It’s been 13 years since Volkswagen last sold the Transporter in the US Market, known here at the time as the Eurovan. VW tried to rekindle the magic with the Routan, a rebadged Chrysler minivan which was a half-assed attempt at a German engineered van that fooled only the most naive of consumers. Ever since then, there’s been a steady stream of options within the minivan segment but nothing coming close to the one box design of the VW Transporter. Until now. Mercedes-Benz has boldly gone downmarket with their Sprinter formula and have introduced the Metris, a smaller van that is decidedly un-minivan like. This isn’t a new van, however.
Back in the early 1990s, Mercedes launched the Vito, a light duty van that could be configured in cargo or passenger forms. This first Vito was available with a version of VW’s VR6, in both 2.8 and 3.2 liter displacement, dubbed the M104.900. The Vito would be replaced by the second generation Viano which would turn into the V-class which we know as the Metris in the US and Canada. In Cargo Van form, this is currently the least expensive Mercedes-Benz you can purchase in the US. This lightly used Metris Passenger Van for sale in Pennsylvania is slightly more expensive but on par with some of the higher end minivans on the market.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris on eBay
Year: 2016
Model: Metris
Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Mileage: 300 mi
Price: $37,991 Buy It Now
Sun Motor Cars Demo Special! Includes Driver Comfort Package with Driver/Passenger Seatback Map Pocket, Driver/Passenger Lumbar Support, Driver/Passenger Comfort Seat, and Two Additional Master Keys, Driver Efficiency Package with Cruise Control, Fog Lamps, Rear View Camera, Center Console Storage Tray, and Becker Map Pilot, Active Safety Plus Package with First Aid Kit, Illuminated Exits, Lane Keeping Assist, Rain Sensor, Blind Spot Monitoring, Collision Prevention Assist, Power/Heated Exterior Mirrors, Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, and Multifunction Leather Steering Wheel, Premium Appearance Package with 17-Inch 5-Spoke Light Alloy Wheels, Black Roof Rails, and Bumpers Painted in Vehicle Color, Cold Weather Package with Heated Driver and Passenger Seats, High Performance Air Conditioning with Automatic Climate Control, Interior Appearance Package with Front and Rear Carpeting, Front Footwell Lighting, Illuminated Door Handle, Premium Overhead Control Panel, Illuminated Vanity Mirrors, and Chrome Interior Package, Anti-Theft Warning System, Tailgate Surrounding Light, Trailer Hitch, Power Sliding Right/Left Doors, 2nd Row Additional Seat, Floor to Ceiling Luggage Net, and Single Flip-Up Tailgate. (S1516A)
We don’t normally feature a lot of new cars on GCFSB, but it’s rather curious that Mercedes has entered the commercial van market. However, companies like Ford, Chrysler, Nissan and Chevy have edged in on this segment so maybe it’s not so crazy after all. These vans might not be as plush as some of the US market Mercedes we’re used to seeing, but they make for a perfectly capable family rig. For those who don’t want to surrender to the lifestyle statement that is a minivan or have enough sense not to buy an off-road vehicle when in reality it will be used for the grocery run, the Metris may be just right. I have a feeling Mercedes is on to something here.
-Paul
I am very interested in the Metris. It would be a nice a step up from my Ford Transit Connect – also a “German” vehicle though it is built in Valencia, Spain. The Metris is also built in Spain. The Metris is RWD; the FTC is FWD. The Metris has a turbo helping its four; the FTC does not. The Metris is longer and is much more refined in finish and (especially) the automatic transmission. So I am very intrigued by the Metris but want a more simple one than this – a cargo version with driver comfort and loading package upgrades. I use my FTC for around town daily driving, carrying bicycles and for two or so road trips a year. I would do the same with a Metris. I want more power and a better transmission for western mountains and I think the Metris can satisfy my issues in this regard with my FTC.