Sprinter 4x4

[josharb87]

Anyone any experience of a 2012 model 316cdi 4x4 sprinters? Reliability. fuel consumption, cruising speed, towing ability etc

Im loosely thinking about this one pictured. I drive a lot, towing a 12ft tipping for and tracked jensen about 40% of the time currently with a hilux, but the extra load space on this would be a big bonus.

4x4 is (unfortunately) essential, for towing in the snow and ice, and even just reversing up a gravel hill into my drive.

[Rich Rule]

Watching with Interest...

[Stephen Blair]

It will be good, expensive though.

[arbwork]

Josh we have a  4x4 sprinter 413 2004 with the following comments made to another arbtalk member it has

> 2151 cc engine, rust   front wheel arch lower esp nearside ( more dirt )

> chassis where folded seams join and also body work pin holes expanding

> into bigger rust patches, fuel pump leak, no cure or fix told have to

> get new one. also injector seating causing huge mess under plastic

> housing  and dribbley injector burning hole in piston, I understand last 3 items

> common with this engine,    if going 4x4  anti roll bar and shock absorber mountings are

> slung under the axel   limiting clearance,!   please note also the rear axel position when rear body is loaded carries all the weight even to the point reducing weight of the front wheels , it has got diff locks this helps traction, is not 4x4 as in Landover or similar but it helps a lot in slippy conditions, i.e wet grass verge towing chipper etc. tyres will make a difference, try for a demo or trial if possible, good luck

[gensetsteve]

I test drove the van version. Nice high position a little noise onntransmission but won't notice on a pick up. The thing I never tried was the all important push a heavy traile up a drive gravel or tarmac. Not sure how the axles will wind up or if they will start churning things up. 

[josharb87]

Thanks for the responses.

 

Got a bit more info on it,

 

990kg load capacity, quite good for its size! 

 

2,1l engine-sounds a bit small and seems prone to problems

 

2800kg towing capacity, same as hilux and would like more tbh 

 

The engine size and tow capability seem a bit weak. A 3.0l engine and 3.5t tow capacity and I’d be very tempted. 

Think I’ll stick with the super reliable (touch wood) hilux for now.