Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 10:23:57 -0500
Reply-To: dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Replacement for Vanagon? Anybody looking at the Sprinter?
In-Reply-To: <001701c64730$8be99060$6501a8c0@ibmt23laptopdef>
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Owning a motor home on a Frieghtliner chasis, I tend to frequent the dealer for parts and sometimes service. The local dealer sells alot of these. The local Fedex guys regularly bring these in.
16-18 mpg seems to be the norm and you won't get that at 80 mph. They are still somewhat underpowered. the service guys tell me that there are many warranty issues and parts are expensive. Service options are limited and the dealer here gets $100/hour.
Time will tell, but I tink these are still limited use vehicles that like the Rialta or Vista, will never get the following that the Vanagon or Westy has. If I was buying new and wanted lower costs, I would go for the conventional Class C or a small Class A. Much more space and functionality. Yes, the fuel consumption will be higher but the Triton V-10 or Vortec 8.1 will flatten any mountain with ease and have much lower maintenance costs.
Dennis
----- Original Message -----
From: Doug F <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 1:28 am
Subject: Replacement for Vanagon? Anybody looking at the Sprinter?
> I have been checking these out and reading up on them.
> Very interesting rigs, story, etc.
> Looks like VW will be involved in the platform in Europe anyway.
>
> Some pretty cool stuff like a several ton weight capacity, over
> 400 cu/ft of cargo area. and a diesel that will produce 22-25 mpg
> at 80mph.
>
> Designed and engineered by Mercedes.
>
> I saw one this evening at the store and parked my 87 westy syncro
> right next to it. They are BIG for sure. He had the long wheel
> base. not all that much wider but taller and longer for sure.
>
> Just curious if anybody else is following them or knows anything
> about them. I would love to read more about this platform that is
> taking storm in Europe and now here in US.
>
> Many RV conversion cos are definitely looking at it as a best all
> round platform for "B" or "C" class.
>
> Here's the benz website with new pics
>
> http://tinyurl.com/dvt39
>
> Here's a site that converts them to 4 wheel drive complete with a
> low range transfer case. Must be nice with the manual 6 speed
> trans and the 3.5 V6 Diesel !
>
> http://www.iglhaut-allrad.de/htm/e_home.html
>
> Another very cool website with all kinds of pics of this platform.
>
> http://www.whnet.com/4x4/sprinter.html
>
> Here's the new VW Crafter built on the same platform
> I want a westy syncro version!!!
>
> If anybody has some good info on them please pass on to me
> Thanks,
>
> Doug
>
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