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2008 Sprinter mileage


Big Bruce
08-20-2009, 10:39 AM
I'm considering a new 2008 Sprinter 2500. The salesman told me it has 3 catalytic converters. He said it will get 19 to 22 mpg. He said people take off 2 of the catalytic converters when the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles and is off warrantee, then it will get 25 mpg.

Is this true?

He also said the vehicle typically runs 300,000 to 400,000 miles.

Thanks!

MagicRat
08-25-2009, 03:04 PM
Some salesmen will say ANYTHING to get a sale. Imo the guy obviously noticed you were concerned about mileage and is manipulating you.

His comments are simply not true. First of all, most Sprinters are diesels, which have no converters, and do provide better mileage, but cost more to buy when new.

Removing converters from a modern gasoline-powered vehicle will result in a 'check engine' light coming on, and may affect the performance of the ECM.

Finally, converters are efficient. The first generation of converters used by GM 30-35 years ago were somewhat restrictive and gave converters a bit of a bad reputation, in the minds of older drivers.

But for decades now, converters have excellent flow and do not impede a stock engine's performance in any significant way. Most likely, if you did remove the converters, you would be breaking the law, make the vehicle noisier and would not notice any mileage change.

As for lifespan, the diesel Sprinters have a shot at lasting that long, if they are maintained properly, and accumulate lots of long-distance highway miles. But don't count on a gasoline engine lasting that long.

jpb53
08-25-2009, 04:09 PM
It is very uncommon to find a late model diesel engine that does not have at least 1 cat on it.

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