Work Vans

Jason Janczak

I am looking to get a work van. It has to be a van so can take the signs off at night and park it in the driveway. If it is a P/U with racks or a tuck with side storage, that is a no-no with the association where i live. I disagree with the rule but, I have to follow it unfotunately.

So, I am consdering a slightly used Dodge Sprinter. I am pretty tall 6'4" and would like to be able to have a little more head room. Anyone else drive this vehicle and what are your thoughts on it? I see they are kind of pricy but gas milage looks pretty decent and the high ceiling would be great.

Thanks in advance, Jason

mdshunk

The association may call the Sprinter a commercial vehicle and not let you park it there anyhow. Sorta like parking a cement truck in your driveway, even though it has no signs on it.

stp57

I've owned a 2006 Sprinter for a year now. It has 31K miles on it. I average 20-23 mpg, loaded down or not. Recently, I towed my son's car 1000 miles up the mountains & averaged 18 mpg. I've had 3 leaks fixed & an intermittent wiper module & a door handle replaced, all under warranty. Each repair was done inside of a day. Outside of that it has been reliable. I get 12K miles to a oil change (it takes 9.5 quarts).
My insurance is low because of the safety features. Automatic traction control & ABS are standard. This thing handles beautifully & turns without everything flying everywhere. I don't consider it to be all that expensive because it is a diesel with alot of extras that are not even available on Ford or Chevy. I save $200 a month on fuel costs. My old Ram van averaged 12 mpg & didn't carry nearly as much.
I buy my filters & other parts online. That's saves alot also. You should look into a new Sprinter v.s my model. The 2007-8 has 6'4" height & and is wider inside than a Chevy. It has a larger diesel, so the mpg's will be a little off. Hope this helps.
Steve

Putty Truck

Jason....what about renting a shop/office? That way you can drive whatever you want.

I like the GMC box trucks. Box trucks keep the smells, noise, and stuff seperate from the plumbers. Also, we can shut the roll-up and work inside it.

dlcj

Move!

Jason Janczak

Thank you for your response stp57. That is what I am looking for. As far as where I should have a shop or that I should move is not really my question here and is not an option. Anybody else have a Sprinter with some info on it? Thanks, Jason

Bone Saw

I have an 05 141 high roof 2500, power windows doorlocks, keyless entry, premium sound and seating, awsome van, get about 23 mpg regardless of cargo or air cond. 70k mi zero issues paid about 40k for it with custom windows in the rear doors, tinted power roof vent, and 800# side door lift
ford and chevy have nothing on these vans, and the 08 are 100% better than previous models. I agree with shunk on the commercial vehicle thing, although I have handicapped truck tag on mine so I'm ok. If you are using alot of toll roads, get ez pass for one of your cars or youl pay an arm and a leg using cash. although the the 07 and earlier are a little light in the power department, the 08 v6td is a tork monster, you can get it with a higher rear too for serious towing

one thing I don't like about it is the contacts on the side and rear doors for the interior lights and doorlocks get dirty and need to be cleaned periodically or your door locking will get screwy,
there is also a way (I forgot how I did it) to disable the auto locking, very anoying

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JamesNLA

My HVAC guy has one...he loves it. He brought it over to my house soon after he picked it up....I think he paid in the low 30's plus racks and this really cool ladder rack. It's motorized, he hits one of 2 switches and the ladder rack moves down to a nice height to to have access to the ladders. There is a lot of room and aswell as a lot of realestate for signage. I have been considering one for a little while, but the truck I have now is still new and runs great. If I had to buy a new work truck now, it would most likley be that one. Good Luck!

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Jason Janczak

Thanks guys. If I can get the payment to where I need it to be, I think I will get one. I guess the turbo deisel is the way to go with the Sprinter too huh?

Later, Jason