2002 Sprinter V 2002 (or later) Ducato etc

Pudsey Bear

Pudsey Bear

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Looking for our next van, I used to run Sprinters as a courier, but these were 312s, I also ran Fiats sometimes, but they were old school 90s models, things have moved on a little since, but not my wallet, so I am wondering if it's worth looking at a Sprinter powered MoHo, Autotrails seem to sue them and I like some of the models, so may go down that road, but I would like to hear of how they compare from those who may have had both long term, IE which is best to live with, such as power for hills, comfort for the driver, MPG, things to look for in both at viewing time.
 
Thanks, I was hoping to get info from someone who had both of around those years if possible.
 
I have a Sprinter 316 cdi, 2005 build but I believe that’s the same as the 2002, has the 6 speed srintshift box. It’s lovely to drive and I prefer it to my car, comfortable seat as well but no arm rests.

I have been recording mileage’s and litres since I bought the van so have a fair bit of data over five or six thousand miles (I think it is). We are just going into Hereford for a look round so will calculate average when we are back later. I am thinking around 24mpg but we will see, it is plated at 4tonnes, single tyre single rear axle.
 
Thank you, stumped again :D :D I tried the sprintshift and I'm a died in the wool manual man (control freak) so it'd have to be a manual, although all the other info would be relevant I guess.
 
I have had two ducatos (1996 to 2000 ) from new plus another one on loan from Swift when one of mine went back to factory for major repairs (damp)
Then an IVECO for 7 years and for last 10 years a sprinter

If i were to buy a new camper if would be on a Sprinter chassis

...
RWD EVERY TIME FOR ME after those Ducatos
 
Ah yes, good point regarding RWD, not thought of that, so I assume this also makes the sprinter ones taller and therefore more susceptible to being blown about too.
 
My only gripe with my sprinter a 518 so V6 3litre 180hp 5 tonner is the way it drives across pot hole ground at low speed

I had to fit air rides on rear axle with a compressor and controls so as soon as i drive onto a camp site track or field I pump up the rear suspension it helps stiffen the back end to reduce the body roll on my rather high sided motorhome

I put this down to the fact that i have twin rear wheels and the suspension and shocks are quite close together as they are inboard of the wheels

As soon as i leave its back to minimum airbag pressure

Absolutely fine on highway
 
I don’t find i get blown around on roads and got E&P self levellers so rock solid when sited but even before these were fitted even with my high sides I didn’t find it rock much unless my 20 stone mate stood on my step
 
Sprinter still in the running then, still have to find my preferred layout.

Which is a very limited one, below is a 02 2 berth Bessie E745, we had one, loved it, but the drive was a killer so we sold it, now sold the house, next will have a bigger drive or we won't buy it.


screenshot_1069.png
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Thank you, stumped again :D:D I tried the sprintshift and I'm a died in the wool manual man (control freak) so it'd have to be a manual, although all the other info would be relevant I guess.
Click to expand...
sprintshift is a m anual gearbox with a hydraulic clutch, you can drive it as a manual if you wish
 
I tried the Sprint Shift when it first came out, and last year, didn't and don't like it, I like autos, but that is one in reality.

I wonder if anyone has done a conversion back to a std manual on one.
 
Only thing I ever get in manual is motorbikes, have never understood why anyone would want manual in a car/van if there was a choice. It’s probably because I have always had autos since I passed car test back in 78 I have driven manuals (illegally on the road) and just can’t see the attraction but good job we done all like the same things :)

I didn’t realise sprint shift was manual with electronic (presumably) shift though, must say it’s very smooth and much better than the Citroen C4 I had with that setup. I would have said torque converter better if you want comfort but that proves me wrong.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Looking for our next van, I used to run Sprinters as a courier, but these were 312s, I also ran Fiats sometimes, but they were old school 90s models, things have moved on a little since, but not my wallet, so I am wondering if it's worth looking at a Sprinter powered MoHo, Autotrails seem to sue them and I like some of the models, so may go down that road, but I would like to hear of how they compare from those who may have had both long term, IE which is best to live with, such as power for hills, comfort for the driver, MPG, things to look for in both at viewing time.
Click to expand...

Although I only have a Sprinter I'd put German engineering before Italian any day... and I'm half Italian! You'll see more Sprinters with hundreds of thousands of miles on them compated to Ducatos which I think might be more popular with Motorhomers due to their lower price when new. Oh and... before I swapped out the engine on my 316CDi Sprinter and as a bare van it was like driving a sports car.. It could spin the wheels in third without anything in the back, an absolute flyer, scary in fact so certainly with the 5 cylinder turbo models i.m.h.o. they're over powered.

I also changed the front seats for aircraft seats, much more comfortable and lighter....
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Pudsey Bear said:
I tried the Sprint Shift when it first came out, and last year, didn't and don't like it, I like autos, but that is one in reality.

I wonder if anyone has done a conversion back to a std manual on one.
Click to expand...

For years I've done the exact opposite, i.e. out with the manual and in with an automatic engine and gearbox. Sooo much nicer to drive. Roll on electric power, should be even better with just the one moving part under the bonnet :)
 
I've owned MB, fiat, VW crafter and now a citroen, the MB was heavy so unfair to compare it to a 3.5ton van but it would rarely return over 20mpg, the Crafter 5 cylinder around 24-26mpg, the fiat (2010) around 28mpg and this new Citroen 2litre (euro6) can achieve 34mpg quite regularly, a big consideration when deciding. I accept MB make good engines but I think Peugeot Citroen have been making them for a while too with good high mileage results. I rarely exceed 65mph though.
 
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