Hello / question on use of Trident

My wife and I are looking to get a campervan and are deliberating between a Trident (lowish mileage, late 90s, 2.4 diesel) vs a Transporter Conversion (2010, new conversion, pop-top, new look, 1.9 TDi, about £10k more than the Trident). I plan to drive to work in it every day but as this is only 5 miles each way, I am concerned that the newer TDi will clog itself up as I will never get the engine hot enough.

Does anyone use their Trident daily for short journeys? Does the engine cope well? Is the fuel economy poor?

We have an about-to-turn 5 boy who will sleep up top. Up to what age can children realistically sleep up top in a Trident?

Any other views in favour of a Trident are welcome.

Thanks,

Adam

Hi Adam
Welcome to the forum from Bridlington 
Boaby

Welcome from Stratford upon Avon (on tour).   

Hello & welcome from S/Yorks.

Hello - decisions, decisions!!

Hello and from Leicestershire

I never had any problems with the 2.4  five pot performance or economy wise and I can also understand your thoughts on if the turbo on the 1.9 engine would get chance to operate. Which ever you choose these are both good performers. The Trident does make good daily transport and there are hundreds about

Hi Adam and a big welcome to the forum. 

Can't answer re short trips as all ours are long but diesels do like a thrashing to keep them sweet  certainly the more modern with catastrophic converters and DPF's need heat.

I would have thought as long as your lad fits on the bunk then fine. 

Welcome from Bonnie Scotland.

Welcome from Worcester. I had a Trident 2.4 with no problems for short journeys. Used as a car.
In the top there should be a net which you put up for safety which pulls out with the bed.