Sprinter - To buy or not to buy

[@tonytheriault1954]

Thanks for the update!

[@spidrawebster]

I've been going through similar (except I'm disabled & not yet a wheelchair user) hemming & hawing re van choices for over a year now. You're right this was good practice for what would be involved in switching vehicles. Actually paying gas $ and taking time to drive and see a vehicle makes it more concrete than just "shopping" thru sites online. Which helps you clarify what questions you need to ask and what research you have left to do. I did finally get a full-sized van, but then a computer mistake with insurance popped up so I still temporarily own both the minivan and the van. I'm not sure which I'll be keeping! Talk to as many wheelchair-using vanlifers as you can. You can learn so much from what has popped up for them. I can relate to what you appreciate about the minivan. The better gas mileage is not a trivial point. Consider also that if having more storage space inside would be helpful, Fiberine can install a high top on a minivan.

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

All very good points. There is still lots of time to think about it. I will probably share more when I know what I am doing. Thanks for your comments.

[@pattierwin4380]

God Bless. I would love to see you in a bigger van so you could travel again. Hope you’re healing.

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

Thank you.

[@dcole109]

I’m a 66 year old man and I’m currently stuck at home waiting on my surgery date to come so life as I’m used to can resume. I saw you through a video with Bob Wells and I owe you my gratitude for your faith. By watching that video from a year ago you have humbled me and made me very thankful. I came to your channel and watched more about you and then I found this video. I felt compelled to comment first of all to thank you but also to share. I have 50 years of experience in automobile and truck repair and would like to auction you against diesels and Sprinters in particular. If you feel a certain loyalty to the brand because of its Dodge affiliation please disregard that. It’s a Mercedes and is simply sold with a different label on it. That being said, according to what I know, there are many dealerships that will not work on them. Many aftermarket shops avoid them as well. I myself won’t work on one. From the technicians point of view they are very difficult to work on. All cars break so it’s not wise to just figure the odds when considering a Sprinter. As far as diesels go they are great except for a few things. Not all technicians can work on them the parts are more expensive and the hourly rate to work on them is typically higher than that of a gasoline engine. There are other choices but the closest thing to a Sprinter that I can think of is a Ford Transit, again avoid the diesel version. My sincere apologies if I appear to be questioning your choices. I did not reply in an effort to challenge you simply to add to your information base. I’m praying for your health and future.

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

Thank you so much for your comments! I love to get the comments that are honest and give me information. So thank you! And thank you for the comments about my channel. It is always so great to hear that someone is encouraged by what i post.

[@kimberlyknight4973]

Would a full size van with an electronic wheelchair ramp be helpful ?

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

yes i will be installing a Super Arm lift. you can google it. it takes up less space and is not so expensive.

[@lewisbale1]

I purchased a wheelchair accessible Chrysler Pacifica and getting it ready for van life. I've seen so many bad reviews on the newer sprinter vans/TV's they're just not any good. My daughter is looking at finding something older for us to transition to. Good look on finding something that will work for you, and is easy to get any maintenance done if that emergency comes up.

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

@@lewisbale1 Thankyou. Good luck on your search as well

[@BradHoggProfile]

I have no personal experience with Sprinters but, a good friend has worked on Sprinters for years as a mechanic for the city. His comment on Sprinters is, and I quote, "I would not give a Sprinter to my worst enemy." Take that for what it's worth. I hope you find something that works for you. Perhaps a Ford Transit?

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

Yes I had seen something to that effect on a web site too. I think it might depend on the year but I have not figured out which years are good.

[@lewisbale1]

I've seen nothing but terrible reviews on Sprinter vans, my daughter I had looked at one but we're going to look at other options. I have an wheelchair accessible van Chrysler Pacifica but my daughter and I will need something larger.

[@dortek882]

I dont know about all your problems with the car you already have, but when i saw you lift your wheelchair into it, i thought, if you could make it work with a collapsable/foldable wheelchair?

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

A collapsible wheelchair would have its good points but I just purchased this new chair and can not afford another one now. Thank you for posting. I appreciate people who post ideas as I may not have thought of it myself.

[@lewisbale1]

​@@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870 check out the Goodwill's are other thrift stores for a lighter folding manual chair when you get the chance. I have a light manual folding chair but I found an Air hawk light weight folding electric power chair at a salvation army for $250 they cost about $3000!

[@Keepinitwheel306]

My friend in BC has a used SuperArm for sale, I can connect you if you’re interested

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

Hey thanks for thinking of me! I have not yet found a larger vehicle so am not ready to buy the super arm yet. If you are ever in the North Okanagan I would love to see your van in person. I think I would model mine very similar to yours whenever I finally get one.

[@Keepinitwheel306]

@@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870 I will probably be taking the #1 West at the start of October. Was all over the Okanagan in May 🤦‍♀️

[@out-spokenwheelsonwheels5870]

@@Keepinitwheel306 sorry I missed. I might be around in October so let me know.