So if the VW has been good and you can't get them then why aren't you looking at the Sprinter, same same as made in the same factory, not sure about motors but if the ambos use the Sprinter then they need to be reliable.
I've had 4 sprinters,all basically ambo spec with the first 2 manuals, first one was a 2008 315, retired to spare at 850,000kms 2019, next one was a 2012 316 same sort of mileage annually, pensioned to out west depot in 2018 and as far as I know still running all over the place.
Purchased 2 more in 2018,were stripped out and sold separately when we sold the business, all fitted with alloy bull bars, safety cage behind seats and rubber mats on the cargo area and rear step/tow bar. We then fitted them out as service units with all the lights and whistles needed, only issue was we needed to keep an eye on weights when loaded to do a country service run, oils parts and usually 2 or more condenser units 100kgs each plus gas and equip.
Only repairs was a set of turbos at 600,ooo kms, clutch and flywheel and shocks.
Fuel when running normal between 9 to 10/100kms, big load same sort of mileage, mostly highway mileage.
Always serviced at 10,000 kms, always used Cost Effective fuel products and genuine filters (we ran 99% Merc products and got a very good price on parts Tyres ( Continentals) every 90,000 to 100,000 kms
My only bitch with the 2008 the lousy radio and uncomfortable drivers seat after 6 hrs of driving.
Expensive??? maybe compared to Jap/asian stuff, but in the long run you get what you pay for and breakdowns are very expensive if it cost you a customer.
The first one
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Good luck choosing one.
Terry aka Tbro