Ford Transit vs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Ford Transit wins on money kept: 66% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 248 803 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Transit | Sprinter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 062 000 | R 727 159 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 562/m | R 12 710/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 63% |
| Value after 3 years | R 703 607 | R 454 804 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 358 393 | R 272 355 |
| Value after 5 years | R 556 543 | R 343 655 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Premium (established) |
Ford Transit →
The full-size Transit has come and gone from the local range, most recently returning in 2025 in extra long wheelbase panel van form. It fights the Sprinter and Crafter at the heavy end of the van market. Fleet buyers dominate, so most used stock carries high mileage.
Known for: heavy-duty panel van for fleets
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter →
The Sprinter dominates SA's large van and long-distance shuttle market, including the 22-seat Inkanyezi taxi specification. Operators rate it for durability and it is a fixture on intercity routes. Strong transport-industry demand keeps used values firm for a commercial vehicle.
Known for: long-distance shuttle and van mainstay
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Transit or the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The Ford Transit. It keeps about 66% of its price after three years against 63% for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a gap of 4 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Transit loses about R 358 393 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter loses about R 272 355. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Ford Transit runs about R 18 562 per month and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter about R 12 710, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.