My wife works from home, leaves the house maybe once a week to go shopping. I have a Raptor and bounce between driving it and my wife's SUV for daily driving. She doesn't mind driving the Raptor. I've had a vision of getting rid of her SUV and buying a Sprinter or Transit and daily driving it. Keep the Raptor tucked in the garage and she can drive it when she wants to get out of the house.
I brought this conversation back up this weekend and she was really open to the idea. So I've been deep diving into vans and need some real world feedback.
Sprinter vs. Transit
I'm assuming some of you have experience between the two. Pros and cons to each? Here's what I came up with on the top of my head.
Sprinter pros:
- Larger than transit
- The last one I drove (2019) handled like a dream - but I've heard the wind-assist on the new ones sucks?
- More creature comforts for a fully loaded model
Sprinter cons:
- More expensive purchase price
- More expensive maintenance
- Major electrical issues
- Smaller pool of mechanics to work on it
Transit pros:
- Lower purchase price
- Large dealer network to buy and for maintenance/repairs
- Cheaper maintenance/repairs
- Will likely pay cash rather than finance
Transit cons:
- Won't look as baller in my drive way
- Smaller in height and length
- "loaded" isn't as loaded.
What else am I missing?
I'm really leaning toward the Transit for a number of reasons.
What years should I look for or avoid? I'd like to have the most modern infotainment screen, cruise control, electric windows etc. Are there certain years to shoot for or avoid? When was their latest refresh?
Am I smart or dumb to be leaning toward the Transit over the Sprinter?
I have more questions but I'll continue researching. Would love to hear any real world feed back.
Thanks.
Lots of folks on the west coast running the Transit with good results. TeamGreen will be along shortly to fill you in...
I have a 2019 T250 transit cargo high roof van outfitted for moto with cabinets.
I only use it for dirt bikes so it has only 50K miles.
No problems so far aside from the plastic gas filter door hinge breaking. Transits are much less expensive to buy and service as compared to the Sprinter.
I also have a 19, long, high 350 ( single wheel). Im a cabinet maker so mine has 50% tools 50% bike stuff at all times. Just broke 100k miles. Only downside has been two things.
1. Rear brakes wear fast. 3 sets since new.
2. New battery last month.
It runs great ( V6 non turbo). We went riding and on the way home picked up a trailer and car, it was not struggling.
Will buy again.
I had a 2016 medium roof T150 XLT 6cyl Gas Transit. It was a solid van with no real issues other than the well known drive shaft problem. There was a huge recall on a lot of these vans back then. Mine had the recall done, but it was never right. It would vibrate at certain speeds. Not sure if it's still an issue or not.... I have a 2023 Sprinter 2500 now and it's definitely a step up from my Transit, but it also cost a lot more too. The only reason I sold the Transit was because someone offered me $8k more than I paid for it after owning it for 3 years.. I couldn't say no. The Transit Trail looks pretty good too. I didn't want to wait for it tho, plus the price is Sprinter price anyway...
Here's a good place to research the Transit
https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/forums/engine-and-technical-discuss…
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
I also drove a few transits that we used for ambulances and we drove the hell out of those things and they didn’t get or need much maintenance. I mean we were hard on them 24/7 and they never skipped a beat.
only reason I sold it was I wasn’t riding as much and during Covid someone offered me Wayyy too much money for it and I couldn’t say no.
2019 Transit T150 w/Trailer Package, Load Area Protection Package…yada, yada, yada. It’s a Mid-Roof LWB w/std 3.7 V6 & 6 speed auto. Bought it new March 2020. It’s my COVID Zombie Apocalypse Van. Just under $31K out the door.
It’s now got 150,000 miles and the only failure has been an a/c-heating blower motor.
During early COVID Panicdemic, it was used for transporting all sorts of race bikes and parts during the initial shipping shit-show. Even drove it across Murica and back in 2021. It’s transported tons…literally…of carbon-fiber, aircraft parts, specialized munitions, military personnel and comms gear. These things are versatile. It’s towed a few different trailers including an open rail trailer with THREE Razors on it in Baja.
I had ordered a Transit Trail but was waaaay too unimpressed when it arrived…and kept my OG Transit.
I’m contemplating an AWD High-Roof EXT….justneed to get on the computer and build one out.
I went with the Sprinter, I had a transit for a long time and had no issues. I just think the AWD sprinter looks better to me so that is why I bought one. The Sprinter does get better mileage but Deisel costs more so it may be a wash.
I sell Ford commercial look at the RV prep package it ads some comfort features let me know if you have any questions.
The wind assist on the Sprinter scared the living f*** out of me when crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge... never again haha
2021 and later 3.5 twin turbo engine received some minor engine improvements as far as reducing carbon buildup on the back side of the intake valves. there is a company that makes an air oil separator that also reduces this issue. Fox shoxs help the ride and handling.
I went with the Transit for cost to buy and cost to maintain. I don’t know anyone with a Sprinter that hasn’t had to take it back for work. My van never went back for anything.
2018 (bought new in 2019) with over 185,000 miles now. Did just have to replace exhaust manifolds. Not major for the amount of miles. Beyond that just regular maintenance. Have the high roof long 3500 HD. Only the super long extended Sprinter is bigger. The Transit is also wider at the top, so if anything it’s bigger.
Every time I talk with a sprinter owner I’m happy with my purchase.
BTW- if I had a Raptor to leave home my wife would be perfectly happy driving that too😂. Of course her daily driver is a F-250 4x4.
You pretty much nailed the pros and cons of each. One pro I’d add for the Sprinter though is better aftermarket parts support, though this gap is closing as Transits are becoming more popular
Sprinters have lots of cool aftermarket stuff available that can make one look pretty pimp. They do break more. But both can have issues. I’ve had zero with my Transit 100,000 miles, stock brakes etc except a set of plugs.
I currently drive a tall long 2021 transit 4x4. Also owned a 2020 sprinter 4x4 and a 14 Promaster.
Plus you can get a raptor style grill to match your truck like I have . 🤷🏼♂️
Anybody say going with the 3.7 or new 3.5 no boost a big downside vs eco boost? Eco boost is hard to find and priced really high.
If you buy a Transit with the wet belt you’re sitting on a ticking time bomb.
not trying to turn this into an ad but we have Transits with the ecoboost we sell at msrp
https://www.sandersonford.com/inventory/new/ford/transit-cargo-van?paym…
message me if interested thanks
I wish that grille didn't excite me as much as it does, that is fucking sweet. Where did you find it? Thanks for sharing. Sick van.
Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Definitely leaning me toward the Transit. Every person I know with a Sprinter has issues, minor or major, on new or old Sprinters. Trouble-free mileage is what I'm looking for.
I've always felt that driving a Sprinter kind of felt like a bus at times, not because of the size, just the way the suspension works and feels going down the highway. Comparing the Transit to more of a car-like drive is appealing. That's what I'm looking for.
Keep the feedback coming, please! Folks with Sprinters feel free to chime-in as well, good or bad.
185,000...that's what I like to hear. Great feedback, thanks.
The wife didn't touch the Raptor for almost a year, she's not into trucks at all. But after she finally drove it she realized how nice they are to drive and is suddenly taking it to the store lol.
Pit Row
Do you have kids or planning on it? If so I’d spring for the 10 passenger model with a bolt it on system. Big plus for the passenger model is factory seat with belts behind the driver and it’s MUCH quieter inside with factory air. I’m 5’11 and the MR was high enough for me to move around comfortably. Another plus for the passenger model is you get the better visibility out of the windows and you can use it as a road trip vehicle if you have kids or dogs or friends. My friends called my van the party bus they loved it.
Thanks for bringing this up, the thought of a passenger version has crossed my mind for those reasons. We don't have kids yet, but plan to in the very near future.
This van will not be built out and used for overnights, it will be a road trip van and we will stay in hotels. I do like the idea of having A/C throughout, some insulation and proper securing of bench seats. The only downside in my mind is that someone can see bikes etc. inside the van at night when crashing at a hotel.
I had an extended Econoline in my late teens with only the two back windows. One night at a hotel someone broke a back window and stole my gear bag. Thankfully I built the wall too short and my rear tires wedged against the back making the door nearly impossible to open. Pretty sure they couldn't get it open, took the bag and left.
Maybe I could add some screen or bars of some sort if someone were to break window? Or just let them take it and let insurance figure it out? LOL.
I like the passenger models because the interior is built out nicer and more insulation. If I bought a van I would get a window van, build a wall and cover the back windows with something.
I vote Transit. I have an Econoline and sometimes day dream of upgrading for a smoother, quieter drive, and the Transit just looks awesome for moto I think. I'd be interested to know what the longest, tallest option is for the Transit now.
Shameless share of my motovan - 1999 E350 Diesel with 12ft box.
I build some window covers out of this flexible insulated material from Home Depot for about $40 and used a windshield sun visor.
Also the limo tint over the privacy glass for day trips, you could not see the bike in there.
I did this last year. Had a brand new 2023 gmc 2500 diesel.
wanted another transit, couldn’t justify spending $65k on a third vehicle.
wife agreed to drive the diesel and sell her car. Even had her take it to work a couple times to make sure she was on board.
within a month the bitching started about driving the truck, parking it, etc.
We now have one of those stupid electric mustangs for her 🤦
Transit Negatives (Ford Service Manager): Rear brakes, they go often and will cost 500 plus each time. Trans isn't the strongest so baby it, 3.6L still have turbo/exhaust valve issues that lead to engine problems. Don't be afraid to run the piss out of it to clear the turbos out. They get clogged easily and will cost 3k plus to replace your turbos, inlets, fuel lines etc. Other than that... they are alright. Sometimes you will get some wire plume issues here and there but that is not necessarily a Ford issue.
I’ve got the std 3.7 (which in 2020 was replaced with a 3.5) and it has plenty of power for going over high passes (I drive the eastern Sierra A LOT) and the only thing you have to get familiar with it it’s “250F” type power: it makes its ponies in the higher RPMs…
Mileage between my 3.7 and 3.5 Ecoboost is a bit better in the non-turbo….however…you CAN get good mlg in the Eco…but you have to STAY OUT OF THE THROTTLE!
Just like your Raptor…you know you can get decent mlg…if you want to…
…and, in the van the milder Ecoboost is a bit easier to get good mlg in compared to your Raptor…but, it’s the same challenge to NOT use all that power!
Ford does (did?) make a “Crew” version with a 3 man bench right behind the driver/passenger seats…but, I haven’t seen one on a dealer lot in quite a while.
Good luck,
Manny
I was thinking you could paint the window black and cover with 1/4 plywood and carpet. You could probably get away with using some powergrab type caulking and glue it to the window for anti theft. Might be able to get the plywood to fit between the trim and glass.
I'm a carpenter and I think way too much about building out a van.
Yea you could do all that but the covers I made were only $40 and they slipped in and out of the windows in about 10 seconds and they roll up easily when not needed. Plus you gain back use of your windows when not hauling bikes which I liked. Both options work but I was working on the lowest budget and ease of install lol
One thing I really like on the Sprinter is that it has the climate controls below the screen. I didn't like how the new Transits make you go through the screen to change the temperature in the van
https://youtu.be/B1rEbRXO3Xw?si=fX2BCeETx3HqJNQK
Do you guys have these customs over there ,probably far to small for the yanks, but are a nice van to drive
they are pretty popular over here , but are fitted with the wet belt system, which historically have received a lot of bad press
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