opinion on this van please

[gillypoof]

I am thinking of having a look at this van,its a long way from me but I need to see it !I would be interested in what others think.Its on ebay item number
133153321246.The photos are pretty limited , the reason I like it is because its empty.I really want a simple set up fixed bed ,a woodburner ,don,t want a bathroom.
Experience of fitting out nil. I have a toyota hiace 4x4 which I love but not for winter living in spain,Morocco.I used to have a very old merc a 406d which was great for long hauls.
So any advice would be very welcome.

 

[2cv]

Here’s a link
Looking at the MOT history the mileage may be questionable, as it lost over 100000 miles in 2008.

 

[gillypoof]

Here’s a link
Looking at the MOT history the mileage may be questionable, as it lost over 100000 miles in 2008.

View attachment 49610

thanks for that,how,d you do it ?

 

[Millie Master]

This was typed as @2cv was typing his response!

Hello @gillyproof; it might help your cause if rather than putting up the eBay item number you gave the actual link which is https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes...321246?hash=item1f008e711e:g:L9EAAOSwnMxddZMs

My thoughts having looked through the vans MOT history https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/?_ga=2.39368618.865427227.1546622629-1890514419.1545561094 is that it would appear this van isn't in bad condition and isn't suffering from the dreaded rust problems that normally blight these mechanically excellent vans, appears to be well under control. The mileage considering the age is quite low and overall I believe that it might be worth taking a punt.

If you didn't know already, why not come on over to the special/specific motorhome building forum that is also owned by Phil and which you can come along and join for no additional cost (https://motorhomebuilder.com/), here you will find quite a few people who will be able to give you an enormous amount of help and support.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

without seeing it in the flesh I'd pass on it, sellers have been known to tell a porky or three, if interested go see it and make sure

 

[gillypoof]

thank you ,yes the link would have been good,but was unable to link,yes I will take a look at it.The owner says its insulated....did,nt say with what though.I think he means its ply lined.

 

[Millie Master]

Here’s a link
Looking at the MOT history the mileage may be questionable, as it lost over 100000 miles in 2008.

Good spot @2cv, I hadn't gone that far back!

This then would suggest that the true mileage is well north of 200,000 miles which is decidedly mmmmmmmmmm avoid!

 

[daygoboy]

Unless you really need 4x4 drive, why bother, more complexity, more fuel use.
Gives you a lot more choice out there with 2 wheel or rear twin wheel drive.

 

[2cv]

thanks for that,how,d you do it ?

To make a link, first copy the address of what you want to link to, in this case the ebay ad.
Next press the link symbol (looks like a chain) above the reply box.
Paste the link in the address and write your text in the box below it.

 

[gillypoof]

Unless you really need 4x4 drive, why bother, more complexity, more fuel use.
Gives you a lot more choice out there with 2 wheel or rear twin wheel drive.

I guess its because I ,m used to having 4x4,the freedom to know you can get down to the waters edge,over that ridge,along the boggy track. My old merc had no power steering, no snycromesh,nada gauges that worked,now having had this amazing little beauty of a camper the toyota hiace for 8 years I have been spoiled,auto gearbox,nightheater ,power everything But its a poptop and now I need a little more room.I never thought I would prefer an auto gearbox,but who ever has changed gear or done a hill start,crawled through city traffic and enjoyed it.? Who gets the map out and switch,s off the sat nav?At the end of the day they are just "things".So it comes done to define what you like and what you need. But all this info is very helpful,I had a look at the motorhome builders bit,just got going and realized the D.V.L.A were up to mischief regarding changing to motorhome
classification from panel van,so thats made me think a bit. Plus its alorra lorra cash ain,t it ?

 

[mark61]

Looks like there are nicer 4x4 Sprinters on eBay for not much more, of course you can't tell too much just by pics and brief description.
As far as 4x4 Sprinters go, the older T1N's (903) do have a few advantages over the later NCV3 (906) models, they will often come with a centre dif lock, and occasionally rear too. Most prefer proper dif locks to traction control which is fitted to the later models.
Having what appears to be a motorhome but is registered as a van will cause a bit of confusion when going to Morocco, but it will only take 15 mins extra to sort out and all part of the fun.

 

[daygoboy]

Of course if you need, then you need, when it comes to 4X4 many just
want, end up in Maroc going to the same old campsites and along the
same old tarmac as nearly everyone else, with maybe a stretch along
a bit of piste that even the ubiquitos FWD coachbuilts manage quite well!!

 

[gillypoof]

Of course if you need, then you need, when it comes to 4X4 many just
want, end up in Maroc going to the same old campsites and along the
same old tarmac as nearly everyone else, with maybe a stretch along
a bit of piste that even the ubiquitos FWD coachbuilts manage quite well!!

I suppose so,I did spend a year in Maroc but that was 20years ago.Don,t think 100 dirhams would be enough for the bribe to live at the most beautiful lake I have ever camped at just south of Tiznit.

 

[daygoboy]

I suppose so,I did spend a year in Maroc but that was 20years ago.Don,t think 100 dirhams would be enough for the bribe to live at the most beautiful lake I have ever camped at just south of Tiznit.

I have been to Tiznit quite a few times, not come across a notable lake nearby, easily missed if
private I guess, or might be particularly subject to seasonal increase/decrease in extent. The campsite
there is practise home to the town brass band, thankfully the nearby freecamp is just far enough away to avoid
permanent ear drum damage, mind you that was 6 years ago, perhaps they've now moved lakeside!!

 

[Markd]

So the MoT history tells us its done at least 240k [assuming only clocked once!]
So I'd certainly be challenging the owner ĺwho seems to be a bit of a sprinter dealerl] about that - and be seeking a significant price reduction. Definitely not 'low mileage'
Does it look silver to you? Roof maybe - another question.
You may get some info from a Merc dealer - I expect it was single owner [utility company?] for first 5 years and may still be on their system.

 

[Deleted member 1063]

A bit pricey for an empty van of that age

 

[gillypoof]

So the MoT history tells us its done at least 240k [assuming only clocked once!]
So I'd certainly be challenging the owner ĺwho seems to be a bit of a sprinter dealerl] about that - and be seeking a significant price reduction. Definitely not 'low mileage'
Does it look silver to you? Roof maybe - another question.
You may get some info from a Merc dealer - I expect it was single owner [utility company?] for first 5 years and may still be on their system.

Yeah,hes got another up for sale,I asked for some more pics,he has,nt sent any.He said what pics do you want,told him just wander round it ,some engine bay,underneath.Did,nt say focused ones would be good,no point in being rude.I might have a little chat with him about the mileage issue.Or I might just put in a cheeky offer.I think if the van gets relisted it will of course be lower.I always wondered why peeps blacked out reg plate,now I know with super sleuths like you lot on the case. Finally what do you think this van is worth given what has been uncovered. Thank you for all help and chats it really has been most helpful