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.)

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?

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.

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.

I'd say that it all depends on whether you want the changes enough to spend the money.

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.

Trade my old Sprinter for a new one? | Good Sam Community

jjrai
Explorer
May 30, 2013
TheFitRV James wrote:
Well, I'll be curious to know what you decide to do.
I hope you keep it.
Mine is a 2003, with just over 100k miles on it. If you keep it, I will feel better about the complete remodel I just did!
If you sell it, you'll have me doubting my wisdom in sinking so much time into an older vehicle.

Good luck whatever you decide!

Don't doubt your wisdom! While I agree that the new ones are clearly better, the T1N is pretty good, too. You're looking at a significant increase in price for the newer model. I like your web site! We use our 2006 as a base for activities more than as a camper, per se.
dixied
Explorer
May 26, 2013
funtogo wrote:
dixied wrote:
I had the 2007 Roadtrek SS (06 Sprinter) and now have 2012 Roadtrek SS (2011 Sprinter). I traded the 07 for a 2011 Winnebago View, which I hated. I traded that for the 2012 RT SS. That said, I really like the '12 because it handles better and has more power. It seems a little better in windy conditions. I also had trouble with the turbo resonator on the '07. I do not like having to think about the DEF fluid, and where I will get it, etc. for the '12. The '07 was serviced by Dodge and the '12 by Mercedes. I have to travel about 3 hours to a Mercedes Sprinter dealer. The Dodge Sprinter dealer was 1 hour away.

I am curious as to why you hated the 2011 View.I am looking at that year View Profile with the Bedroom slide.It seems like a good unit.

Thanks
Johnny

The View was nicely outfitted, etc., but I like being able to use the RT daily, if I want. The View was a dually and I did not like the way it drove. I had problems with the steps refusing to come out on a long trip in the middle of nowhere. I kept worrying that the slide (a side one) would refuse to come in after talking to people who had had that happen. The best camper I ever had was a Northern Lite truck camper on a big Dodge deisel truck. It could go anywhere. Had to sell it after my husband died. I could get it off the truck, but had too much trouble getting it on there! The Roadtrek just suits me now--it's really a B vs a C choice regarding the View.
funtogo
Explorer
May 26, 2013
dixied wrote:
I had the 2007 Roadtrek SS (06 Sprinter) and now have 2012 Roadtrek SS (2011 Sprinter). I traded the 07 for a 2011 Winnebago View, which I hated. I traded that for the 2012 RT SS. That said, I really like the '12 because it handles better and has more power. It seems a little better in windy conditions. I also had trouble with the turbo resonator on the '07. I do not like having to think about the DEF fluid, and where I will get it, etc. for the '12. The '07 was serviced by Dodge and the '12 by Mercedes. I have to travel about 3 hours to a Mercedes Sprinter dealer. The Dodge Sprinter dealer was 1 hour away.

I am curious as to why you hated the 2011 View.I am looking at that year View Profile with the Bedroom slide.It seems like a good unit.

Thanks
Johnny
mlts22
Explorer
May 25, 2013
If it helps, some Freightliner dealers will service Sprinters.
dixied
Explorer
May 25, 2013
I had the 2007 Roadtrek SS (06 Sprinter) and now have 2012 Roadtrek SS (2011 Sprinter). I traded the 07 for a 2011 Winnebago View, which I hated. I traded that for the 2012 RT SS. That said, I really like the '12 because it handles better and has more power. It seems a little better in windy conditions. I also had trouble with the turbo resonator on the '07. I do not like having to think about the DEF fluid, and where I will get it, etc. for the '12. The '07 was serviced by Dodge and the '12 by Mercedes. I have to travel about 3 hours to a Mercedes Sprinter dealer. The Dodge Sprinter dealer was 1 hour away.
Shearwater
Explorer
May 25, 2013
Thanks for all the replies - they have been helpful.

If the driving experience was not going to be significantly better in the newer vans I wouldn't consider making a change but Davydd and bobojay5 make good points (thanks). Now it seems that a new vehicle is a viable option but I'm still not sure we will take the plunge.

TheFitRV James - I think refitting your van was a good idea. Ours is in perfect shape inside and out. They are very sound vehicles.

Davydd - I don't think that we will change our layout to any great extent but we will rethink a few things.

stan909 - Nice try but no cigar. :R
Davydd
Explorer
May 24, 2013
Whether you trade in and get new also depends on whether, from experience, you want to improve your design and layout in ways you couldn't with your current Sprinter. That was our case.
TheFitRV_James
Explorer
May 24, 2013
Well, I'll be curious to know what you decide to do.
I hope you keep it.
Mine is a 2003, with just over 100k miles on it. If you keep it, I will feel better about the complete remodel I just did!
If you sell it, you'll have me doubting my wisdom in sinking so much time into an older vehicle.

Good luck whatever you decide!
stan909
Explorer
May 24, 2013
No.You should not trade for a newer one.You should buy a new one, but the old one should be donated to a worthy cause like say... Me !!!!Seriously though.You would better off selling it and getting a better deal on new. sportsmobile.com has a pre-owned section and they don't last too long.
bobojay5
Explorer
May 24, 2013
Davydd wrote:
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.

What Davydd says about the differences is what I've heard from all the owners/drivers of both the T1N and the NCV3 models that I've asked the question.
I know the 2013 van we just bought sure runs and drives better than the 2008 chassis we had prior to it. The 2008 was a chassis/cab class c rv. That probably made some differences in itself though.
No big deal a about the DEF fluid addition, about 2 gallons every 4k miles. Available a lot of places.