Description
I've owned the Sprinter for just over a year, my plan was to convert it into a stealth motor home, however life has got in the way.
This is a rare beast - a 519 with twin sliding doors, High Top, MWB, 4x4 , that has been re-plated to 3. 5t - so anyone with a normal driving licence can drive it.
I'm the second owner, and I've done a couple of trips up the motorway to Scotland in it, and that journey which is a pain the bum in a car - is a breeze in the Sprinter. Cruise control at 56 mph, air con on, and being able to see over the hedges! Car drivers have an tendency to move out of the way.
I purchased it from a site survey company, who used it as a crew van and to haul their drilling rig. "crew van" - yes, however this van was the cleanest I've ever seen; all seats had covers on their entire life. I don't have any service history, as they did the services themselves. But you know as well as I do, all you have to do is keep the oil and filter changed and these engines will go to the moon and back (last oil change was done back in January by an independent garage). Taco is installed, but if you're a private owner you can ignore it. 157, 100 mls.
I've stripped out all the original ply floor and sidings, and added a new insulated floor. There's an LPG tank in the spare wheel space, and two extractor fans in the roof - and no, they don't leak. Stainless steel roof rails, two reversing cameras with LCD rear view mirror, front and rear proximity beepers. I have a bunch of other stuff ready to go into it, if the price is right, you can have all of that as well. I've also removed and sealed all the possible water ingress holes around the plastic side skirts. The inside has two original captains seats and a fold flat hand brake. There's sound deadening patches on all panels. There's also a set of two crew seats that I removed - which, if the price is right - I'll include. Original fit, spotless and with seatbelts.
It's got selectable low range 4x4, and a five ton winch at the front, so this is a go anywhere van. With the winch, you'd be able to pull less fortunate vans out of anything! Medium Wheelbase and High top, means you won't pay more than a car for a ferry (it's 5. 99m long)
The engine is smooth and powerful, and when empty the Sprinter can surprise many a car off the roundabout! :)
If you're the shy type, I'm unsure this is the van for you - I've had more compliments about this van in the year of ownership, than in the twenty years of owning various sports cars. You'll never lose it in the supermarket car park - but because of it's modest dimensions you'll be ABLE to park it there!
Bad things:
The battery is on it's way out - if you use it every day - no issues, but if you leave it for weeks, it flattens.
There are a couple of rust spots showing on the body now, but chips away could sort those in an afternoon.
The drive shaft carrier bearing squeaks - it needs replacing, but I haven't had a chance to.
If you're looking for a base van for a motor home conversion, which can take on the world, then this is for you.
If you're looking for a pit lane van that will have the others green with envy, then this is for you.
If you're looking for a work horse that you can strip out the LPG tank etc, then this is for you.
I'm looking for what I've put into it - £26, 000 - Come and look at the van, and see what you're buying.
