NCV3: Dodge 2008 144" Wheelbase Low Roof 253k miles
"Upgraded" From: Mercedes 2006 140" Wheelbase Low Roof 235k miles
General Opinion: It's nice, but I'm probably going back to a T1N eventually.
Detailed Opinion (NCV3 vs. T1N: A younger driver's perspective):
I come from the perspective of someone whose first serious van experience was 3-4 years ago with a 2004 T1N. I "upgraded" for the channel so we could get some videos on the NCV3.
Right off the bat, I am chasing down fuel economy and limp mode issues tied to the DPF filter. Forcing a regeneration will let the van run great for a few days, but it clogs before I can drive it 500 miles, and I can't go 500 miles on a full tank of fuel. 370 miles before the fuel light comes vs. 500 miles before the fuel light comes on in T1N land. Still considering a delete........
- The NCV3 is a pretty face, but I'm not at all a fan of the plastic trim wrapping the body that has unsealed water inlet holes behind it......
- It's arguably more comfortable to drive than the T1N. The dash is completely out of the way and cupholders are built into the design instead of being added on last minute like the T1Ns...I'm also enjoying the COPIOUS amounts of storage.
- The air conditioning system on the NCV3 is MUCH better than the T1N. Just engine air can cool the entire van down by the time I've reached my destination.
- The Dodge trim is even tackier on the NCV3.
- The instrument cluster doesn't have a coolant gauge, I'm a bit baffled by that................
- The front grill area comes up much higher on the NCV3 compared to the T1N. Standing on the single step bent over the engine for long periods of time is not very comfortable. T1N front end is lower to the ground for easier access and doesn't require standing on a step...
- T1N definitely has more power off the line, no question about it. Even just in the drive way: 10% throttle on our T1Ns gets them going MUCH faster than 10% throttle on the NCV3.
- Mirrors/visibility are not anywhere near as good as the T1N, but they're serviceable.
Besides that....
- NCV3 rides smoother, the engine is MUCH quieter (though I'm not a fan...I don't like not being able to hear the engine at all while driving but some of you may like that
).
- NCV3 plastics are MUCH higher quality, none of my vents are broken. It seems they also don't have a huge problem with leaking roof antennas as my headliner is still in great condition.
- NCV3 doors close easier and better than T1Ns. Almost as if they don't go out of adjustment after many years of being beaten.
- NCV3 slider door is large enough to fit a full pallet in.
- Handles well, even with no G-Wagen wheels
- The engine sounds good in its own way, but it reminds me more of a pickup truck than a Sprinter.
- I love the adjustable steering wheel.
In some ways it feels like I upgraded but in some ways it feels like I downgraded. Once this one is built out and its DPF problem is "fixed", it'll probably be sold for another T1N.
Both vans have their pros and cons, and there's a lot to love about the NCV3. I'm not convinced I want to drive it for the rest of my life though
Pics of the vans in question that i'm comparing
In Conclusion: I had to try the new vans to really appreciate the T1Ns