As I too consider the new Ford Transit its encouraging to know or think the American version of this style van will be an improvement over Mercedes Sprinter if only because its care and maintenance will be easier to perform, especially by those of us how like doing our own repairs.

Sprinter's seem to be pretty much locked in to service only with specialized tools and software not yet affordably available to non-dealership mechanics. Additionally problems with earlier engines in the USA versions makes the cost of ownership very risky.

The USA has a great reputation for simplifying designs of European-based or originating vehicles so my own hopes run towards this being the case with the Transit.

Then again I'm a full 5 years or more from buying one so who knows what happens in that time?

 

Sprinters get bigger, no doubt about that. The gas options mean the Transit does cost less. I think it's better too.