So I’ve been casually scouring Kijiji for 1st gen sprinters. The listed vans were typically candy-predator rusty white, and/or in another province all together. So when this grey beast showed up in Toronto, I was pretty thrilled. Pretty sure I was first to respond to the Kijiji alert and message the seller. And within span of 4 days, I checked out the vehicle in person, secured the funds, and arranged a pre-purch inspection on day of transaction.
Exact model is 2005 Dodge/Benz Sprinter 2500 High Ceiling 140in Wheelbase. Main reasons besides the cost of getting one of these beauties is that they are mechanically simpler to fix, has better fuel economy and rumbles like truck for real men. Pics indicate that its not in too bad of a shape considering it’s over 15 years and +300K. These vans are notorious for easily rusting but many parts of the body according to my seller has been rebuilt, welded, and repainted by himself (he is mechanic). Paint job does look tad spotty tbh and I will consider a repaint in the future.
On the day of purchase (March 30th), I had my mobile mechanic (Adrian) do his thing with the seller (Eugene) beside him while I run to the bank before close and withdraw remaining cash. The funniest coincidence happened given that I had two mechanics at my immediate disposal. My Mustang wouldn’t start at the bank! A good Samaritan (thanks Tony) pulled up seeing my hood was up and tried jumping the battery but sadly that wasn’t the problem. So Adrian had to come over to tell me Mustang’s starter is dead. Then he push started car and told me about results of inspection which turned out to be fine. So I rushed back, did the transaction in Eugene’s Subaru and parked my Mustang at his garage because stalling in the highway with dead starter = probable death. Since van was unplated and Eugene said he’ll fix horn and wipers, I became at the same time owner of two vehicles and driver of none. When I was about to call Uber, I saw a TTC card under the Mustang seat I had thought I lost. It was probably God telling me I spent too much already so I bussed home.