Which base vehicle?

Merc Sprinter auto. There’s nothing to touch it in my opinion.

Yes, I understand the new 2019 nine speed auto box and specially motorhome designed model is the bees knees but it will be expensive I guess.

You tend to get what you pay for, Micky. 

You do, Tinny, you do! But is the new Merc really worth that extra shekel?

I don't know. What’s the price difference between a MH based on the new Merc and the same hab unit on a Sevel van?

It's not just purchase price though as Merc spares and servicing costs, in my experience, are less than those or Fiat/Peugeot. Yep, surprising. Cheaper to buy = dearer to keep, perhaps.

All I can say is that, given the choice of like for like models, I’d happily pay a fair bit more for the Merc version.

IF? we ever decided that anot her  motor caravan would be a better option, it would be an Auto Merc based PVC and the ride seems far better than other base vehicles if the "white van man" version I have been in is the norm also less engine noise 

You are right on both counts, JV, and easier to access the roomier cab, and being RWD. Sadly it is those very advantages which prevent the shorter wheel base versions being converted to PVCs in our preferred layout. 

VW crafter is getting good reviews, Knaus is taking a giant leap and converting on Iveco this year (usually the preserve of larger, more expensive A Classes)....

the Transit can be had in FWD, RWD or 4WD and is liked by many a reviewer, but is unbelievably ugly....

despite the predictable 'knocker' above, the Sevel is still a blooming good base unit. yes, there was the gearbox issue (which was fixed for anyone  under warranty), and I agree the inset dials aren't as readable as the previous version, but I don't have a problem at night (illuminated) as perhaps my seats are at a slightly different height, but can be alttered anyway..ill probably have the 'back light on' fix done at service time.

weve done over 10k miles in 18 months and it's been faultless....

the thing is, if you choose the base unit first, and it isn't Fiat/Peugeot, the choice of van might be restricted....

if you choose a Merc, other than AS (spend some time reading their forum first if considering one) you'll be looking at Hymer (and AS fans couldn't possibly.......) and that's about it untill you move further upmarket...Frankia, perhaps.....lovely  MHs....

then there's IVECO, MAN.....and you're into Truck territory... 

Don’t forget La Strada who do Merc PVCs, and Lunar.

By gearbox issue, do you mean the clutch judder of old? If so, I can assure you it was not fixed under warranty on all variants. Fiat refused to acknowledge there was a problem with the 3 litre models. I know, I was part of that battle.

Knocker? It’s no wonder really after what we went through but remember I’m now giving a PSA a second chance. 

I didn't know Fiat were part of PSA group.....

which Puegeot/Citröen have you had before, or do you mean the Swift/Bessacarr you had previously?

I was asked by mt Fiat dealer if I wanted the 'judder' fixed, but we didn't have the problem....reverse gear too high...?

yes, this issue was a pain for some, but overall the vehicle is extremely well suited to its job as a camper base.....despite few other brands mentioned, converters certainly aren't deserting the Ducato in droves, overall with the increase in sales, the sales of the Fiat must still be rising...

Lunar convert on a Renault....but would you buy a Lunar or a Renault?