Sprinter or Transporter

[djbobbins]

My FIL has asked me to look around for a Transporter for him, as he's treating himself to a camper as a retirement present but wants to do a bespoke conversion rather than buy one off the shelf.

 

Only thing is, looking at prices it seems like he could get a 2.2 Sprinter for similar money as a 102bhp Transporter. More space for the money, certainly.

 

I've driven Sprinters and VW vans a long while ago but wondered if anyone had more recent / long term experience to offer?

 

Whatever he picks will be German so I think these are the only two options, no Transits etc. it won't be used for towing or any heavy work, really just needs to be reliable, fairly sensible on fuel and capable of cruising at motorway speeds for hours at a time.

 

Any thoughts appreciated!

 

 

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[TreeswingerPerth]

Sprinter for me , power and not too bad on fuel , fantastic vans .

[difflock]

V.W. Crafter CR 3.5 Tdi van with SLD dog boxes tow bar extra seats etc

Registration Number: GC89AB, Date in Service: 2007, Mileage From: 67000 mls.

£6k ish

Guess where advertisied:lol:

Edited November 5, 2013 by difflock

[Stephen Blair]

Vw everytime!

[arbmark]

you get what you pay for really, i think transporters are very reliable, but i had a high top sprinter camper till 5 years ago......lovely, no stooping. cost me a fortune in maintenance, although it was an N reg!

[gensetsteve]

T5 seems to have a few problems with gearbox and water pump. Sprinter a fair bit bigger to drive and more like 25 MPG than t5 35 MPG. Sprinter is a good van with strong engine and drive train.

[hiluxstihl]

sprinter hi roof extra long is as big as an apartment!!

[lyons e]

Vw great van ,

 

 

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[Andrew Reed]

My 102PS transporter is a five speed with the particulate filter thingy. On motorways I cruise 65 if I can to save fuel. However it cruises comfortably at 70 or more quietly. It seems to be very economical. I would guess a six speed with cruise control might be better for mostly motorway work touring. The drivers seat and driving position is very comfy. I have 30,000 miles on it and no problems. Tows well too. Changing down into 1st gear is somethings a bit clunky if rushed.

[harvey b davison]

For me it would have to be the T5, as i dont like any merc. But what about a toyota hiace ?