r/nextfuckinglevel • u/SmoothSun6676 • 16h ago

The Transformation of a Van

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477

u/Bulls_Bears_ 16h ago

For the van alone

468

u/BigTomBombadil 15h ago

A new 2026 Mercedes sprinter cargo vans (no side windows) with the high roof and 170” (longest) wheel base, has an MSRP around $60k. Cheaper if you get it used.

129

u/Tybo929 14h ago

I've been surprised by the used price of these, given how expensive everything else is. They're affordable when bare bones.

87

u/Chuckfinley_88 14h ago

Because bare bones there is nothing to it. Engine, transmission, 2 front seats and a sliding door. If anything, 60k for that is overpriced.

5

u/Tybo929 13h ago

Seen them sub-40s, and yes, VERY bare bones. But it's a start for someone!

-1

u/molrobocop 8h ago

Yeah, because they're fucking pieces of shit that constantly break. You can count on a semi-monthly $1000+ mechanic bill. 

5

u/ai-kukae-a-make 6h ago

Uhhh what? Thats not really true. These vehicles especially the diesel versions are pretty bullet proof

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u/molrobocop 5h ago

I follow a couple van-adventurers. Their experiences don't align with your own. "We've got another EGR code. It's in limp mode again." "The screen for the backup camera/radio isn't turning on. We've turned it off and on a few times. Nothing." "Shop says the parts for transmission are a month out. So we're stuck."

Which is a damn shame, as the platform itself is superior to Chevrolet, Fiat (Promasters), and Ford.

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u/ai-kukae-a-make 5h ago

I own one and def can say the egr is a problem for this platform as for the others that’s not my experience but I get that it’s not everyone’s. If the egr wasn’t a pain sometimes the van for me has been bulletproof, running on 100k miles. That being said, those groups you only hear the problems that’s mostly what they’re for I’m part of a few myself.