Okay, so after some searching around various forums (both here and elsewhere) I am still unsure what van to go with. I am looking for a high roof, long wheelbase (not extra long) cargo van to upfit as a camper for my wife and I. We'd like to keep the van as small as possible and still incorporate a sleeping area, kitchen, and toilet/shower combo. Luckily, we are both on the short side (5'7”
..which helps in this case! We would be using the van for extended trips (month or so) that would likely take us ‘off the grid' and pavement.
I'm thinking our max budget is $40k, preferably $30K. Our ideal van would be a 4x4 High Roof Sprinter 144 (though it is over our budget). Also, with the concerns I've read about regarding the diesel engines and lack of service departments (as well as cost and difficulty of maintaining), I've pretty much crossed that off the list. While I'd like to have 4x4, I'm not sure it is necessary, nor can I afford (or justify the price). I've also looked really hard at the Transit and really like what I see. The only issue is that to find one with all the options/upgrades that I would want makes it impossible to find on a lot. So I would be limited to special ordering a 2017 which comes in at my max budget. Although we may be able to cross off some of our ‘wish list' options and locate one on the lot for $30k? and add those options later. We've also looked at Promaster, but not really digging them (especially the low rear axle).
I guess my question is, if you had $40k to spend on a van (new or used) what would you go with? We'd rather not get something too old or worn..unless there is good reason to (ie. price, potential). We want a reliable van that is not going to require a lot of mechanical work. What year MB Sprinters would you avoid?
Thanks for any input/suggestions!
..which helps in this case! We would be using the van for extended trips (month or so) that would likely take us ‘off the grid' and pavement.I'm thinking our max budget is $40k, preferably $30K. Our ideal van would be a 4x4 High Roof Sprinter 144 (though it is over our budget). Also, with the concerns I've read about regarding the diesel engines and lack of service departments (as well as cost and difficulty of maintaining), I've pretty much crossed that off the list. While I'd like to have 4x4, I'm not sure it is necessary, nor can I afford (or justify the price). I've also looked really hard at the Transit and really like what I see. The only issue is that to find one with all the options/upgrades that I would want makes it impossible to find on a lot. So I would be limited to special ordering a 2017 which comes in at my max budget. Although we may be able to cross off some of our ‘wish list' options and locate one on the lot for $30k? and add those options later. We've also looked at Promaster, but not really digging them (especially the low rear axle).
I guess my question is, if you had $40k to spend on a van (new or used) what would you go with? We'd rather not get something too old or worn..unless there is good reason to (ie. price, potential). We want a reliable van that is not going to require a lot of mechanical work. What year MB Sprinters would you avoid?
Thanks for any input/suggestions!
