On Fri, 26 Aug 2016 23:46:44 -0700, Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>For all the ** potential ** money spent dealing with a late model
>Sprinter or similar,
>I think I might be paying less in spite of lower MPG's

FWIW, I paid $6200 for my '03 Sprinter 3500 highroof. It now sits at 255K,
the only things it's had replaced are brake pads (PO), tires, fuel lines
(brittle plastic ends), alternator + belt, and water pump. It returns 20-21
mpg and has hauled many heavy loads during my move plus pulled a couple vans
on U-haul trailers. I have another $4000 in a complete 4x4 drivetrain from a
European Sprinter ambulance. Compared to a Vanagon Syncro (I still have
two), it will cost far less now and the future to drive and maintain. Plus
all of my toys fit inside, away from thieving fingers. Oh - and it was
rear-ended by a semi at 20 mph and was almost completely undamaged. Try that
in a Vanagon. :)