CD Article: 2007 Dodge Sprinter

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:

The all-new Sprinter features a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine with 154 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, reports contributor Laurance Yap.   "No matter which body style and configuration you choose, the Sprinter is quick and much lighter on its feet than you would expect," he says.  The diesel engine contributes to running costs that are significantly lower than the gasoline drive-trains in large domestic vans, he says.
   
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[Ted]

previous sprinters had rust issues. lots of rust on 2-3 yr old vehicle. metal looks like tinfoil, however quite practical and fuel savvy.

[tpl]

According to the article this is available as cab and chassis.  It also has a load rating of 5500 lbs. 2 tons, I imagine this is with the dual rear wheels.

So why would not some enterprising person offer a pickup body and sell it as a 2 ton pickup with an economical diesel. I bet that a suitable body with fold down sides as well as the back is probably available overseas anyway so there would not even be the expense of design.
 Then for MOST uses of a pickup except perhaps for towing, why would a working person buy anything else. Sure its not cheap but looking at the price of some loaded pickups its not that expensive either.

[Danno_001]

I manage a large fleet local delivery fleet in Canada. We tested a Sprinter in 2003. Fuel economy was similar to our 5.4L E350 fleet at 20 - 25 L per 100Kms. The engine was so underpowered, you had your foot to the floor all day with any kind of payload killing fuel economy. I also drove a passeger version in Gaffney, SC at the plant where thay are assembled. I'd love these testers to drive one loaded to max GVW and merge on the 401 at at a short on ramp and see if they like the experience.....

My understanding from industry insiders is that the Fedex's of the world are returning the Sprinters and not purchasing new one's due to reliability issues. No surprise given the poor reliabaility see in most Mercedes products. We keep our trucks 10 years. I would hate to see the cost of rebuilding transmissions or engines in these Sprinters years 7 - 10 of ownership.

Another huge issue is repairability. I have fleet in many remote areas. I have a tough enough time finding qualified diesel techs for my Ford trucks never mind trying to keep these Mercedes diesels running. E350 gas can be repaired anywhere in Canada.

Due to these concerns, I passed on purchasing the Sprinter for our fleet.

[Eric Green]

tpl:

BINGO! I was thinking <i>exactly</i> the same thing. I reckon this might massively cut into Ram/Dakota sales, though. I wondered if buying a last-generation Sprinter at auction, then fabbing up a flatbed or pickup-body might be the way to go.

But, thanks to Danno_001's very helpful post, I would not consider one. Just another DC missed opportunity...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

What a vehicle, I think they're great. I've been in the new one and it does scream premium well designed. And with more than one engine option, it has gotten better. The high roof means you can stand up in it (great for couriers, RV conversion, and shuttle/passenger vans), the skylights useful, and even tho the price is high they have been selling them and I suspect will pick up even more sales.

They have had some quality issues - and I'm not sure Chrysler has dispatched the proper expertise quickly enough to address them, plus the diesel does not save THAT much fuel over a Duramax GM Express/Savana when loaded, but it is an intelligent vehicle. You pay for it though, and I'm not sure it's worth it, but if Chrysler puts lots of money on the table when fleets tender, could well be.

[Cord]

Thanks for your comments Danno_001. It is so refreshing to hear about some actual first hand experience with these types of vehicles.

[xcky]

I manage a large fleet local delivery fleet in Canada. We tested a Sprinter in 2003. Fuel economy was similar to our 5.4L E350 fleet at 20 - 25 L per 100Kms. The engine was so underpowered, you had your foot to the floor all day with any kind of payload killing fuel economy. I also drove a passeger version in Gaffney, SC at the plant where thay are assembled. I'd love these testers to drive one loaded to max GVW and merge on the 401 at at a short on ramp and see if they like the experience.....

My understanding from industry insiders is that the Fedex's of the world are returning the Sprinters and not purchasing new one's due to reliability issues. No surprise given the poor reliabaility see in most Mercedes products. We keep our trucks 10 years. I would hate to see the cost of rebuilding transmissions or engines in these Sprinters years 7 - 10 of ownership.

Another huge issue is repairability. I have fleet in many remote areas. I have a tough enough time finding qualified diesel techs for my Ford trucks never mind trying to keep these Mercedes diesels running. E350 gas can be repaired anywhere in Canada.

Due to these concerns, I passed on purchasing the Sprinter for our fleet.

Do you know anything about the 2007 3.0 vb turbodiesel?
You say the 2003 was underpowered, does anyone know anything about the 2007?

thanks