Dodge : Sprinter Base Standard Cargo Van 3-Door 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Base Standard Cargo Van 3-Door 3.0L

Check out this great Sprinter Van listing!

Current Price: $11999.00 | Bid $12099.00 Now! | # of Bids: 1
End Time: 2013-01-06T15:00:00.000Z

| Located in Postal Code: 63043

An electric sliding-door option has also been added to the 2008 Dodge
Sprinter Cargo, and the 3500 can now be had with the standard roof.

Introduction

The union between Mercedes and Chrysler ended up
being an unhappy marriage that recently ended in divorce, but Dodge at
least got a decent chunk of alimony in the form of its 2008 Sprinter
cargo van. Sure, a huge cargo-carrying van may not seem like a prize
worth coveting, but the Sprinter represents the lone modern offering in a
segment that ceased any engineering innovation during the Nixon
administration. While the Ford and GM competition have made continual
updates over the years, the Sprinter was completely redesigned last year
and represents a significant evolutionary step thanks to its Mercedes
engineering and unique body styles.

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter van's
clear advantages are in the realms of cargo capacity, available body
configurations, fuel economy and driving dynamics. It doesn't take long
to realize how different the Sprinter is -- a mere glance will suffice.
Its sloping front end, long wheelbases and two tall body styles give the
impression that a strong breeze could make it tip over like a boozed-up
co-ed. It's actually just as wide as the GM and Ford models, but
handles more like a midsize SUV than a plumber's van. Also, Mercedes
says it engineered the stability control system to compensate for the
taller center of gravity and shifting cargo loads.

The Sprinter is
the only full-size van to offer a choice of factory roof heights.
Should Kareem Abdul-Jabbar require a full-size work van, the mega roof
option provides an impressive 7 feet of interior height. For someone to
walk upright in an Econoline and Express/Savanna, they can't be taller
than 4-foot-4. This not only makes the Sprinter a superior cargo-hauling
van, but also a viable and comfortable work space. When the mega roof
and extended-length body are paired, there are a gargantuan 600 cubic
feet of space inside -- zookeepers take note.

A choice of two
engines are available. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is standard, and this
torque-rich mill provides excellent fuel economy and ample torque for
urban and suburban uses. An optional gasoline V6 (a $2,000 credit option
for the 2500) is preferable for more highway-going drivers or those who
would struggle to find a diesel pump. Neither engine provides the power
of several GM and Ford power plants, so Sprinters are incapable of
towing the same loads. The Sprinter tops out at 5,000 pounds, while its
competitors can lug upwards of 10,000.

Overall, though, we think
the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo should be an appealing choice for many
full-size van buyers. Despite being a little underpowered and pricey
compared to V8-equipped GM and Ford vans, the Sprinter's multiple large
body styles and quality construction make it an excellent choice in this
segment. With Chrysler and Mercedes no longer together, there's no
telling how much longer the Benz-sourced and German-built Sprinter will
wear its Dodge badge. For the time being, however, commercial customers
should give this automotive alimony a chance.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo is a full-size van.
Body style choices are numerous, with 2500 and 3500 models available in
two wheelbases (144 and 170 inches), three body lengths (233, 273 and
289 inches) and three roof heights (65, 76 and 84 inches). There are
also several optional cargo bay partitions and driver seats, including a
suspension seat.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel
wheels, full power accessories, automatic climate control, a sliding
passenger-side door, keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror,
cloth upholstery and a CD stereo.

Although there are numerous
options packages available, everything is available a la carte as well.
Optional items include alloy wheels, rear seating, rear compartment
windows, a sliding driver-side cargo door, power mirrors, an auxiliary
battery, cruise control, bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps, numerous cargo
area partitions and upgraded front seats. Also available is a fixed
cargo-area skylight or dual sunroofs, a front auxiliary heater, rear
area heater ducts, heated driver and/or passenger seats, front and rear
parking assist, a rearview camera, motion-sensor cargo compartment
lighting, a six-CD changer and a 74-mph speed limiter.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo comes standard with
a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 making 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of
torque. It gets fuel economy in the mid 20s, which is dramatically
better than its competition. A 3.5-liter gasoline V6 is a cost-reducing
option on the 2500 model, producing 254 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both
engines come standard with a five-speed automatic with an automanual
mode. The 3500 model has dual rear wheels. Properly equipped, the
Sprinter can tow 5,000 pounds.

Safety

All Dodge Sprinters come standard with stability
control, traction control and antilock disc brakes. The Sprinter's
stability control system is calibrated to compensate for shifting cargo
loads and the vehicle's tall center of gravity. Optional safety
equipment includes front-seat side airbags, front side head curtain
airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera.

Interior Design and Special Features

With the exception of the Dodge logo on its
steering wheel, the Sprinter's interior is identical to the
Mercedes-Benz version sold elsewhere in the world. Build quality is
therefore far better than anything else in this class and actually
superior to most other Dodge vehicles. Four front seat styles with
multiple adjustments ensure decent comfort, and overall ergonomics give
the impression of driving an SUV instead of a gigantic van. The old
model's city bus steering column has been thankfully replaced with a new
tilt/telescoping setup.

With so many body styles and a maximum
600 cubic feet of available cargo space, the Sprinter Cargo is the most
versatile work van on the market (and larger than some New York City
apartments). Its high and mega roof options -- 76 and 84 inches
respectively -- make it possible for drivers to use the Sprinter as a
work space while walking upright. Plus, its rear doors that open to 270
degrees, low step-in height and optional dual sliding doors assure
unmatched accessibility. Maximum payload is a class-leading 5,770
pounds. Full-width partitions that separate the cabin from the cargo
area include full metal, fixed and sliding windows, sliding doors and a
C-pillar partition that allows for an extra row of seats.

Driving Impressions

With its huge windshield and truncated front end,
piloting the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo feels pretty similar to being
behind the wheel of a tour bus. And at up to 24 feet long and up to 10
feet high, it could be one, too. Thankfully, that feeling is dispelled
by a reasonably carlike driving position and handling. Quite simply,
this is the easiest and least cumbersome full-size van to drive -- no
surprise considering it was designed to navigate Europe's cramped
streets. Around town, the turbodiesel engine offers more than enough
power, and only when passing at highway speeds does it start to run out
of steam. With its superior gas mileage and ample torque, we'd stick
with the diesel engine over the optional gasoline-fueled power plant.

Dodge : Sprinter Base Standard Cargo Van 3-Door 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 Base Standard Cargo Van 3-Door 3.0L

Check out this great Sprinter Van listing

Current Price: $11999.00 | Bid $12099.00 Now! | # of Bids: 1
End Time: 2013-01-06T15:00:00.000Z | Located in Postal Code: 63043

Click here for more images!

Bid $12099.00 Now!