A Mercedes Sprinter Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

Automotive
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We all know that buying a vehicle, whether new or used, can be intimidating. There are some tips and tricks that can be used when investing in a vehicle, particularly with Mercedes Sprinter vans. Whether you are planning on using the van for pleasure or for commercial purposes, it is essential to know the factors to look for when buying.

Mercedes Sprinter vans provide incredible driving dynamics, and the vehicle is super easy to maneuver. It has a spacious cabin that is immensely beneficial to companies or individuals who have to move heavy goods from one place to another. You can load pretty much anything in the back and still manage to find space for the passengers.

Once you have made up your mind about buying a Mercedes Sprinter, there are many things you need to consider to receive the best available deal. No matter what your anticipated purpose for the van might be, there are factors that can have an impact on your decision. Only by carefully considering these factors and getting the assistance of Mercedes Benz Sprinter dealers in California, you can make the ideal choice when shopping for your dream vehicle.

To guide you on this venture, here we have discussed some tips and suggestions that you might want to follow to make sure that you make a well-informed decision when selecting a Mercedes Benz Sprinter.

Set A Budget

It is more convenient to power through the buying process when you have a set budget in mind. Try to stick to your estimate to avoid spending more than you anticipated. No matter what your intended purpose for the Mercedes Sprinter might be, having a well-articulated budget can help you a great deal when it comes to comparing price points for different dealerships.

You can also use your estimated budget to negotiate with the dealers so that you can settle on a price that works perfectly for both parties. When allocating a budget, it might be a good idea to leave some wiggle room as doing so can sometimes get you better deals.

Used or New Unit

One of the major concerns that van buyers initially have is whether they should invest in a new Sprinter or buy a used one. Making a choice between these two options can certainly be challenging, which is why it is a great idea to weigh their pros and cons. For this purpose, you have to take note of the model, budget, price, and general condition of the vehicle.

The last thing you want is to invest in a pricey second-hand van and having to spend a fortune on its restoration. In that case, buying a new vehicle might be a relatively better option. Consider different factors when buying a new or used van and figure out which option is more beneficial.

New Van

The incredible feeling of buying a brand-new vehicle is certainly undeniable. From the clean body to the fresh smell of the new interior, it is tricky to beat. However, no matter the intention, you cannot simply walk into a dealership, choose the first Sprinter van you see, and drive off.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure that you pick the right one.

Know your budget – The car dealer might try to upsell you on your dream vehicle. In that case, having a set budget can prevent you from going astray. Negotiate with the dealer until you get the price you both are happy with.

Research – Take some time to go through all your options before buying a new Sprinter van. If you are planning to use it for commercial purposes, you should find out if it fits your specific requirements. Can the seats be ■■■■■■■ Will it accommodate all your tools?

Ask questions – Think of all the important questions that you might want to ask the dealership company. Whether it is technical questions or any other type of information, it will help you know the vehicle better, and you’ll be able to make a more well-informed decision.

Used Van

At times, a used van might get you a better deal as opposed to a new one. But when it comes to a pre-owned vehicle, you have to make sure that you know everything about it before going through with the purchase decision.

Assess the body properly – When buying a used van, you must check the body for scratches, dents, chipped windows, and worn-out tires. Also, look for any signs that might indicate that the vehicle’s been through an accident.

Look under the hood – Assess the hoses and belts for any cracks. Take a look at the engine block to rule out possible signs of corrosion or leaks. Inspect the timing belt to see if any replacements are required.

Test drive the van – This is important it figures out whether the vehicle runs smoothly on the road.

Evaluate the service history – Going through the service maintenance log will help you warn of any past problems or issues that the Sprinter might have experienced. Such information is incredibly valuable and will play a major role in your purchase decision.

Do Your Research

Don’t overlook the importance of research, and try to gather as much information as you can. We are living in the golden age of the internet where any sort of information is practically one search away, which leaves us with no excuse for not staying updated. Doing your homework will provide you with useful insight as to whether you should buy a particular Sprinter van or not.

You will also find out about the details of different Mercedes Sprinter models and determine which one fits your specific requirements and preferences. You can get access to everything you need to help you in your shopping venture.

Bottom Line

There are several factors to consider when buying a Mercedes Sprinter van. Whatever type of vehicle you might be purchasing, it is crucial that you understand the factors that matter. One thing that you can absolutely be assured of is the capability and reliability of a Sprinter. Make sure to keep these tips and guidelines into consideration when shopping for a Sprinter. It will certainly make the process quick and stress-free.

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As with rival vans, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is offered in a wide variety of body styles, heights, weight, seating and cab arrangements. However the load space not quite as big as some rivals’ with the Sprinter, which shows the basic design of this van is beginning to age.
That said, there should be something to suit every need with regular, high and super high roof specifications and seated minibus bodies. There are even specialist campers and 4x4 versions too for more specific requirements built by a number of specialists.

Looking for more Mercedes-Benz van buying advice?
Engines available on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter:
The Sprinter has always had a powerful reputation that lives up to its speedy name. Power came initially from a range of 2.1-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 diesels with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes - the auto being relatively rare.
Engine start/stop, dubbed Eco-Start, was added in 2008 as an option, while 2009 saw the entire engine range overhauled with 95, 130 and 165PS versions of the four-cylinder engine, and a single 190PS V6 3.0-litre option. The biggest change in the current Sprinter range’s lifecycle is the [model refresh in April 2013, where it gained not just a new angular grille and headlights, but improvements to economy and emissions plus a refreshed interior as well as new ■■■■■■-wearing upholstery.

Maintenance on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

One of the Sprinter’s most common faults is problems with the diesel engine’s high pressure injection system. It’s called the ‘black death’ in the trade, though it’s not as bad as is sounds if it’s caught early enough. The seals around the injectors go, causing a chuffing sound from under the bonnet.

Put the heater and fan on in the cab and if there’s a faint smell of what should be coming out of the tailpipe then they’ll need looking at. A black build up around the injectors also highlights the issue. Depending on how bad it is, you could be looking at anywhere from £150 to £500 fix.

Check the prop shaft on any prospective purchase, they tend to fail at about 100,000 miles though they’re not too expensive provided you don’t source it from a dealer where they’ll charge around £800. For all other parts we’d suggest genuine only, particularly brakes.
Servicing is around £250+VAT for a small service, to around £300+VAT for a larger one. Security isn’t a strong point, the Sprinter is easy to steal. You can’t beat a traditional steering lock as a physical deterrent. Likewise catalytic convertors are often targeted by thieves for the metals in them. Again an aftermarket physical add on will make stealing them trickier - or at least send thieves looking elsewhere. Other ■■■■■■■ include check straps on the doors failing, sliding doors jamming and brake light switches failing - the latter confusing the ECU into thinking you’re braking when you’re not. There have also been a few recalls for fuel leaks.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Pricing:
With mk2 Sprinters now 14+ years old, there’s plenty of choice out there. Prices start at under £3000 for massive-mileage examples with a lengthy list of previous owners; these can represent good value for builders who need an inexpensive workhorse, but avoid vans that have no service history. Up your budget to £5000 and you will find box vans, tippers, drop sides and panel vans with a history folder full of receipts, old MoTs and service documents. You won’t be short of choice so you can afford to be picky when it comes to mileages and specifications. Spend £6000 and you find a rich selection of 2013 vans that have been well-kept with two or three previous owners and documentation that traces its mechanical life all the way back to the original Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer. This is the first Sprinter to be available with front-wheel drive, as well as rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and it comes with a highly sophisticated MBUX infotainment system as standard. Safety levels are also very impressive. In 2020, Mercedes also launched an electric version of the Sprinter.
Otherwise, keep reading to find out whether the diesel versions of this premium large van are the best choice for your business.
What’s new for the 2021 Mercedes Sprinter?
This Sprinter - known as the 907 within Mercedes, hence the number plate in some of these pictures - is one of the newest large vans on the market, so we’re not expecting any huge overhauls in 2021. Especially since 2020 saw the range split into three new trim levels - Pure, Progressive and Premium - and the introduction of some new 2.0-litre engines.
Mercedes Sprinter now available with front-wheel drive:
Not only does this Sprinter panel van come in a choice of three wheelbase lengths, four body lengths, three body heights and load volume of up to 17.0 cubic meters, it’s also available with front-wheel drive (FWD). Something previous-generation models never offered.
This is in addition to the rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD or 4x4) versions, rather than in replacement. So whatever your traction requirements, there is now a Sprinter to suit.
Mercedes Sprinter engines and body variants:
Initially, most Sprinters of this generation were ■■■■■■ with 2.1-litre turbodiesel engines of the same type used by the previous model – although as before, a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is available at the top of the RWD range. From mid-2020, a newer 2.0-litre engine design replaced a couple of the 2.1-litre options. Power output continues to range from 114hp to 190hp, and torque output from 300Nm to 440Nm.
What’s the Mercedes Sprinter like to driver?
Regardless of whether the engine is powering the front or back axle, the Sprinter’s driving experience is fundamentally the same. Which is to say it’s characterized by very comfortable suspension (and not just for a van), giving a soft-feeling ride that irons out all but the worst road surface imperfections. You can even add rear air suspension for extra comfort and control, or choose lightweight composite rear springs to replace the standard steel items for increased payload.

Put this together with some excellent seats, and it’s quickly clear that travelling long distances in one of these is unlikely to be a chore.

There’s not even much body roll in the corners, considering just how cushioning the suspension seems to be – and we say this having driven a variety of Sprinter van types with a variety of different loads in the back. As such, when faced with a typical British B-road, the Sprinter proves surprisingly wieldy, allowing the driver to quickly build confidence in its handling and manoeuvrability. The suspension easily deals with mid-corner bumps, and over time you get used to the limited feedback from the electric power steering.
Differences between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive Mercedes Sprinters:
Beyond the increased payload and lower loading floor, the new-for-this-generation front-wheel drive Sprinters also seem to be more refined – the engines sound quieter and there’s less vibration in the cab, though still more than in some rivals.