In the market for a Cargo Van - At present the NV is at the top of the list

[Dustin Anderson]

I am new to the forum, live in Burnaby, BC and am in the market for a cargo van. 

 

I took an NV for a test drive a couple weeks ago and was impressed...my expectations were quite low as the external appearance is not ideal for me...and all the hard plastic. 

 

I am a professional young/family audience theatre performer and spend much time on the road in Canada. www.purplepirate.com. There are many features that will suit my needs in the NV. 

 

I waiver back and forth about which van will suit my needs best but at present the NV is ahead of Mercedes and Ford. The others don't even rate for me. 

 

I am looking seriously at the V8 2500 SV high roof. We plan to tow and everywhere east and north of here is mountains. 

 

My biggest concern is fuel consumption. I am interested to hear what peoples real world numbers are. 

 

I am also interested to hear about peoples crosswind experience. 

 

Thanks for reading. 

 

Dustin Anderson 

 

 

[Chris Dempsey]

Dustin-

 

Can't really help you with the MPG numbers, as I have new 6-cylinder that I've only filled up twice; not enough for any real numbers. I can tell you why I went with the Nissan, though. It was basically a process of elimination. I didnt even look at the Mercedes because of the price and that I only drive 10-12K a year. The diesel might make more economic sense if you put on a lot of miles. Looked at the Dodge Promaster- too "quirky" and just felt uncomfortable. I liked the Ford Transit, but it's a first-year model, in the U.S. anyway, and was significantly more expensive.

 

What really tipped the scales for me was the 5 year, 100K warranty, the pickup-style platform and the ergonomics and comfort of the cabin. Ive had mine for about a month and really like it. Others on this site have had issues with the sonar, steering, etc. in previous year models. I've had none of those problems with my 2014 Cargo Hi-top. Either Nissan has addressed them or I got lucky. The only issue I've had is the voice-recognition, which worked well initially, seems to no longer recognize English. I haven't taken it in for a fix, so can't comment on the severity of the problem.

 

I was wondering about the wind-loading myself. I've driven in fairly windy conditions - 20-25 mph ( about 40 kph for you ) in fairly open country and was surprised That I wasn't blown around more. Certainly more than my old E-250, but nothing that I couldn't easily correct.

 

Good luck and if you have any questions, let me know.

 

Chris

[Chris_CommercialManager]

Dustin how much are you towing and how many miles are you driving?   I mean, if your biggest concern is mileage sprinter to NV is not a fair comparison.  I just heard some ford guys present on the eco transit and was surprised when they stated a 14/18mpg figure.  That seems to be an apples to apples figure to the Nissan so it would be close to a toss up.

 

Another thing to consider about the sprinter is the quality of fuel.  Our diesel quality here ranges from bad to worse.  We had to tell people what brands of gas to use, which to stay away from, particular stations, etc.  It really is that bad.  We'd get people oblivious to that in all the time with clogged DPF filters and such and it was a quite pricey thing to go through.  I wouldn't eliminate it because of that but it is a concern, and should a problem arise it negates alot of the savings your netting gas vs diesel anyways.

[Dustin Anderson]

Thanks to both of you. 

 

Last year I drove 38000 kms (about 24000 miles) of highway driving alone. I cycle in the city for errands and when I don't have to carry gear. We are planning to tow a travel trailer (sub 5000 lbs). 

 

I am a fan of German engineering. Present car is a VW and last one was a MINI. I have been on the Sprinter forums and people can have issues...real expensive issues that need specialists with special tools. And in Rural Canada there aren't too many of these people. My thought is that I will be logging alot of kms (miles for my American brothers) and things are going to wear out so it is an inevitability. 

 

Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Harley Davidson etc. spend alot of money and effort on marketing their brands. In my experience, more than engineering and quality control.

 

I am leary about buying a van from Ford. The issues of the carbon build up on the valves of the eco boost seems like an inevitable problem. Fords' cabins and seats look great...but they just dumped Myford touch last week and what kind of issues will they have with the new one that need to be ironed out. Long wait times. Can't even sit in one here...I don't trust the process. 

 

The Dodge (Fiat Ducato) is uncomfortable...and dodge/chrysler's track record is sketchy. 

 

So it brings me to Nissan. I have had great experience with a Nissan truck I owned in the past. This van has the best seats of anything I have tried (I will spend 14 hours at the wheel at a time). My biggest issue with the Nissan is my local dealer. I have gone in twice and am not treated well. Both times the sales guys were cliquey and sit in a circle like highschool. If they aren't dealing with you directly they don't acknowledge you. The fleet manager was even a little stand offish. 

If I buy from a suburban dealer and have warranty issues I will have to go way out of my way to get it resolved.

 

No company or van is perfect...

[vanguy]

Not sure about Canada, but in the states you only have 2 choices here for towing with a van , Nissan & Chevy. The others use 6 cyl diesels that couldn't pull the hat off your head. Nissan & Chevy have V8's that are adequate for towing. For towing with a van forget about MPG.

 

Many people get the wrong impression. They think Nissan = high MPG. These are work vans designed for heavy commercial work, not family sedans.

 

My V8 2500 averages 12 - 13 mpg around town. Not sure about highway since I don't travel far in it. Towing will be around 8 - 9 MPG the same as any other V8 would get towing.

 

If you want better MPG while towing you need to move over to a diesel truck that has the properly matched transmission. That's what they are designed for. You can get 16 - 18 MPG towing.

 

The high roof vans are great, I have one. Cross winds are not too bad. However, Blowby from an 18 wheeler passing you at 85 MPH can create a need to change your underwear at the next rest stop.

[Dustin Anderson]

Thanks...

 

I just test drove a 3500 HD SV High roof and waiting to hear back from the dealer about the numbers. I am concerned about the MPG and that is about it. Nissan makes great vehicles. Strong, durable..and thirsty. 

 

We'll see...I am glad that I didn't buy a Mercedes or Ford too soon. No contracts signed yet but am pretty sure that the NV will be my next vehicle. I am looking forward to building shelves and making it as efficient as possible. 

[radin2son]

A year and half ago we drove the AlCan in our "camperized" 2012 NV low top. This means about a ton of conversion and gear when traveling. 20 fill ups, converted from liters to gallons averaged 15.8 mpg while in AB, BC and YT. Low of 14.8 and high of 18.8 mpg.

 

It drives like a dream. Just back from a 4 day hiking/van camping trip in Cochise Stronghold and Chircahua Mountains in southern Az. On I-10 east of Texas Canyon; 90 mph while passing slow semis going up a long hill. Felt as stable as my Passat TDI

 

Enjoy your travels/work.

[Dustin Anderson]

Thanks for the info radin2son. 

 

The van does drive well. I wouldn't go as far as you and say it is as stable as my TDI Golf Wagon but it is a good ride. :0) 

 

The fuel consumption is what it is. The wagon wasn't designed for what I need now so it has to go. I really like the car but I need to be efficient with my load in for shows. 

 

There are many things I like about it and some things that I think are really smart about the van. Many more positives than negatives. 

 

We'll see how this all goes and I appreciate everyone's input. 

Edited December 18, 2014 by Dustin Anderson

[Chris_CommercialManager]

Thanks...

 

 I am concerned about the MPG and that is about it. 

 

 

 

One "expensive" problem that you've noticed on other vehicles will put a lot of fuel in your tank!

[Dustin Anderson]

One "expensive" problem that you've noticed on other vehicles will put a lot of fuel in your tank!

 

That is funny...and true...

 

I do have an issue with an employee of Nissan engaging in this way because it is implied that you have a vested interest in the brand. The whole process of buying a vehicle is one of my least favourite things to do. The anticipation of a new possession combined with the societal programming to distrust car dealerships is unsettling. 

 

I think the van is going to be a very useful machine though. :0) 

[Chris_CommercialManager]

That is funny...and true...

 

I do have an issue with an employee of Nissan engaging in this way because it is implied that you have a vested interest in the brand. The whole process of buying a vehicle is one of my least favourite things to do. The anticipation of a new possession combined with the societal programming to distrust car dealerships is unsettling. 

 

I think the van is going to be a very useful machine though. :0) 

I'm not quite sure I understand you clearly, so i apologize if I'm getting crossed up........

 

Also, I have to clarify this because it's an important distinction, I don't work for "nissan".  I am a commercial/fleet manager at a Nissan dealership.  :)

 

But I'm not sure why you would find issue with this.  I have an opinion on the different vehicles just like everyone else.  It's no different than everyone here being biased because they bought one and are proud.  The fact of the matter is that for me personally I came here as a manager from one heck of a sprinter dealership.  I love sprinters.  Really, I like all the vehicles.  I chose this place and this brand.  It may not be the best vehicle for everyone, as each offering can have its own unique attributes that may lend itself better to one person or another.  But as a broad statement I can tell you that as a complete package...... cost of ownership, purchase price, gas mileage, (the whole enchilada...) The NV is winner.  So ya, I'm going to come on here and be proud of what I'm selling, talk well of it, and help spread the word.  

 

Also, have you ever purchased a commercial product from a commercial dept before?  I think you may find it to be quite a different experience than walking into a "car dealership" and talking to a "car salesman". 

 

Besides Dustin, looks like you're leaning the right direction anyways  ;)    

 

Chris

Edited December 18, 2014 by Chris_CommercialManager

[radin2son]

Justin, I can't tell for sure but based on your mpg ?, I don't think you have read all the posts on this or the posts by Chris and Bates, both with Nissan.

 

Initially, I thought the same and in some ways you are right. There are times they don't jump in, but most of what they say is useful. I'm more surprised that they are participating.

 

I would like to see the Nissan monitors of this site become active contributors as well as have a Nissan rep contribute.

[Dustin Anderson]

I like your style Chris!

 

Your response....in particular the finish.. brought a smile to my face. Thanks. 

 

My family has had great experiences with Nissan products and all of the people I have talked to...which is a lot because this purchase is a big one for me...agree that the Nissan would best suit my needs and be the most reliable. 

 

I don't think the man I am dealing with in Chilliwack is a typical car salesman(I think he is the fleet manager dude)  in many ways...But as I mentioned...I am very aware of my programmed fear of car dealerships and the process. 

 

radin2son...You are correct...I haven't read all the posts. I have searched a little for specific info. I appreciate your stepping up to qualify his integrity. 

BTW.... IT's "D"ustin   :0) 

[radin2son]

"D"ustin, On a straight hwy, our NV actually is close to our Passat wagon. You will love the power, but not its appetite. On interstates, I generally keep it at 65-70 mph. In Canada, it was, as you know, mostly 55 mph. I love driving at this speed.

 

On hilly, narrow rural roads, it most certainly is not a VW. Keep to or lower than the speed limit, as you will feel top heavy and wonder if the brakes will kick in. (When I get back in our VW, I typically hit the brakes too hard and the front does a nose dive.) Using the shift button, when you don't need 5th, helps with control and mpg. I use it all the time. Arizona rural roads are similar to what you drive. No shoulders, narrow but with a 65 mph speed limit. Fantastic roads that are fun to drive. You will love the mirrors that let you see where you are in relation to edge of the road when you meet another vehicle. I think it will be very difficult to keep it upright if we ever go off the road. Reason we opted for all the airbags available.

 

I have the tow package but only used it to tow our VW back from California when we first bought our NV. It towed well but mpg was 12+. When not towing and carrying a heavy load, you can engage it to control down hill speed.

 

Enjoy your new purpose built vehicle, Dustin.

[Dustin Anderson]

Thanks radin2son. 

 

I have no problem travelling at less than the speed limit. I will feel even more comfortable in a big van when people are less likely to try to intimidate...and I won't be able to see their headlights in my back window..no windows. 

 

What do you mean don't need 5th? Do you mean keep the RPMs up? That seems strange. Please explain. 

 

I use cruise control all the time...even in the city...I find it really useful in school zones when the speed limit is 30 kph. I find my foot is heavier and I will speed otherwise. I find that most people don't use cruise control and their speed is all over the place. Big heavy machines frequently changing velocity and wasting fuel is fine but I would rather not do that myself.

 I haven't signed any papers yet....we'll see how it all works out. 

 

[radin2son]

Dustin, On the end of shift column is a button. Push it and you will see D4 on the dash display. You no longer have 5th gear, and it won't be available until you push the button again. (Or, when you turn off the ignition it will go back to D and 5 speeds.) What you now have is the ability to shift via a toggle (think paddle shifters) on the shift column, according to road conditions or stay in a gear. It still will upshift and downshift between 1 - 4 on its own but you can put in D3, D2 or D1. Perfect for slow, twisty roads or hills.

 

Never used cruise control, so...

 

Have you considered rear windows? The interior rear window does work.

 

trucktrend.com has done long term test drives on NVs and the Sprinter. What put me off the Sprinter was high maintenance costs and concern about emergency repairs in the middle of no where.

 

Saw a new Ford passenger, extended Transit today in the same neighborhood as a passenger NV. The Ford looked cheap or unsubstantial compared to the NV.

Edited December 19, 2014 by radin2son

[Dustin Anderson]

Thanks. 

 

My question wasn't clear as I am aware of how to shift with the button. 

 

In what situations would you  not want the machine to be in the biggest possible gear for low rpm and (hopefully) low fuel consumption?  

 

OR 

 

As I reread your post....Is 5th a big jump from 4th and the transmission will have a hard time staying in that gear?

[radin2son]

Dustin, this is more technical than I can explain. I haven't noticed having trouble staying in 5th gear. Perhaps someone else can...

[Dustin Anderson]

Cool...

 

What made you choose a Nissan over others? 

 

Have you owned other Cargo Vans?

[radin2son]

Dustin, Before I forget, there is a positive relationship between 2500 rpms and mpg. I find it hard to maintain more than 2200 rpms on the hwy without going 75+ mph. Next time you use cruise control on the hwy see what your rpms are. From what I understand, the computer wants more fuel than is needed at lower rpms Counterintuitive...

 

We had an '83 VW camper, last of the air cooled for a good reason. No other vans. Long history of underpowered vehicles. First V8 I have ever owned. At stop lights I still look around to see who has the sweet sounding engine. No one else there.

 

We considered the 2x2 Ford E-series and low roof Sprinter from Sportsmobile. Both were too tall to fit into our carport. (Garages in Tucson are a relatively new phenomenon.) Deal killer! Didn't like the Ford and Sprinter too expensive etc.

 

Very happy with our choice.

[Dustin Anderson]

Interesting...Sounds like it is overgeared. 

 

I have yet to complete the process. I am waiting for divine inspiration. THe payments are higher than we had budgeted for and the dealer says he has done everything he can do. 

 

Thanks alot for the info. 

 

I am going to decide by Monday. 

Edited December 20, 2014 by Dustin Anderson

[wollip]

radin2son,

You stated - "Before I forget, there is a positive relationship between 2500 rpms and mpg."

Expand on that if you will.

[radin2son]

I forgot already... Far too technical for me to explain.

 

Someone, perhaps Mc2guy or axulsuv, earlier provided a very good explanation about why higher, not lower, rpms are better in terms of computer/sensors metering fuel for better fuel economy. I looked but could not find their explanation. 2200 to 2500 rpms seemed to be the magic number.

 

In simple terms, a light foot does not necessarily mean better fuel mileage while maintaining a steady hwy speed. I have no idea what rpms cruise control operates at. In real terms, the results may not be that noticeable or worth the effort to keep your eye on the tach.

 

This does not apply to accelerating, stopping etc. as axulsuv explained in a post on how to improve gas mileage. (NV 1500)

[wollip]

Thanks - fuel for thought.

[Dustin Anderson]

I think lower RPMs is best..... 2200 to 2500 is pretty low for a gas engine so I will give that a go....I think there will be an audible grown if the machine is working too hard at low rpms. It will be a process for sure. 

 

I put the deposit down and will pick up the van on the 29th. Really looking forward to customising it for my needs.