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Best Model Years for a Used Mercedes Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a long-running van choice worldwide. Introduced in 1995, it has gained a large following and for good reason. The Sprinter came to came to the US in 2001. While there were some awesome Phase I models from 1995 – 2000 sold abroad, we will narrow this list down to the model …

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a long-running van choice worldwide. Introduced in 1995, it has gained a large following and for good reason. The Sprinter came to came to the US in 2001. While there were some awesome Phase I models from 1995 – 2000 sold abroad, we will narrow this list down to the model years that made it over here to the states. For anyone looking for a used Mercedes Sprinter, these model years have been said to be the best. They are a good place to start your Sprinter search.

A Sync Vans conversion on a Mercedes Sprinter van
A Sync Vans conversion on a Mercedes Sprinter van | Sync Vans

Still in its first phase, the Mercedes utility van came across the pond in 2001. For a while, it was sold under the Dodge nameplate, but it was still manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. People loved this beastly Benz work van innovation and today we still see significant popularity of this cargo van for passengers and RV conversion builds, as well as for utility fleets as a commercial vehicle.

Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van

According to Car and Driver, the 2020 Sprinter starts for $35,690 but spans a price range up to over $50,000. For many, this price may not be exactly the number you were looking for in order to become the owner of a Sprinter. A used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van may be a more accessible option. The Sprinter is a van that people like to customize to their specific needs, so buying a cheaper used Mercedes Sprinter leaves a little more wiggle room to add some extras to your new-to-you Sprinter.

A high roof black passenger van
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van | Mercedes

2004-2006 Sprinter model years

Though these will be dated and simple, and most likely high mileage, they will be very inexpensive. According to AutoBlog, the Sprinter was sold under the Dodge brand name in the US until 2010. So if you find a Sprinter form one of these years, it will not have the Mercedes badging. However, Cars.com posts pricing as low as under $5,000.

The 2006 model year in particular is a well-loved model by those who have owned one. This study shows that out of people who have personal experience with Sprinter models from 2004-2010 nearly 40% vote the 2006 model as the best one out there.

a side view of a red dodge utility van
2006 Dodge Sprinter | Money Inc./Dodge

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

In 2010, the Sprinter officially became a Mercedes-Benz badged utility vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz badging is part of the reason some choose this van over others. In terms of commercial business vehicles, the Mercedes option can make a good impression on clientele.

MoneyInc reports that the 2010 used Mercedes utility van boasts class-leading cargo space and is found for the price range of $5,478-$31,074. Car and Driver calls the 2010 Sprinter a “real family champ.” The 2010 Sprinter boasts a wide variety of configurations.

a Sprinter crew van by Mercedes-benz from 2010
2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van | Car and Driver

2012 model year

I’ve watched three 2012 Mercedes Sprinters tick past 300,000 miles on the odometer. US News and World Report conveys that “most reviewers praise the Sprinter for its driving ease, interior capacity and available features. If you need a large van for transporting lots of people or cargo, this Mercedes is an excellent choice.” Plus, the 2012 model year gets a 4 out of 5 reliability rating from J.D. Power.

The newest used Sprinters

a white full-size cargo van on a construction site
2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | MBvans Mercedes-Benz Media

Buying used from either the 2019 or 2020 model years are the only way to have a used 4500 configuration, as 2019 was the first year that Mercedes-Benz manufactured this Sprinter model. A used Mercedes Sprinter from 2019 or 2020 will definitely run more expensive than older years. However, they are loaded with options and updated safety features.

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Why You Need a Mercedes Sprinter for Your Next Road Trip