>Also, these European designs just don't have the reserve for use or abuse
that conventional American Iron has. In many ways these can become the
Vanagon of the future with the unforeseen breakdowns and expenses.
>
>Once you have a coach with the typical add on body you also have all the
poor construction that typically goes with this. Most of these are not long
term 25 year 300,000 mile vehicles.

Again, I refer you to www.andeanroads.com
This particular fleet of Sprinters, FOUR-cylinder at that, are taking far
more abuse in Argentina than most USA-made (not American, btw) campers see,
do very well at it, all the while returning double the fuel mileage. I think
I'll stick with Mercedes, thanks.