Looking to upgrade

Hi all, I have a 2006 T1N and I am looking to get a newer van. I currently have a 144 2600 high roof but want to get a 170 2500 high roof for the added room. I use it for weekend camping, haul the toys and a bit of daily driver, although I ride my bike and walk a lot for the store. I also will be hauling a 4500lb trailer from time to time.

Why do I want a new van? Because I am getting tired of the repairs on the t1N. I am over 200,000 miles, and I do all the work myself. The rust drives me nuts. The tranny needs a rebuild, rear end howls and AC does not work. It also does not have power windows or locks.


If I got a 2015/2016 NCV3 with 60,000miles on it, would I just be trading one problem for another?

Since I dont drive fast, but haul a trailer from time to time, should I get the V6 or is the 4cyl OK?

thanks for the help

I am moving from a 2004 to a 2007 for a lot of reasons and I feel your pain. It is kind of like deciding between the lesser of two evils but I think if you are going to the 2015 era, I would get the 4cyl. You will get much better fuel economy (put to 18% more according to these folks - https://www.fjimports.com/mercedes-benz-sprinter-van-4-cylinder-vs-6-cylinder/) and folks tell me they are fine with the power. I suppose it also depends on where you live - mountains or plains? If you don't haul a lot of weight, from what I hear, the 2.1 will do you just fine.

Check out these other discussions for more opinions:
https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43813
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f11/4-cyl-vs-6-cyl-13319.html

Have fun and good luck! I think shedding one cylinder might be the perfect solution.

Adam

Good info - thanks!

I was kind of ignoring the I4. But I do like the idea of better gas mileage. I was a bit concerned about using it for towing, but Sailquick seems to put that to rest.

FWIW I just did a trip out to Joseph, OR from Portland. A good mix of steep grades, flat HWY and windy mountain roads. The van was loaded with a family of 3.5 (dog) and all the toys we needed, I averaged 29.5mpg the entire way by my hand calculations and never needed any more power. This was on a 2016 4cyl

Wow, 29.5 mpg. That is impressive indeed. Need anymore be said?

not sure what my mileage was, however I went from the Bay Area to Portland Oregon and only filled up once.
That was about 11 hour drive. I'm loving it.

Hey guys I am curious about the NCV3 and I4 engines - what problems tend to happen when out of warranty?

This weekend I got 36 mpg on a 44 mile trip at speeds around 40-45 mph in hilly terrain. This is not typical mileage; I usually see 24-27 MPG. Worst tank ever was 22 MPG. 4 cylinder engine.