Eurovan

A Eurovan is a van that was designed for a European or world market rather than for the U.S. market.

Examples include:

• Mercedes Sprinter / Dodge Sprinter / Freightliner Sprinter.
• Ford Transit
• RAM Promaster (Fiat Ducato)
• Nissan NV, kinda

Eurovans can often be ordered with an OEM high roof for standing room. Small turbodiesel engines are sometimes available for a premium.

The Eurovans' appearance can be polarizing, some in the U.S. market regarding them as weird or ugly looking. High roof models can appear top-heavy.

The Sprinter, Transit, and Promaster have the starter battery under the seat or floorboard rather than under the hood. This can make dual-battery (alternator charging) wiring short and simple.

This section has been moved.

These are not lists of pros/cons. They are stated reasons (correct or otherwise) people gave for purchasing one platform over the others.

• Transit
  • American made
  • nationwide serviceability
  • best selling eurovan in the US
  • looks (over Promaster and NV)
  • gas engine option (over Sprinter)
  • ride
  • Factory AWD available
  • cost and durability (over Sprinter)
  • MPG (over NV and gas Transits)
  • cargo area (over NV)
  • square cargo walls (over Sprinter)
  • Hatred of FIAT (over Promaster)
  • Ecoboost engine is a torque monster
• Promaster
  • availability of conversion accessories
  • interior height (over Transit mid-roof)
  • looks (over Transit)
  • interior width
  • interior wall squareness
  • longer wheelbase (over Transit)
  • off-the shelf gas Pentastar and transmission.
  • low step-in height
  • turning radius
  • shorter rear overhang (over Transit)
  • forward visibility
  • front wheel drive
  • automated manual on diesel version
• Sprinter
  • factory AWD available
  • fit and finish
  • Offers the largest possible interior space (with a 170“ wheelbase and extended body)
  • T1N models can be purchased cheap
  • Pre-2010 models were extremely reliable
  • Pre-2008 diesels were known as half-million-mile engines
  • options for diesel powered heaters
• NV
  • lowest purchase price
  • available V8
  • seats and cockpit
  • interior width (over Transit)
  • built on truck platform
  • heavier duty
  • reliability
  • towing ability
  • normal hood length easier for DIY repairs and maintenance

Bring a ladder or use a vantage point to inspect the top of any high roof vehicle before purchase. It may help you find undisclosed damage.

We're the Russos has an excellent article on eurovan pro/con.