Nissan recently announced plans to begin production on a light commercial van to replace it’s production line for it’s slow-selling Titan pickup.  At the Detroit Auto Show, they showed a basic representation of the “LCV”.  But, during the show, their own spokesperson admitted that their new vehicle probably wouldn’t be able to compete with the versatile Dodge Sprinter…

“The Dodge Sprinter is a version of a Mercedes-Benz cargo van. It’s narrower and higher than domestics and uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V-6 with aggressive gearing to compensate for its lower-horsepower output.

“It seems to me a vehicle like the Sprinter is the vehicle of the future. It’s about 10 grand more than a Ford E-Series but if you’re running a lot of miles, that can be worth it. With the wild swings in fuel costs, the less you use, the better off you’re going to be,” he said.

“You see UPS using them and some in FedEx colors. They get in the low 20 mile-per-gallon range versus an E-series van with big gasoline engines. In my opinion, that kind of V-8 is the engine of the past because of fuel economy. You just can’t get the economy out of that kind of displacement. So a lot depends on what kind of powertrain they use.””

We’re wondering though, if the Sprinter is such a great vehicle, and their offering most likely won’t compete, why go to the trouble?  Consumers aren’t idiots and when comparing the offerings side by side, will defintely pick the Sprinter. We would….

For the full text of the above quoted article, click here.

Been looking all over for good, useful information about your Dodge Sprinter?  I’ve found a few good resources that might be just what you’re looking for……

Need info on Sprinter maintenance schedules?  Just go here for a PDF:
http://www.qualitysprinter.com/sprinter_maintenance_schedule.shtml

Need information on Dodge Sprinter Fluid specifications? Just get this PDF:
http://www.qualitysprinter.com/sprinter_fluid_specifications.shtml

Need help and info changing the oil on your Dodge Sprinter?  This PDF should help:
http://www.qualitysprinter.com/sprinter_oil_change_information.shtml

To get the Dodge Sprinter Owners manual, you can go right to the Dodge site:
http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/manuals/

I’ll keep looking around for more helpful stuff for your Sprinter, so check back from time to time to see what I have added!

Everyone knows that Mercedes is the standard in high quality, performance engines & parts but did you know that diesel has it’s own advantages over other engines? Not only does the Mercedes Sprinter have a diesel engine but it’s a Mercedes engine as well. 
Diesel engines almost always last longer, they have low maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle, and are very fuel efficient.  Even though diesel tends to be more expensive than gas lately, the cost is still lower overall due to better fuel efficiency. 
In addition, the power and accuracy found in Mercedes diesel engines guarantees accurate ignition, constant injection pressure and also enables you to have control over fuel metering.  These and other features of diesel engines make them a better choice for both commercial and passenger use.
The Sprinter’s Mercedes engine is what really makes the Sprinter stand apart from the competition.  It’s 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel engine has an impressive 154 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of maximum torque at 1,200 to 2,400 rpm. With it’s aluminum crankcase, two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, and a balancer shaft you know you’re operating a van with the best engine possible for its use.
So, in the end, not only is diesel a better choice but to add in the quality of the Sprinters Mercedes diesel engine, you know that your Sprinter is the best choice possible for either commercial or passenger uses.