Over the last few decades, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has become known as the best cargo van in the U.S. More than half of the sprinters purchased in the US are used as commercial vehicles or in vehicle fleets. The rest of them are used for a variety of reasons, such as recreational vehicles, passenger shuttles, and more.
With the rise in the popularity of the “van life” movement, many individuals are wondering if they should downsize their stuff and ramp up the adventure in their lives.
Whether you’re thinking of living in a sprinter or purchasing some for a vehicle fleet, there are a number of pros and cons to these vehicles.
Let’s check out the advantages and drawbacks of the sprinter van to help you make the best possible panel van decision.
Pros of a Sprinter Van
There are a number of great things about sprinter vans. Whether you’re buying them as commercial vehicles, to live that “van life,” or as a passenger vehicle, let’s take a look at some of the factors that make the sprinter appealing vs. the completion:
- They get good gas mileage compared to other vehicles of the same size
- There are different size options available to suit your needs
- They have a higher payload compared to other panel vans like the Promaster or the Transit, which means that the interior of the van can handle more weight
- They’re huge: you can comfortably fit twelve people in four rows of seating
- The ceiling is tall, making it comfortable for just about anyone
One of the great things about this vehicle is that you have so many options when it comes to customizing the inside. For instance, check out this awesome custom sprinter van mattress.
Cons of a Sprinter Van
As with all things, there are some drawbacks of sprinter vans compared to other similar vans. Some of the cons are:
- They aren’t cheap to buy and they can be expensive to maintain
- They operate using a complicated computer system, making it more difficult to maintain and repair them yourself
- They are prone to rust
- Many mechanics don’t want to work on them because of how complicated the computer system is, meaning that you might have to only get it worked on at the more expensive dealerships
- Their large size can make it more difficult to park and tall heigh can mean avoiding car washes, drive-throughs, and low bridges
- More road noise than a normal passenger vehicle
When it comes to finding the best cargo van, you can find people online vying for the Sprinter, Transit, and the ProMaster with equal vigor. At the end of the day, it’s about weighing out which of these pros and cons take priority for you.
The Sprinter Van: Is It Your Next Vehicle?
There are good reasons why some people think the sprinter van is the best cargo van. That being said, it’s important to compare your specific needs with the pros and cons of the vehicle. It’s possible that either the Transit or the ProMaster is more suitable for your intended use.
Did you find this article about the sprinter van interesting? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for everything you need to know about cars!