Mercedes or Fiat?

Wondering star said:
Our Hymer Grand Canyon S has the Aguti Ergoflex upgrade seating. With drivers seat, flip back rest into forward position, rotate seat and turn, job done.
True Mercedes is narrow compared to the Fiat and other Coachbuilt motorhomes, it just depends on your needs.
We progressed from camping, to a California then to the Mercedes Sprinter.
Prior to that before kids we had a 2006 Chauson Welcome on a Fiat base. All vans have merits, at our stage of life i.e relatively young we see our van as an extension to camping. We like that scene, paddleboards, canoes, campfires, the true outdoors. It helps to have a relatively small vehicle.
Personally i found the Chauson a nightmare to drive and park in the Uk.
The VW was brilliant, great build quality, excellent dealer network and fantastic to drive. 150 bhp with DSG gearbox lowered by 30mm, only sold it due to covid and wanting our own toilet.
To me the Mercedes is a grown up VW, i guess when we're older and less active we may progress to a larger van and crave the comforts of home but for now the Mercedes fits the bill.
Having worked for major motor manufactures for most of my career i would definitely rate both VW and Mercedes higher than Fiat.
After all we all know what FIAT stands for don't we.
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So you like a smaller van. Apart from that you've said nothing substantial about the qualities of Merc. V Fiat. The brand qualities of their respective cars are not necessarily transferable to their van offerings, particularly their suitability to the motorhome market. But thanks for your opinions.
 
Stealaway said:
There's nowt wrong wi Fiat.
Super reliable - super engine and far cheaper to repair should they need it.
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Just that whilst they maybe cheaper to repair if you can avoid the main dealer they seem to fill the problems pages on MMM and seem to need repairing a lot more often than Mercedes. Just my thoughts.
 
Ok, you did ask.
However it should be said the Mercedes base vehicle is substantially more money.
Fleet news most reliable van in 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Not sure what happened in 2015.
Cost per mile is very similar, Fiat generally better on fuel, resale stronger on Merc.
Admittedly reliability will not be an issue for most of us Fiat or Mercedes owner as generally we dont do enough miles (especially now) and we dont drive like a typical delivery driver.
For me it's all about the cab interior, quality feel and finish with advanced tech taken from the car range. New MBUX 10 inch screen, touch and voice control is brilliant, leather covered multifunctional steering wheel makes for a very pleasant driving environment.
Leather interior of good quality.
Its not perfect admittedly, the Fiat living area is better, slightly wider with enough width to do without bodyside pods. I also dont like the fact there's no rear rear view mirror.
I guess my bias is to the base vehicle and not the living environment as i spend little time in it other than sleeping.
We also have our favoured brands that influence are desision making.
Overall very happy with my purchase, only one small fault on the vehicle that being poor fitting of outside bbq point (Hymer to correct) however i realise it not a vehicle for every one.
 
Folkranger are you thinking in terms of a van conversion, coach built or A class? Some of the views expressed are general views about Mercedes and Fiats and others are about how they have been fitted out by the converters. What is important to you?

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They're all bolted together from the same bag of supply chain bits so it's down to which image you prefer
 
Our first moho was a Fiat of the c**p reverse gear generation. They treated their customers as if they were fools, saying they weren’t driving them properly. I’m now reading about Fiats are being grounded because of failures for which the supply of replacement parts is inadequate.

We went to Mercedes for a proper auto box. It’s excellent to drive, doesn’t get stuck on wet grass and isn’t expensive on repairs because after 52,000 miles and 9 years it’s never needed any.

Reading that Chrysler are in with Fiat and the rest … Mercedes went in with Chrysler in the late ‘90s/early ‘00s and had a serious fall in quality, not least with corrosion (hithertoo unheard of with Mercedes) and with electrics. After they dumped Chrysler in 2006 things improved. So Fiat, with dubious quality and poor customer care don’t get my vote.

Just saying from my own experience. You pays your money and takes your choice.
 
gwyntaxi said:
Just that whilst they maybe cheaper to repair if you can avoid the main dealer they seem to fill the problems pages on MMM and seem to need repairing a lot more often than Mercedes. Just my thoughts.
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Be nice to see the actual faul levels rather than particular owners thoughts.
 
Wondering star said:
Ok, you did ask.
However it should be said the Mercedes base vehicle is substantially more money.
Fleet news most reliable van in 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Not sure what happened in 2015.
Cost per mile is very similar, Fiat generally better on fuel, resale stronger on Merc.
Admittedly reliability will not be an issue for most of us Fiat or Mercedes owner as generally we dont do enough miles (especially now) and we dont drive like a typical delivery driver.
For me it's all about the cab interior, quality feel and finish with advanced tech taken from the car range. New MBUX 10 inch screen, touch and voice control is brilliant, leather covered multifunctional steering wheel makes for a very pleasant driving environment.
Leather interior of good quality.
Its not perfect admittedly, the Fiat living area is better, slightly wider with enough width to do without bodyside pods. I also dont like the fact there's no rear rear view mirror.
I guess my bias is to the base vehicle and not the living environment as i spend little time in it other than sleeping.
We also have our favoured brands that influence are desision making.
Overall very happy with my purchase, only one small fault on the vehicle that being poor fitting of outside bbq point (Hymer to correct) however i realise it not a vehicle for every one.
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Very fair feedback. Only thing I would add, and its nor necessarily true about the motirhomes, but the last 3 new merc cars we've bought had "leather" which is really plastic. A big come down fro my Volvo which was beautiful soft real leather.
 
I agree, leather used by manurfactures varies tremendously.
Our Toyota has leather, but i wouldn't say its luxury. Hard and slightly shinny, but i guess very practical.
Only time will tell on the camper, we have it as my son has a dust mite allergy so we try and illiminate soft furnishings.
So far so good.

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Pausim said:
Folkranger are you thinking in terms of a van conversion, coach built or A class? Some of the views expressed are general views about Mercedes and Fiats and others are about how they have been fitted out by the converters. What is important to you?
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We've had hymer and currently Rapido A class and Hobby coach built. Our preference is A class, though we're not excluding the right coach built. I'll be 77 this year and have a slight preference for getting a 3.5t version just in case I ever lose my Class 1 licence (can't see it, but you never know). Options become so limited at 3.5T so we may well go heavier. We like a bit of space and a lot of quality. Nearly bought an 8 meter Rapido top distinction model last year but opted out after much soul searching. There are some nice 7.5 and 7.2m Rapidos with island bed which would do us but no stock anywhere. Looking for 2019 up to new models. Would like auto as our cars have both been auto.
 
hblewett said:
Our first moho was a Fiat of the c**p reverse gear generation. They treated their customers as if they were fools, saying they weren’t driving them properly. I’m now reading about Fiats are being grounded because of failures for which the supply of replacement parts is inadequate.

We went to Mercedes for a proper auto box. It’s excellent to drive, doesn’t get stuck on wet grass and isn’t expensive on repairs because after 52,000 miles and 9 years it’s never needed any.

Reading that Chrysler are in with Fiat and the rest … Mercedes went in with Chrysler in the late ‘90s/early ‘00s and had a serious fall in quality, not least with corrosion (hithertoo unheard of with Mercedes) and with electrics. After they dumped Chrysler in 2006 things improved. So Fiat, with dubious quality and poor customer care don’t get my vote.

Just saying from my own experience. You pays your money and takes your choice.
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My current fiat drives like a dream. More powerful than anyone needs and smooth and stable. At now 7 years old, the only thing to go wrong has been the airbag ecu caused by standing undercharged during lockdown. Repaired by Crashdata for £80 (works out at £11 per year for all repairs.
That's my recent experience, but I've not had a moho with auto yet. I've heard reported that the new Fiat 9 speed auto is quite good though no real experience of this.
 
Wondering star said:
I agree, leather used by manurfactures varies tremendously.
Our Toyota has leather, but i wouldn't say its luxury. Hard and slightly shinny, but i guess very practical.
Only time will tell on the camper, we have it as my son has a dust mite allergy so we try and illiminate soft furnishings.
So far so good.
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My point was that during all the talk about Merc's superior quality, they supply cars with plastic which they call leather. It's good plastic but it's not leather and its not as good as leather. I'll give you "It's hard wearing."
 
Folkranger said:
Why?
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Love my Fiat, it’s strength and qualities. Fantastic engine, doesn’t cost the earth for parts to service, loads around so spares easy to come by and it doesn’t have an over over inflamed opinion of how good it is.

Never rated Mercedes, never will.

Just my opinion that’s all.
 
PP Bear said:
Love my Fiat, it’s strength and qualities. Fantastic engine, doesn’t cost the earth for parts to service, loads around so spares easy to come by and it doesn’t have an over over inflamed opinion of how good it is.

Never rated Mercedes, never will.

Just my opinion that’s all.
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Bit one sided but as you say, just your opinion. Some of which I agree with.
 
MB developed a leather like material in the 1960s used extensively to this day on many models. Only the high end models such as the 'S' class have genuine leather.
Many SL's from post 65 have this material fitted, many cars now 60yrs old still have serviceable interiors.
Its properties are more hard wearing and can be cleaned and treated as vinyl. No annual cleaning/moisturising required.
Customers assume its leather because it looks and feels similar.
I suspect most customers dont read the information correctly and likewise not many sales people disclose exact material details and how its manurfactured.
In many ways its properties are better.
 
Paul and Val said:
I probably could not afford the Mercedes although I would guess that it would be a better bet if money was no object. Buyers rarely take into account resale values which is a huge error.

I would personally avoid the FIAT base at all costs and go for the Ford 170bhp unit. The old 130bhp FIAT engine is absolutely feeble in my opinion. I test drove two different ones prior to going for the Ford in 2018 but I think they have 150bhp now?

As long as it is not the horrible 130bhp FIAT I would think it would be ok.

I have never been able to understand so many buyers accepting the FIAT engine prior to the power increase. It's not about speed its about increased torque and ease of driving.

Mercedes are of course no where near the quality now compared to 1980's models, the last of the well made, quality vehicles. Once the bean counters got into control at Mercedes the quality went way down but the design and technology is excellent and we are all snobs at heart. If you can afford it then go for the Merc (or the Ford!).

Paul
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The 130 ecoblue ford has more torque than the manual gearbox Fiat 160. With Fiat you only get the extra torque they advertise if you opt for the 9 speed auto box.

We stayed with the 130 ecoblue and I must say it's impressive, 110 kph & 70mph is reached with ease and is very smooth.

You're 170 ecoblue is a beast of an engine. Enjoy!
 
Wondering star said:
MB developed a leather like material in the 1960s used extensively to this day on many models. Only the high end models such as the 'S' class have genuine leather.
Many SL's from post 65 have this material fitted, many cars now 60yrs old still have serviceable interiors.
Its properties are more hard wearing and can be cleaned and treated as vinyl. No annual cleaning/moisturising required.
Customers assume its leather because it looks and feels similar.
I suspect most customers dont read the information correctly and likewise not many sales people disclose exact material details and how its manurfactured.
In many ways its properties are better.
Click to expand...
Bit like saying concrete floors are better for your home than carpet as they don't wear out. And yes, this dinosaur does still have carpeted floors at home.
 
Jonno1103 said:
The 130 ecoblue ford has more torque than the manual gearbox Fiat 160. With Fiat you only get the extra torque they advertise if you opt for the 9 speed auto box.

We stayed with the 130 ecoblue and I must say it's impressive, 110 kph & 70mph is reached with ease and is very smooth.

You're 170 ecoblue is a beast of an engine. Enjoy!
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The figures on paper are correct. My 150 mutijet is a bit behind the 130 ecoblue. Funny though how you only see Trannys on smaller vans.
I bought a new Hobby moho in 2011 with a lovely Ford cab. I later realised it looked a bit stupid as the cab was far too narrow for the van. It drove real smooth but was worse at crosswinds than a caravan without a stabiliser. Air rides didn't solve this and after only three years I traded it for my current Fiat Rapido. What an improvement.
 
I think Harry Hill should have a say on Mercedes or Fiat.....it would just in one of his classic ‘Fight’ Scene’s 😉
 
I run a Mercedes SWB Sprinter Window van daily when we are in the UK.

7G-Tronic Auto, Cruise, A/C, Auto Lights, Wipers, its nice. When it goes, its a dream to drive and never gets stuck with winter tyres fitted as I always do.

But, I have lots of trouble with it, sometimes daily. I have run 3 Sprinter motorhomes and an Older fiat. I also used to run as small fleet of Sprinters and Vitos. I have to Say all our Mercedes Vehicles and we have run a lot. Have been nothing but trouble. Mercedes dealers are a nightmare to deal with the odd exception.

I would probably still buy a Mercedes Sprinter in the future, because I prefer RWD and a true Auto. But I would seriously considered others first.

The worst dealer I have ever used was Enza Trafford Park Manchester. They are now https://www.estartruckandvan.co.uk/contact and worse than ever.

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gwyntaxi said:
Just that whilst they maybe cheaper to repair if you can avoid the main dealer they seem to fill the problems pages on MMM and seem to need repairing a lot more often than Mercedes. Just my thoughts.
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Probably because there are a lot more of them in the first place... Just another thought...
 
Possibly some look at the engine badge rather than the whole package. For us the Motorhome aspects, circulation space, quality of build, design/layout are the major considerations rather the the type of ‘drive’ which we assume will be fit for purpose.
 
pandas said:
Possibly some look at the engine badge rather than the whole package. For us the Motorhome aspects, circulation space, quality of build, design/layout are the major considerations rather the the type of ‘drive’ which we assume will be fit for purpose.
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Absolutely spot on...design and especially layout overrides everything else...Fiat, Ford , Peugeot, Mercedes, Auto or Manual..none of it is as important as being comfortable inside it...
 
pandas said:
Possibly some look at the engine badge rather than the whole package. For us the Motorhome aspects, circulation space, quality of build, design/layout are the major considerations rather the the type of ‘drive’ which we assume will be fit for purpose.
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Me too but when you're driving long distance it's nice to have a good cab layout, sufficient power, stability and an auto box.

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