TFLtruck recently received the following question from TFL viewer, DRM. Actually, there are several questions in this letter.
TFL,
Perhaps you have already done a review like this, but I’ve yet to find it if you have. Currently driving a VW Jetta TDI diesel, otherwise known as “The Devil Car.” It’s been a great road trip machine, and I love the diesel, but will be selling it back to VW first chance I get. (Turbo is being replaced today actually, at 97,000 miles.) I live in both Southern California and Northern New Mexico, and the fact is I need a truck. I spend much of my time in the outdoors, and after being stuck in the Jetta at least a half dozen times, it’s time to move on.
My first choice is Sprinter 4×4, but they are still very pricey and also not the best for driving around the smoggy wonderland of Los Angeles. I appreciate your reviews, your style and the fact that both of you appear to be semi-well adjusted human beings, but there seems to be ONE level of review that is missing from your portfolio. The base model.
I grew up on a ranch in Wyoming, started driving trucks when I was nine. Everything we had was base model. Manual transmission, regular cab, manual windows and door locks, etc. I know these vehicles aren’t popular now, or even possible as an option in some cases, but there are still base models out there and man would I love to know more about them. For example, the Dodge Tradesman, regular cab, 4×4 long box with an eco diesel. Boring? Sterile? Yes. Totally, but still $15,000 less than a base 4×4 Sprinter. How does the Dodge compare to the base Chevy or Ford? I have no idea.
What I’m saying is I need you Roman! I can’t be the only person out there who is interested or buying one of these things. Originally I was thinking of a Tacoma but I’m so hooked on diesel I can’t go back to gas. And price wise the midsize trucks are right up there with the full size. Plus, there is just something so great about exploring the West in a full size machine that you KNOW is capable of 200-300,000 miles.
I can already hear people attempting to talk me out of my choice but regular cab, 4×4, diesel, base model, American truck options.
Keep up the good work with the show. Thanks for the time,
DRM
You can always reach TFLtruck team at ask@tfltruck.com
First, sorry to hear about the turbo problems on your VW TDI. It sounds like this situation will resolve itself soon.
The choice between a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 and a base-model Ram 1500 regular cab 4×4 with an EcoDiesel seems odd at first, but I get where you are coming from and going to. I think… If you like the outdoors and want to reach a remote spot, you need a 4WD vehicle with sufficient space for staying overnight (camping in the vehicle). I share your passion for diesel trucks and cars, the extra driving range and traditional engine longevity are nice to have. (My 2002 VW TDI has nearly 191,000 problem free miles).
In general, TFL cannot speak about vehicle reliability because we get test vehicles for just one week. However, diesel engines are built with heavier components to handle high internal pressures, and they tend to last.
While the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 is cool and robust rig, it may be a little much to handle as a daily driver in a big city. It sits higher than a regular Sprinter, and it has a high roof height. Although, it still has a smaller turning radius than you would expect. Given the choice between it and the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, I would go with the pickup truck. It has less room than the big van, but you could always add a shell over the bed and camp out back there. The pickup would be easier to manage around town, and it should bring you good MPGs on road trips (although not as good as the TDI).
A 2016 Ram 1500 Tradesman regular cab long box 4×4 with the EcoDiesel can be had for just over $35,000 with some current discounts. It’s around $36,500 without discounts. It’s refreshing to see that Ram offers the EcoDiesel engine option in a base model truck. Some manufacturers reserve certain engines to certain cab configuration and premium models.
Why doesn’t TFL review base model trucks and compare them against each other? This is a great question. We would love to do a comparison like this, but it’s difficult for us to get these trucks. We review trucks that come from the press fleets, and these are usually fully loaded models. It’s because manufacturers want to show off the rig’s latest features. It is super rare that we get a base model or stripped down truck for testing. We will work hard to make something like this happen in the future.
Thank you for your viewership and questions.
