for now
6. add-ons came in packages and I couln't get what I wanted without spending big bucks for other goodies in the package...single item upgrades were extremely limited.
7. 500,000 warranty was nixed by Daimler/Chrysler even at extra purchase cost.

my .02 bd

Nice vehicle though...

[jschira]

Looks a little low on power too.