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boardsurfr



Joined: 23 Aug 2001
Posts: 1266

PostPosted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 8:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

We have a Nissan NV2500 high roof that's quite decent. Drives well, no problems making the annual 2300 mile trip from MA to Corpus every year; we usually drive through one or two nights, taking turns. Reliable, no issues in 5 years. About 16 mpg with the V8.
However, when it needs to be replaced, I'll look at alternatives for three reasons:
1. Dealer service is a pain, since most Nissan dealers won't touch it - has to be a "commercial dealer". I have to drive 40 minutes. I checked out local non-dealer repair shops when it needed new brakes, but they came in a lot more expensive.
2. The sides are not perfectly straight, which makes putting in racks a bit more tedious. No big deal, but the newer vans look straighter.
3. It's a bit to short to put longboards on the inside. A 10.6 ft board fits in the top rack, but a 12 footer fits only diagonally, with the nose almost touching the windshield. I'd prefer a longer wheel base, which is not available from Nissan. But when we bought it, the Sprinter was the only alternative, and that was a lot more expensive.
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quigley



Joined: 23 Mar 2010
Posts: 58

PostPosted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 10:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a Ford Transit . Love it! Transits come in three lengths and three heights. Mine is medium length and height. It fits 6 boards and a 10 foot plus SUP no problem with room to stand and change out of a wetsuit . Backup camera and touch screen are handy and the ride is very comfortable. Mileage depends on speed and headwinds but runs from 17 to 21 mpg.
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neilhannon



Joined: 22 Jul 2006
Posts: 2

PostPosted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 4:10 pm    Post subject: Van homework Reply with quote

https://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/diesel-cargo-vans-compared-ford-transit-vs-mercedes-benz-sprinter-ram-promaster-comparison-test. Shocked Shocked
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gobigkahuna



Joined: 11 Mar 2004
Posts: 144
Location: Eastern NC

PostPosted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 9:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That link doesn't work, this one does:

https://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/diesel-cargo-vans-compared-ford-transit-vs-mercedes-benz-sprinter-ram-promaster-comparison-test/
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Wind-NC.com



Joined: 30 May 2007
Posts: 980
Location: Formerly Cape Hatteras, now Burlington, VT!

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks like I'm not the only one who noticed the weird ergonomics of the ProMaster! Laughing
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dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 1:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Want wierd, measure the cargo space of the Nissan vs it's overall length.
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carl



Joined: 25 Feb 1997
Posts: 2674
Location: SF bay area

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Parking garages may be an issue with the tall vans, if you ever need to park in one.
The traditional full size Chevy Express cargo van is a little less tall but has a huge cargo area. It drives very nice, much better than the traditional Ford E-150 van. They were both reasonably priced a few years ago when I was looking.
Maybe worth considering.
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dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 1:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Length and height are always considerations, as is mileage, warmup time, ergonomics, reliability, and literally dozens of other factors.
Like any other choice question, sit in, talk to, and drive them all.
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jingebritsen



Joined: 21 Aug 2002
Posts: 3371

PostPosted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 2:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

promaster diesel performs for me quite better when i manually shift. i only do so when i need a fast start. when i am in no hurry, i let the robot do the shifting.

i drive for long periods in it. no complaints about comfort.

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isobars



Joined: 12 Dec 1999
Posts: 20935

PostPosted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 4:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

zirtaeb wrote:
Length and height are always considerations, as is mileage, warmup time, ergonomics, reliability, and literally dozens of other factors..

Like dealerships. In >50 years of buying and servicing motor vehicles in 10-12 states, I've found only a couple of dealerships worth a crap.
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