Ford E250 4x4 to Sprinter? should I? lots of Q's

[katoom400]

Ford E250 4x4 to Sprinter? should I? lots of Q's


New to this forum and sprinter vans,

I currently own a Quigley ford 4x4 van that I use for hauling dirt bikes to races and sleeping in. I'm thinking about selling it for a Sprinter for the following reasons,

A van I can stand up inside would be a huge plus for loading the bikes, also lower for loading bikes/dogs
~25 mpg compared to ~12
nicer drive compared to stiff 4x4 van, my wife also uses it for hauling kayaks

The trade off would be giving up 4WD which I only use for driving in the snow.

I've read many negative things about rust and service, and I've also read about many positive experiences

although my use is primarlily dirt bikes, I think I would go for a passenger model to get the windows and seating for the kids, also rear heat/ac sounds like a nice option.

Right now I've now got a line on an 03 140 high roof with rear ac/heat and all the seating. I can get it for about 20k and it's only got 20,000 miles. I'm going to need to float a loan until I sell my Ford, so does anyone know where to get a decent quick loan on a sprinter? in the past I have used chase and capital one auto finance but niether one will do a sprinter since they consider it a "commercial vehicle".

also what should I look out for on the 03?

I know it has 15" wheels which limits my tire choices, especially if I want to mount snow tires.....how much trouble is it to upgrade to 16" wheels?

Thanks

[therabbittree]

I would stick with your E250 4x4. Less to worry about. Is yours a diesel?.. it should be getting a little better then 12 mpg. The sprinter you have an eye on is going to get less then 25 mpg.. probably 18-21 mpg.. I think the E250 4x4 is much beefier built and less likely to have problems.. compared to the sprinter.. .. just my opinion..
I know several people with quigley vans and they all love them. The Ford van is well built and has lots of parts available.. not much rust issues and a trans and engine that is readliy found everywhere in the usa. plus the brakes are better then a sprinter, and it has a full frame... not a unibody etc.....I've been looking at both ford vans, quigley conversions and a passenger sprinter...hopefully others will chime in 171 views and only my response.. ha oh well
Thanks
Deo