Sprinter vs. E350 - The tired subject, but my dilemma

[visualizeent]

My head has been aching for months. Do I buy a Sprinter or 7.3L E350? Here is my summarized story:

I own a DJ company and run my truck in the city about 50 miles a day. Interested in buying either a Sprinter or E350 mainly for space and to convert to veggie (WVO). The space in either is plenty, and needing to stand up is not complete necessary, though nice. After doing the math, the MPG difference can really add up, but I can only afford between $6,000-12,000 for a used cargo. I want the short wheelbase and regular sized roof. I have a trailer that I want to tow, but never more than 3,200#. I guess my questions are...

1. Can I find a Sprinter cargo or passenger, 140 wheelbase, regular height roof, under 130,000 miles for less than $12,000 in good condition? I'm having a hard time finding ones without extended roof.

2. Are they pretty simple to convert to WVO? I know it is in a Ford, and I know ppl mix veggie and other combustibles, but is this something you can still do in a MB diesel?

3. With the fact I do mostly 50 miles in the city a day, will it really make a difference in fuel milage between the two? I know the Sprinter gets better MPG, but hows it in the city? I will only be making a big road trip once a year or so. 1,000+ miles

4. Are there reports of the Sprinters getting 750,000+ miles?

I live on a small island and I am worried about the fact that if I break down, it's a lot harder to get the parts and it is more expensive, but I'll be doing my research to see about the mechanics in my area.

I appreciate any other help and look forward to your comments. I love the idea of owning a Sprinter, but not sure if I should make the plunge with only having AT MOST $12,000 to spend. I'd much rather spend around 8,000. Thanks!

[sikwan]

Originally Posted by visualizeent

1. Can I find a Sprinter cargo or passenger, 140 wheelbase, regular height roof, under 130,000 miles for less than $12,000 in good condition? I'm having a hard time finding ones without extended roof.

That's a rare combo and I suppose you'll be looking for one for a long time. If you're patient, I'm sure you can find one but with the Ford being your other choice, I think you'll have more luck with the Ford.

Originally Posted by visualizeent

2. Are they pretty simple to convert to WVO? I know it is in a Ford, and I know ppl mix veggie and other combustibles, but is this something you can still do in a MB diesel?

No experience with this. Mackconsult has done it to his.

Originally Posted by visualizeent

3. With the fact I do mostly 50 miles in the city a day, will it really make a difference in fuel milage between the two? I know the Sprinter gets better MPG, but hows it in the city? I will only be making a big road trip once a year or so. 1,000+ miles

If it's just city driving, I don't think it would make a difference...or at least large enough to matter. I get 22mpg city with my 140 high top.

Originally Posted by visualizeent

4. Are there reports of the Sprinters getting 750,000+ miles?

There are a few here at the forum.

For your needs, I think I would go for the Ford.

[david_42]

I'd have to agree on buying the Ford, the Sprinter configuration you want is rare. So rare that I do a double-take when I see one.

[jdcaples]

The Ford E350 is a smarter business choice for a resident of a small island in the US or Canada.

-Jon

[hkpierce]

Originally Posted by visualizeent

I own a DJ company and run my truck in the city about 50 miles a day. I will only be making a big road trip once a year or so. 1,000+ miles

4. Are there reports of the Sprinters getting 750,000+ miles?

Thanks!

Lets see -

750000 end miles
130000 acquired miles
620000 driven miles

50 miles a day * 365 = 18250 miles a year (figure long road trip a wash of 20 days) [that must be a lot of driving around in circles on a small island!]

620000/18250 = 34 years additional years of life

Will a Sprinter last that long? As a machine with replaceable parts - yes. In practice, especially after WVO modification making for a lot of non-standard parts and repairs, I doubt it.

[1cylshort]

7.3 is a stone simple engine compared to a MB diesel.

Its a real truck engine (International) and well known by many mechanics.

Do not, under any circumstances, be talked into buying anything with a 6.0 Ford diesel.

The powerstroke is like the band geek girl vs the hot cheerleader. A whole lot more fun, and a lot less expensive, even if she ain't glamourous or much to look at.

Do you need the high top? Or not? If you're on an island MPG isn't going to make a ton of difference.

A good Sprinter is good, but a bad one is BAD.

[Dingo]

DO NOT use veg or bio in merc CDi common rail motors , you will regret it . there are many people who claim to do so ,but they all end up with ruined pumps & injectors , big money to put right

[maxextz]

7.3 litre could only be of use in the states.where fuel is.........near free.

[jdcaples]

Originally Posted by maxextz

7.3 litre could only be of use in the states.where fuel is.........near free.

It's not as much about fuel as it is about parts and service.

To paraphrase, MB could only be of use in Europe & Australia where

parts are not far away and

where the number of Sprinter-competent repair facilities (apparently) out number those in the the US and Canada by dozens (maybe 100s) to one.

-Jon

[brianmcgaha]

Originally Posted by visualizeent

1. Can I find a Sprinter cargo or passenger, 140 wheelbase, regular height roof, under 130,000 miles for less than $12,000 in good condition? I'm having a hard time finding ones without extended roof.

Originally Posted by sikwan

That's a rare combo and I suppose you'll be looking for one for a long time. If you're patient, I'm sure you can find one....

Rare combo? There are 6 of them on ebay right now...or are you talking about $$$/milage/condition