Head to head · Panel van
Volkswagen Transporter vs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
On the measures that matter most to a used buyer — value retention, reliability, fuel economy and insurance — the Volkswagen Transporter comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, winning 2 of the 2 categories where the two differ.
| Measure | Volkswagen Transporter | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £18,000 (2023, 35,000 mi) | £17,500 (2023, 63,500 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 52% | 52% |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 62 · wins | 54 |
| Average mpg | 38 | 38 |
| Insurance group | 16 · wins | 24 |
| Road tax / year | £195 | £195 |
| Typical annual service | £185 · wins | £290 |
Valuations are each model's ~3-year-old example at typical mileage, through the same model behind the profiles. Adjust mileage, trim and condition in the interactive comparison →
Transporter vs Sprinter — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the Transporter or the Sprinter?
The Volkswagen Transporter scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 62 against the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's 54 out of 100.
How much does a used Transporter cost compared with a Sprinter?
A roughly three-year-old Volkswagen Transporter is worth about £18,000 at typical mileage, against about £17,500 for the equivalent Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.