gr what you on about the french oil burning derv engines as one of the most reliable out there, even though i have a german van the finish is rubbish.
your 100% right if your talking cars but vans are different.
for example my van is a VW LT35 ELWB same as the sprinter apart from the engine both my van and the sprinter come from the factory with only two coats of paint of once a few years old look shit thats why you see loads of rusty sprinters about.
the french commercial vans are good better finish than german they paint them like cars , if you want a small van the relay is mega reliable and very cheap.
errmmm i work for mercedse as a vehcle tech and i mean commercial? yes the body finish can be a little shal we say less than what you should get?
but you obviously not aware of the life time warrenty your allowed with the purchase of the vehcle?as long as its been dealer serviced ? and again as a tech and owning many vans from transits ,a lt 35 (pile of shit,wanabe sprinter)
etc, the 2 sprinters i have owned are the best buy far? must admit the early cdi's have renowned problems for injectors and high pressure pumps but all in all bulit proof ?no cam belts to change as timing chain and as long as you regulary service the fooka she'll be fine?
i love my latest spinter thanks to my work a 57 goes like fook and can fit the house in there if i wanted?elecy windows all the gubins ?
the transit was very reliable but the duratorque engine is pronouned for throwing turbos ? nad man that can be expencve the old 2.5 bannana engine were the best ,not fast but reliable as fook, as long as the belts been changed?
so go for a merc and if you need any advice don't be shy to pm me ?
[pray]meany thanks