: Many owners report the shift lever getting stuck in "Park" due to an outdated electronic shifter module (ESM).
: Some automatic transmissions may shudder or vibrate excessively, which can often be traced back to the transmission control module.
If you are looking for a legendary workhorse that balances utility with efficiency, the is likely at the top of your list. Produced between 2003 and 2009 in the United States, these vans are essentially rebranded Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, offering German engineering under a domestic badge.
: Check local listings on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but always prioritize a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by a mechanic familiar with Mercedes diesel engines. Final Verdict
: When well-maintained, the diesel engines in these vans can last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles .
: Sites like Copart offer a range of conditions, from "clean title" used vans with normal wear to wrecked or repairable inventory for those looking for a project.
: Keep an eye out for leaking transmission fluid, typically caused by faulty guide bushings or o-rings.
Since Dodge stopped selling the Sprinter in 2009, you will be looking strictly at the used market.