https://sportsmobile.com/mercedes-benz-4x4-sprinter/

 

Yeah I briefly window shopped some A7 TDIs (I think same engine in the Q7 TDI also?) year 2014-2016....and the exhaust/diesel emission system is expensive AF to replace/repair. Also, from my understanding those TDI cars do not take well to short trips around town....the DPF can get clogged for good (even with active regen/burn off) and VW, last I checked several months ago, is having back orders on DPFs...and then you got the DEF injection system and tons of sensors and additional cats to deal with......good for lot of highway trips but the exhaust system is vastly more complex/expensive than a gas car

 

jeebus, i looked through the options list and it looks like I'd spend the cost of a decent house on a van if I went down that path.

 

Heh, RV outfitters and RV builders are having a booming time right now. Sprinter is a popular/expensive Mercedes chassis, but you can still go more budget with a Dodge or Ford.

IIRC, a standard, "well-equipped" Sprinter chassis-based RV that's kinda plug and play from these builders is pretty much around ~$120k to $150k+

Or people can always get a used van chassis and do a big DIY conversion project into a camper - good for the whole family?

 

My MB dealer had a kitted out Sprinter in the showroom just outside my salesman's office. IIRC, it was listed for something like $130k. Seemed pretty nice inside, though a bit cramped for more than about 2-3 people. And only had a 4cyl engine (diesel, IIRC).

 

OR!

Just road trip and stay in a hotel. Pandemic is temporary. Spending $150k is not.

 

You dont have to get them RV style...you can get an off-road package with full seats for transpo. Lots of companies and individual builders for these things. They have a HUGE following. Lots of people in Iceland take the bodies and drop them on F150 chassis' and really beast them out.

 

My cousin's son RV'ed DIY a Sprinter van. Bought the van used and founds LOTS of ideas and plans online, created a custom square tube frame we welded together. Installed cabinets, propane heater, very small kitchen, and roof storage.
Did some exploring with it across the US before settling in Colorado.

 

Those RVs are crazy! They kinda fit my criteria, but not my budget. I think they could easily be on a future shopping list though

 

Yeah cerrtainly not for current needs based on your OP...but a DIY project over say a year or so...COULD be lot of run, satisfying, bonding for family, and lot cheaper than a off the shelf built RV....

 

I'm sure they depreciate like crazy so a used one may not be a bad idea.

 

Years ago, someone's parents at my high school had a dually lifted Econoline with steel bumpers and a winch and all. It was crazy rad. Definitely a fun excursion vehicle for the family.

 

There's a company, I think here in TX, that takes newer F250s & puts Excursion bodies on them.

I've got a neighbor around the corner from us with a [mild] lifted 4x4 3/4 ton Chevrolet Express 15 passenger.

 

So, like this? A tad expensive at $780K

4X4 RV