I’ve been living on the road for over a decade and, during that time, witnessed rigs that range from a couple of thousand dollars to a million and everything in between. There’s no perfect overland platform, but the Sprinter 4×4 comes pretty close and is undoubtedly one of the most versatile vehicles for travel. Highlights include an exceptionally long-lived engine and drivetrain, four-season interior living space, a well-equipped cab, impressive capability, international dealership support, and a generous payload. Unsurprisingly, it’s a favorite on the Expedition Portal forum, with recent examples including this 1998 312D, 2019, 2021 Outside Van. Aftermarket parts and services for these vans are almost unparalleled, meaning the stock AWD van can be transformed into a legitimate 4WD expedition rig (reference Living the Van Life as he completes Engineer Pass). If you’d like a better idea of how these vans can be outfitted for adventure, then there’s no shortage of inspiration online with inspiring builds from Main Line Overland, Limitless Van, and Forged 4×4. Cue today’s 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 (80,700 miles), which showcases tasteful modifications and is just $38,000.
From the Seller:
“I took a minimalist approach to my van build, focusing on flexibility, off-road capability, and comfort. It’s versatile because the bed and refrigerator can be removed in a few minutes, opening the cargo area to carry a large load. The screened CR Laurence windows can be inserted in the front-door windows to provide good airflow and comfortable sleeping. Most vans don’t have a bull bar, but it is important where I live for encounters with deer and for the bump gates on my west Texas ranch.”
2016 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4
The Sprinter is fitted with a dependable V6 motor that produces 188 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A reliable and relatively economical engine is matched with impressive all-terrain capability, thanks to 4WD (technically AWD) that can send 33 percent of the torque to the front wheels and has 20 percent more ground clearance than its 2WD counterpart, armor, and low-range. Inside, these rugged attributes are balanced with a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- Air-conditioning
- Cruise control
- Power steering, windows, and locks
- Stereo
- Captain’s chairs
Distinguishing Features
- BFGoodrich KO2 tires
- Rhino Rack and 270-degree awning
- Heavy-duty bull bar
- ARB refrigerator with slide
- Side steps
- CR Laurence windows
This 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 is listed for $38,000 and is currently located in Austin, Texas. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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