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Dodge Sprinter

1262 messages, Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 4:19 PM
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| Hmmm.... news to me. If so, then I stand corrected. My understanding from sources at DCVans was contrary to the article - that the Sprinters were to remain Freightliner badged. Perhaps there will be a Dodge version that is of slightly different design? | |
| might be based on the Vito platform which is sold over in Europe. | |
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I've driven a Sprinter and I really like it. While it is a lot bigger than my '90 Vanagon, it doesn't "drive" any bigger than a 1/2 ton pickup (I drove both the high and low roof, 140" wheelbase cargo Sprinter). I didn't get the Sprinter in any high cross winds, but don't think cross winds will be a problem (at least nothing like in my old '70 VW bus - had white knuckles several times). I've put a deposit down on a Sprinter passenger van, but my dealer doesn't know when it might come in - they "think" it is "on a boat". It is my understanding, based on a MotorTrend report, etc., that "some" Dodge dealers will start selling the Sprinter sometime this year "badged" as a Freightliner, and that a Vito model will be coming over in '04. |
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| Thanks. I was getting worried that my DCVan sources were wrong! I'm not surprised about the Sprinters being sold at some Dodge dealers. My understanding was (and still is) that the badging will remain Freightliner - at least for now. | |
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The Freightliner Sprinter will be sold through about 90 Dodge dealers in North America. This will be in addition to 160 Freightliner Centers. All of the vans will carry the Freightliner name. There was talk at one time of also producing them under the Dodge name at the Pillete Road plant in Ontario, Canada (where the Dodge B-Series vans are built), but it was decided to keep the Freightliner name on all U.S. Sprinters. The Vito will come to the U.S. in 2004 after a redesign makes its debut next year. The Vito, which is slightly smaller than a Dodge Caravan, is built in Spain. There is a third, smaller van called the Vaneo that has just gone on sale in Europe. At this time, there are no plans for it to come to North America. Both vans will be marketed and distributed through DaimlerChrysler Vans, LLC. DCV is a business unit similar to the German van unit, but it is not a subsidiary of the Mercedes unit. Ultimately, DCV will have responsibility for all North American van activities, including the Chrysler and Dodge minivans. DaimlerChrysler is currently looking for a site for a new van assembly facility. Sites under consideration include Jacksonville, Florida, Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. Sprinter cargo vans are currently assembled at Freightliner's Custom Chassis operation in Gaffney, South Carolina. A new plant could be operational by 2006. All Sprinter vans are manufactured in Duesseldorf, Germany. Cargo vans are shipped in "kit" form to Gaffney for final assembly. Passenger vans are shipped over fully assembled. This is due to tariff regulations. |
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I test drove a DCX/Freightliner Sprinter Passenger van last week and was suprised by its power and agility. It felt as strong as my current Caravan and turned almost as well. It was a 2500HC (140" WB, low-top roof, 10 seater) with about all the options you can get. It didn't seem tippy at all. This model was only 3" narrower than a full-size GMC, about as long as my Dakota Club cab, and about the same height as a hi-top GMC or Ford conversion. It felt VERY solid and you can't beat the headrests and 3-point belts at every seating position. Although the interior was not what I would call plush by any stretch, it was functional -cup holders for all the back seats and would hold up well with growing kids. Plus, even with 3 rows of rear seats, there is a HUGE amount of cargo room in the back. Since I have five kids and there is no more room left in my '96 Caravan, I am seriously considering this as a replacement. Has anyone else purchased or considered one for personal passenger use? |
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| I have been looking at buying a Sprinter but am concerned about a few things. First being the price. The only place I seem to be able to get any price info is from the dealer and frankly it seems high. The second thing is the fuel mileage, does it really get 22mpg and is that high way or city? Third is the options and configuration. When I went to my dealer he told me that the configuration I wanted was not available even though it is shown in the brochure. Can anyone shed some light on some of this for me? | |
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