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Shearwater's avatar
Shearwater
Explorer
May 23, 2013

Trade my old Sprinter for a new one?

My 2006 Sportsmobile Sprinter just turned over 93,000 miles. I am contemplating selling it and getting a new model with a similar floor plan but I am not at all certain that this is worth doing.

I am asking for Sprinterites who have owned both the 2006 and earlier models and post 2006 models to compare the the two. I am specifically interested in the following:

1 Road handling - are current models more or less challenged by windy conditions than the older ones? Other driveability issues?

2 Passenger comfort - Seats, driving position, and, in particular, road noise and weather sealing.

Any other comparisons that you think worthwhile would also be appreciated.

(I am already aware of the changes in engines and their effect on fuel economy.)
Class B

18 Replies

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  • Davydd's avatar
    Davydd
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    With diesel emission standard changes the I 5 became inadequate. I would say the V6 is a big improvement in performance other than mileage. Either is going to last a lot longer than I am going to own a B.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2013
    ours has that I 5 mb diesel they can,t inprove on that . but if you feel you would like a new one . go for it. I
  • Davydd's avatar
    Davydd
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    I traded in our 2005 Pleasure-way Plateau for a 2011 Great West Van Legend. The ride is much better. The engine is much quieter especially on acceleration. The cab is quieter. You can actually listen to your radio. The seats are more comfortable. The steering wheel is adjustable and more auto like. The cab interior has more amenities for item storage. It feels more finished and polished as you would expect in a Mercedes Benz.

    Keep in mind many of the converters completely rebuild the cab seats with different padding and fabric or ultra-leather. I don't know if any use the MB seats in their stock condition. I could drive all day comfortably in both models.
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2013
    The newer NCV3s have more power, but they have all the awful emissions stuff to keep up with, such as having to fill up with DEF every 5000 or so miles, and if the DPF clogs, that is a $3200 repair bill.

    Of course, the newer models are slightly bigger and from what I've read, smoother to drive.

    If you are looking for a Sportsmobile upfit, have you considered going all diesel? It is expensive, especially the PowerTech generator, but it means only worrying about one fuel source.
  • mumkin's avatar
    mumkin
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    I'd say that it all depends on whether you want the changes enough to spend the money.
  • Shearwater's avatar
    Shearwater
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    Our Sprinter runs great - no problems except I did replace the turbo resonator.

    What I am trying to find out is whether the new versions have improvements that would make it worthwhile to move up. There are also some small changes that I would like to make in our original design.
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2013
    Only issue I can think of with the T1Ns is that the turbo resonator needs chucked. Only other issue is that at 120k miles, the transmission may need a rebuild.

    Those used Sprinters sell fast, because they get such great MPG.
  • McK's avatar
    McK
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    As another owner of a 2006 Sprinter (50,000 miles), I'm curious as to why you are thinking of replacing it. Are there future issues that I should preparing for?

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