[jtucker]

I have been reading and looking into the new Ford Transit for a long time. I really appreciate this forum because of all the information I have learned.
When the actual real life Transit came out, I was disappointed in the looks. From the side it looks like a "Pug Nosed" something.

My wife likes the looks of the Sprinter. I would rather have a Ford (we have a 2002 E350 extended window van right now).

I know there are some Sprinter owners in this Forum... why should I not buy a new Sprinter (Dodge?? van with Mercedes Trim??)??

 

[orton]

New ones are all Mercedes.

Sprinter does not have a dealer in every other town. Because they are so complicated, sometimes even a dealer can not fix them. They rust. Diesel is more expensive to operate than gas unless you put on lots of miles/year. Only B5 fuel capable. Some states have higher bio. V6 5 speed transmission is poor. You must shift manually for economy. Twin turbo 4 has better transmission but engine is small for a large van. Parts are very expensive. Think $8,000 for a transmission and $15,000 for an engine. Doors rattle.

Want to buy my fully converted 08 144" diesel for $48,000? For details go to sprinter-source.com and search with "orton". Multiple posts about each phase of the conversion. Bought new, 55,000 miles, no accidents, Graphite Gray color, no rust on CA. vehicle. No DEF injection on 08's. Tuneable. Excellent condition. Owned, built and cared for by old engineer!

 

[cphvac]

I thought the sprinter looked the best too. But I chose to get a Transit with Ecoboost. My main reason was 3 grand more upfront cost the way I wanted the van equipped & fear of expensive Mercedes parts. I also don't put enough miles (11,000) a year to justify the diesel. Also Transit seats are more comfortable IMO, & I couldn't resist the incentives Ford is putting in.
I did like the larger radio display & more carlike steering wheel position on the sprinter though.

 

[ted]

New ones are all Mercedes.

Sprinter does not have a dealer in every other town. Because they are so complicated, sometimes even a dealer can not fix them. They rust. Diesel is more expensive to operate than gas unless you put on lots of miles/year. Only B5 fuel capable. Some states have higher bio. V6 5 speed transmission is poor. You must shift manually for economy. Twin turbo 4 has better transmission but engine is small for a large van. Parts are very expensive. Think $8,000 for a transmission and $15,000 for an engine. Doors rattle.

Want to buy my fully converted 08 144" diesel for $48,000? For details go to sprinter-source.com and search with "orton". Multiple posts about each phase of the conversion. Bought new, 55,000 miles, no accidents, Graphite Gray color, no rust on CA. vehicle. No DEF injection on 08's. Tuneable. Excellent condition. Owned, built and cared for by old engineer!

Even driving around a city you don't see many obvious sprinter dealers which already is kind of sccary if your a sprinter owner

 

[PeterR]

jtucker, I suggest test driving all units of all brands with your wife. That is the main priority for any new van for me. How does it handle and what is the visibility like? In my experience the Transit handles better, due to a variety of factors too numerous to list. The factors mentioned above by others are also important, especially the dealer distribution in rural areas. If you get a Sprinter, it would be wise insurance to get a super-premium roadside assistance package which includes towing up to 500 miles [sic], and housing costs.

 

[Dale_R]

I looked it up. There are two (2) Sprinter dealers in Montana, one in N Dak, one in S Dak, none in Wyoming and Alaska.

 

[carnut]

...Want to buy my fully converted 08 144" diesel for $48,000? ...

The ultimate endorsement. If Sprinter had the same poor resale as most other vehicles there would already be a used one in my garage.

 

[orton]

The ultimate endorsement. If Sprinter had the same poor resale as most other vehicles there would already be a used one in my garage.

$40,000 Sprinter + $20,000 conversion parts + at least 1000 hours labor @ $20.00/hr. = $80,000.

You were lucky they hold their resale value.

 

[jtucker]

I appreciate all the information. I live in So Cal, so there is a Sprinter Dealer with-in 15 miles. I have driven one but have not driven the Transit yet. I am going to the Transit Tour on September 10 and hope to drive a wagon. There is a T250 Medium Height at local dealer with EcoBoost that I plan to test drive also. I really can not see being able to take advantage of the $1500 rebate since I am not ready to order (if I order) before September 2.

Thanks Again

 

[captgw2]

jtucker, I have had a '13 Sprinter now for 1.5 years and I could not wait to order a new Transit. The Sprinter was a huge (and expensive) mistake I made. I have driven an EcoBoost Transit and LOVE IT! I have not received word on arrival date on my special order Transit, but that's another story...

My girlfriend HATES getting in the Sprinter. She has to climb up vs an easy move into the passenger seat in the Transits. The Sound 5 radio in the MB sucks, it cannot hold a station if you paid it, lol. I have been round & round with the dealer with no resolve. The cost of oil for the MB will run you at least $5 per qt and takes roughly 13 quarts. Yep, very expensive oil change although you only have to change every 15k miles. My average mileage on the Sprinter was 19-22mph, and I am not a race car driver. I have hopes the EcoBoost will at least rival those numbers with gas/petrol being less $$.

I could go on and on about how much I personally like the Transit vs Sprinter, but a lot may be personal choices. MB had some real life warranty issues but could not or would not fix them either. : (

If anyone wants more details on some of common Sprinter issues, pls PM me directly. I do not want to start a Sprinter bash. My two cents: Leave the Sprinters on the dealer lots!

 

[USMC Vet]

I appreciate all the information. I live in So Cal, so there is a Sprinter Dealer with-in 15 miles.

jtucker,
If you never plan on leaving the SoCal area where you know there is a Sprinter dealer, for vacations or trips etc, other than the expensive parts and service charges, you might be ok. Not all Mercedes dealers can work on Sprinters.

The flip side is that every Ford dealer can work on the Transit, no matter where you are traveling.

Semper Fi

 

[bbird]

well here's my Take. I have a 04 2500 model, with 580,000 miles on her. Ist off most of you are correct about the down side of the Sprinter. I too an getting a T-250 low roof ext. with the Eco boost

The Sprinter has one big advantage over the Transit, that's fuel economy, I have gotten 25 MPG about a dozen times and hit 26 MPG twice,
also the best years where 04-06 (don'nt have the time to explain), also the have the highest resale valvue of any commercial van, If you doubt this just check on E-bay, guys are are getting over $20,000 for 5 year old vans with excess of 200,000 miles, went down to the salvage yard they offered me $1,500. I can get $2,500 in a heart beat, Also no transit IMOP will ever hit 1/2 a million miles with the original powertrain

So why am I getting a Ford Transit, for the reasons mentioned

few dealerships
qualified diesel machinic
expensive parts
parts availability (waited four days for a shifter ($700.00)

 

[carnut]

...
expensive parts
parts availability (waited four days for a shifter ($700.00)

They're all expensive now. The good old days of the simple cast iron OHV small block where you could get an entire long block for $1800 are long gone. Now you'll probably pay more than $1800 for a single head on the 3.7. Ecoboost is direct injection just like a diesel. Ford got rid of hydraulic valve adjusters plus you've got the additional VVT parts. Overall, I'd say the Ford 3.7 would be higher maintenance than my gasoline MB engine.
Main problem with Sprinter is unscrupulous dealers. My local Benz dealer has always given me fair prices compared to genuine MB parts on the internet. I don't find them that much more than the equivalent from GM or Ford. Labor is another matter though. They quote too many hours so I do it myself.
As for waiting, a guy on Promaster forum was told he'd have to wait months for a new engine. He bitched on social media and they came up with a block and heads - dealer has to reassemble the engine on a nearly new vehicle. Kinda scary when it's the most common engine they build and you can't get a complete engine. My electric power steering has been recalled for over 6 months and they still have no parts. Good thing mine still works fine. I waited months for an ignition switch. What if they had never been recalled? Would I have even been able to get one if it quit? I've never trusted that ignition switch since I bought the car. Don't even mention plastic intake manifolds. Will I have to junk the vehicle in 10 - 15 years just because the intake deteriorated and I can't get a new one?
Sadly, I trust Mercedes to support their vehicles better and longer than Ford, GM, and Chrysler. I say that as an current owner of elderly Ford, GM, and Mercedes vehicles and having owned almost 50 vehicles over the years, most of them bought used. If I could afford it, I'd lease. Let the next guy worry about parts.

 

[John S]

News about Mercedes Metris

Richard Truett
Automotive News
March 5, 2015 - 11:54 am ET
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co.’s segment-leading Transit Connect small cargo van may get its toughest challenge yet from an unlikely competitor in the U.S.: Mercedes-Benz.
At a work-truck show this week in Indianapolis, Mercedes-Benz Vans USA, the commercial arm of the German automaker, introduced the Metris, a midsize tall Euro cargo van that will have a starting price of $29,945. Passenger versions will be priced $33,495. Both prices include shipping.
The Transit Connect established the small-van segment in the United States in 2010. It has prices ranging from $22,300 to more than $36,000 fully loaded.
Last year, Ford sold 43,210 units, up about 8.8 percent over 2013.
The small-van segment is growing fast, with new entries from Nissan, Chevrolet and Ram.
The Metris will be the largest of the small Euro vans, with a wheelbase an average of 13 inches longer than the Transit Connect. Mercedes says the additional length will help Metris haul 880 more pounds of cargo than the Transit Connect.
The Metris, due to arrive at Mercedes dealers in October, will be powered by a 208-hp gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The van will be available with a long list of safety features. Cargo versions will have six airbags, while passenger versions will have eight.
The Metris, sold globally as the Vito, has been a mainstay in Mercedes’ lineup since 1996. Slotted under the Sprinter van, it is expected to help Mercedes increase its U.S. van volume to about 50,000 units per year.
To avoid the 25 percent tariff known as the “chicken tax,” the cargo versions of the Metris will be stripped of their powertrains, fuel tanks and batteries and shipped to the Daimler Vans plant in Ladson, S.C., for reassembly. Passenger versions are not subject to the tax

 

[John S]

Mercedes Metris

I do have to wonder if this Metris (Vito) is closer to the daily driver/commuter/ weekend mixed use hauler that I really need.

 

[onetwo]

Richard Truett
Automotive News
March 5, 2015 - 11:54 am ET
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co.’s segment-leading Transit Connect small cargo van may get its toughest challenge yet from an unlikely competitor in the U.S.: Mercedes-Benz.
At a work-truck show this week in Indianapolis, Mercedes-Benz Vans USA, the commercial arm of the German automaker, introduced the Metris, a midsize tall Euro cargo van that will have a starting price of $29,945. Passenger versions will be priced $33,495. Both prices include shipping.
The Transit Connect established the small-van segment in the United States in 2010. It has prices ranging from $22,300 to more than $36,000 fully loaded.
Last year, Ford sold 43,210 units, up about 8.8 percent over 2013.
The small-van segment is growing fast, with new entries from Nissan, Chevrolet and Ram.
The Metris will be the largest of the small Euro vans, with a wheelbase an average of 13 inches longer than the Transit Connect. Mercedes says the additional length will help Metris haul 880 more pounds of cargo than the Transit Connect.
The Metris, due to arrive at Mercedes dealers in October, will be powered by a 208-hp gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The van will be available with a long list of safety features. Cargo versions will have six airbags, while passenger versions will have eight.
The Metris, sold globally as the Vito, has been a mainstay in Mercedes’ lineup since 1996. Slotted under the Sprinter van, it is expected to help Mercedes increase its U.S. van volume to about 50,000 units per year.
To avoid the 25 percent tariff known as the “chicken tax,” the cargo versions of the Metris will be stripped of their powertrains, fuel tanks and batteries and shipped to the Daimler Vans plant in Ladson, S.C., for reassembly. Passenger versions are not subject to the tax

Yup, I've been keeping one eye on this van since last summer. I knew it was coming.

For more info, see post 572.....

http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/.../3594-tracking-build-dates-58.html#post112777

 

[PeterR]

There is an older thread which went into some detail on the Metris, including a high roof long crew van version called the Dualiner, I think. Check the links in various posts here for all the configurations available:

http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/off-topic/4362-mercedes-metris.html

 

[PeterR]

An interesting location for an On Topic debate which does not barge in on a new Transit owner's new post?

 

[V37]

New ones are all Mercedes.

Sprinter does not have a dealer in every other town. Because they are so complicated, sometimes even a dealer can not fix them. They rust. Diesel is more expensive to operate than gas unless you put on lots of miles/year. Only B5 fuel capable. Some states have higher bio. V6 5 speed transmission is poor. You must shift manually for economy. Twin turbo 4 has better transmission but engine is small for a large van. Parts are very expensive. Think $8,000 for a transmission and $15,000 for an engine. Doors rattle.

Want to buy my fully converted 08 144" diesel for $48,000? For details go to sprinter-source.com and search with "orton". Multiple posts about each phase of the conversion. Bought new, 55,000 miles, no accidents, Graphite Gray color, no rust on CA. vehicle. No DEF injection on 08's. Tuneable. Excellent condition. Owned, built and cared for by old engineer!

Having read many of your Sprinter posts, I'd rather buy yours than a Roadtrek for the same price.

As for expanding on your post above,...there may only be a MB dealer in every other town,...but not all MB dealers will deal with a Sprinter. For service, the best place to own a Sprinter is along the Eastern Seaboard,...I live in the Southwest. Thus, to sell your Sprinter, perhaps you should consider listing it in Craigslist Virginia or South Carolina.

What attracted me to the Sprinter was (1) the current resale,..which in my opinion could nose-dive in the next two years as less and less B5 is available. For example:

"To spur biodiesel output, Illinoiseliminated its 6.25 percent sales tax on fuel with at least 10 percentbiodiesel."

The Midwest wants B20,...so their farmers can sell more bio.

Mercedes is talking about their "new Sprinter" to be built at the new plant in South Carolina. My guess is that this "new Sprinter" will use B20 fuel. But doesn't do me much good in 2015. B5 is going the way of the 8Track. And yes,...one can still buy 8Tracks,...but probably just at Truck stops.

Another thing that attracted me to the Sprinter was the 4x4,...but I became puzzled that every time Mercedes said 4x4, they'd add that it isn't a real 4x4. What it is, is complex German engineering to mimic a 4x4,...which is OK,...except that all that engineering is an unknown. Their standard electronic stability and crosswind assist also bothered me,...to me, dependable does not mean more electronics.

I didn't care for the MB badge,...puts out too much elitist attention where I would drive,...like parking on BLM or forest lands for a hike. Besides, many people I associate with have a negative image of the 1%ers who drive MB's. But it can be gotten with a Freightliner badge.

Other things,...I've heard numerous times about DEF problems. And did not like the forced 83 mph Speed Limiter (even though I seldom use such speed),...yet nevertheless, such a limitation can be a hazard on many roads in the SW USA. Nor the location of the shifter, as it's sort of below the knee, and makes going aft challenging.

I do like the exterior frontend better than the Transit,...but with all effort I'll be putting into it, to have a cold weather camper, for me, the Transit is a superior, and stronger built product, with Ford assistance in nearly every small town in North America. .

 

[orton]

Having read many of your Sprinter posts, I'd rather buy yours than a Roadtrek for the same price.

As for expanding on your post above,...there may only be a MB dealer in every other town,...but not all MB dealers will deal with a Sprinter. For service, the best place to own a Sprinter is along the Eastern Seaboard,...I live in the Southwest. Thus, to sell your Sprinter, perhaps you should consider listing it in Craigslist Virginia or South Carolina.

What attracted me to the Sprinter was (1) the current resale,..which in my opinion could nose-dive in the next two years as less and less B5 is available. For example:

"To spur biodiesel output, Illinoiseliminated its 6.25 percent sales tax on fuel with at least 10 percentbiodiesel."

The Midwest wants B20,...so their farmers can sell more bio.

Mercedes is talking about their "new Sprinter" to be built at the new plant in South Carolina. My guess is that this "new Sprinter" will use B20 fuel. But doesn't do me much good in 2015. B5 is going the way of the 8Track. And yes,...one can still buy 8Tracks,...but probably just at Truck stops.

Another thing that attracted me to the Sprinter was the 4x4,...but I became puzzled that every time Mercedes said 4x4, they'd add that it isn't a real 4x4. What it is, is complex German engineering to mimic a 4x4,...which is OK,...except that all that engineering is an unknown. Their standard electronic stability and crosswind assist also bothered me,...to me, dependable does not mean more electronics.

I didn't care for the MB badge,...puts out too much elitist attention where I would drive,...like parking on BLM or forest lands for a hike. Besides, many people I associate with have a negative image of the 1%ers who drive MB's. But it can be gotten with a Freightliner badge.

Other things,...I've heard numerous times about DEF problems. And did not like the forced 83 mph Speed Limiter (even though I seldom use such speed),...yet nevertheless, such a limitation can be a hazard on many roads in the SW USA. Nor the location of the shifter, as it's sort of below the knee, and makes going aft challenging.

I do like the exterior frontend better than the Transit,...but with all effort I'll be putting into it, to have a cold weather camper, for me, the Transit is a superior, and stronger built product, with Ford assistance in nearly every small town in North America. .

1. Thanks for the conversion comment. Sold it in November 2014. Conversion worked great for my use. Made a few minor mistakes and I can improve on the second conversion.

2. A lot less service locations for a Sprinter than a Transit. Service costs are very significant with a Sprinter. Parts are also very expensive. I have a story to tell about how I was treated by Mercedes. Not pretty. My local SR Sprinter dealer's service manager was the best service manager I have ever dealt with. Nothing but nice things to say about him and how he did his job. Mercedes was the problem, not the local dealer's service. I will miss dealing with him.

3. I did experience excellent resale value with my Sprinter. Besides the B5 issue affecting resale value, I expect the new competition from other brands will also affect the resale value. I was going to overlap the Sprinter ownership with the Transit ownership so I kept a completed travel vehicle available. Decided to sell the Sprinter because I expected the resale value to decrease. Do not know if it has.

4. I expect a gas option with the "new" Sprinter and a more competative price due to the elimination of the build it, take it apart and then reassemble it in America. IMO they have a lot of work ahead of them to be competitive with the Transit. Others will disagree but having owned both I am very satified with the Transit. Both vehicles have positives and negatives. I am very positive I made the correct choice.

5. You have to research the Sprinter 4 x 4. Apparently it is not a "real" 4 x 4 in some people's opinion. I do not know much about 4 x 4's so take my opinion for what it is worth. (nothing)

6. Mercedes engineering can be marginal IMO. Many odd engineering choices.

7. To me being a "city camper" one of the major advantages is the availability of a Ford Transit dealer in every other town. Easy to park my stealth van at a dealer without attracting any attention. Just another ugly Transit parked with its brothers and sisters.

8. Seems the Sprinter has had a lot of DEF system problems. Would not affect me because at this point I would not own any brand diesel with a DEF system. Just my opinion.

9. I would not care to drive any brand van at 83 mph so that would never affect my use.

10. Access to the rear is much better in a Sprinter than the Transit. You have to learn a little dance to get in and out of the Transit seat to or from the back. OK once you are trained. The Transit is much easier to enter and exit in/out the driver's door for me. Do not know why but it is.

11. I also think the front end of the Sprinter is better looking than the pig nosed Transit. The rest of the van is about the same.

12. The interior of the Transit is much easier to turn into a conversion due to tapped wall holes and flat surfaces. Sprinter does not have a flat surface. Do not like the D-ring locations in the Transit. Would much prefer them in the floor like the Sprinter.

I think you may be baiting me for my comments but it should be fun to see some of the other poster's comment. Just for the entertainment value!

Dave