Sprinter mileage

[Roadrace]

Hi guys. New on here and looking to buy a sprinter, now I'm sure this question has been asked a million times so I will apologise in advance. I know there is no "cast iron" rule but looking for guidance.
I have found a van close to me after weeks of looking, we want it to convert as my little lad races motocross so it needs to be nice on the body. The one I've found is a one company owned van, a 316 with air con / cruise / etc etc, it's been all motorway work, it's a 61 plate, it's had a full merc service and maintenance package from new BUT........ It's done 306'000 miles. Now it sounds / looks and drives like it's done 30 ! The van is perfect for what I want and we don't do tons of mileage, would you keep shopping ? Or is it an acceptable mileage if the price reflects it.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Trickythemerc]

Hi mileage sprinters can be a bit of a money pit,but that largely depends on how they have been worked and looked after.

My current 311 CDI is on 460,000 and runs like a swiss watch,but it has had money spent on it £3k on the engine and new clutch,new propshaft. Spends a lot of time on the motorways and goes into europe most months.

Still earning me good money and a new one is going to happen but not for a good while yet.

 

[Roadrace]

Cheers for the input pal. The one I'm looking at has 303'000 with full service history, all the miles "I'm told" are motorway and things like steering wheel / seat / pedal wear backs that up, it all looks new still. It starts from cold and idles like a sowing machine, being a company / lease deal it's had everything it needs and more, even lower suspension arms and discs are brand new. Suppose I need to check if it's had a clutch ? Was more worried about the miles in general but I suppose it's better 303 with history that 150 with none.

 

[Will]

If it looks/runs/drives/feels like a solid van and the price is cheap I'd buy it.

You could buy one with 80k and have problems, or worse still pay good money for one with low miles that's either been clocked/abused/not maintained well.

At the end of the day, if it's had one owner from new and they relied upon it to do big miles it sounds like a good 'un.

And if you're not planning on doing big miles now, then could work out okay.

I'd rather buy young with high mileage and full history than go for a much older one.

Good luck with whether you decide

 

[Roadrace]

Cheers Will, that's what I've been thinking exactly but when it's your hard earned I keep getting the "little devil on my shoulder" putting doubt in my mind. It's been used by a company that makes plastic bins etc and the frog bins you see in a playground lol. Running things around the country to council depots etc. no seat wear, no steering wheel wear etc, looks like it's just been sat cruising.

 

[toolman1954]

Hi,
A 316, that means 160 HP and quite sought after, should go like the clappers. Air con and cruise as well, thats a big bonus. I have had my 312 since 2003, bought that with high miles and a noisy gearbox. When I was younger and fitter, it took me a day to put in another box and clutch and she has been super reliable for the last 12 years. In my opinion if it is at the right price with good service history then its a no brainer not to buy it. High miles is no obstacle, lack of decent service history is a gamble.
Hope you make the right decision for you . Regards