Resale-mpg-service cost. MB 3500 vs Ford 450
Investigating various Class C's. Trying to compare resale on a MB 3500 based C in the 24' range versus one on a Ford 450 (4-5 years out). Also MPG comparisons. And finally service costs. Upfront cos...
Forum Discussion
We bought a three-year old model, which of course saved a big chunk to start with. Like Gonzo, we get about 15+ mpg, and friends with another layout (one slide instead of our two) get 17 mpg. Neither one of us tows.
Diesel engines of course have longevity which adds value. Our last Diesel Sprinter-chassis RV got better and better mpg after about 50,000 miles. The trade-in value was much higher than we expected.
You can buy your oil and change it yourself, add your own DEF, etc. If you take a MB to a dealer for everything like some do, obviously that will add expense.
My uneducated guess is that overall, you'll pay a premium of about $10,000 for owning a diesel C. The longer you keep it and put miles on it, the more that gap closes, especially if there's another episode when gas prices hit $4.
Overall I think the advice is good about looking at both gas or diesel small Cs until you find a layout and price you like.
Diesel engines of course have longevity which adds value. Our last Diesel Sprinter-chassis RV got better and better mpg after about 50,000 miles. The trade-in value was much higher than we expected.
You can buy your oil and change it yourself, add your own DEF, etc. If you take a MB to a dealer for everything like some do, obviously that will add expense.
My uneducated guess is that overall, you'll pay a premium of about $10,000 for owning a diesel C. The longer you keep it and put miles on it, the more that gap closes, especially if there's another episode when gas prices hit $4.
Overall I think the advice is good about looking at both gas or diesel small Cs until you find a layout and price you like.
