If you're buying a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a refrigerated conversion or looking at the eSprinter as a refrigerated delivery van, you'll encounter two finance routes: Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) at the dealership, and an independent broker like Doulton Bridging Finance who can approach multiple specialist lenders. This guide sets out honestly when each option wins.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services - What They Offer
| Product | MBFS Rate | Covers | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Sprinter (base vehicle only) | 4–9% APR | Base van chassis only | New from MB dealer |
| eSprinter (new) | 4–9% APR | Base EV van only | New from MB dealer |
| Used Sprinter (MB Approved) | 6–12% APR | Approved used vehicles | MB Approved Used only |
The Critical Issue: Reefer Body Finance
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services finances the base vehicle only. A refrigerated Sprinter is not simply a van - it is a base chassis with a bespoke reefer body conversion typically costing £8,000–£18,000, fitted by a specialist converter such as Glacier Vehicles, Hubbard or Temperature. MBFS will not finance this conversion body within the same facility.
This means if you take MBFS finance on the base vehicle, you either need to fund the body conversion separately (cash or a separate facility) or split the deal in a way that typically costs you more overall.
When MBFS Wins
- Buying a brand new Sprinter base vehicle from an MB dealer with a promotional rate
- You are funding the reefer body conversion separately from cash reserves
- You have strong personal or business relationship with the MB dealer
- The promotional MBFS rate is genuinely below 5% APR on the van
When a Broker Wins
- You need one combined facility covering both cab and reefer body
- You're buying a used Sprinter or non-MB refrigerated van
- You want to finance a Sprinter from another brand (Ford Transit, Vauxhall Movano)
- You have any adverse credit - MBFS are prime only
- You're buying a non-approved used vehicle
- You want to compare multiple lenders to get the best rate
Broker Combined Finance - How It Works
Through an independent broker, we can approach lenders such as Close Brothers, Shawbrook or Aldermore who will finance the complete refrigerated Sprinter - base vehicle and reefer body conversion - as a single combined asset under one facility. This is administratively simpler, avoids the need to fund the body from cash, and often results in a lower blended cost than splitting the finance.
Worked Example: New Sprinter Refrigerated Van
Base Sprinter L2H2: £38,000 Refrigerated conversion (Glacier Vehicles): £12,000 Total asset value: £50,000
MBFS route: £38,000 at 5.5% APR over 4 years on the van + £12,000 cash for body = higher total cash outflow upfront
Broker combined facility: £50,000 financed at 6.5% APR over 4 years = one monthly payment, no upfront body cost, total cost of credit spread over term