Trooper purchase advice

Hi everyone

Hope this is the right place now (originally posted in general chat).

Sold my 1986 T25 Trident about 5 years ago and missing it badly. So, I'm back in the market for something newer.

I loved the interior layout, but for various reasons don't want a high top this time. It'll also probably be used a bit as an everyday van, so I'm thinking something like a Trooper might be best. Needs to sleep 2 adults and 2 greyhounds.

Will have anything between £12-£25K to spend depending on condition and wow factor. Is there anything problematic I should look out for with them (eg roof) or any alternative suggestions to consider?

I'm in Fife in Scotland, but can travel if anyone has particularly good recommendations about where to find one!

Thanking you in advance for any help...

Hi there

I’ve not owned a trooper but had many VW based campers. As your price range is quite wide at the lowest end of your budget you would be able to purchase one of the early T4 troopers and at the higher budget end one of the last T4 Troopers or an early (2004/5) T5 based camper. The solid sided roof has been around for many years and I’m sure there will be several owners on here who can give you advice. Check for damp and leaks would be my advice. The T4 Troper LE (the run out model before the T5) is probably the most desirable model.

On the base van side of things, IMO, for the T4 van the 2.5TDI engine is the best option. These were fitted from around 1997. They are smooth and have great torque. They are available in 88bhp and 102bhp outputs. Same basis engine but the 102bhp has an intercooler fitted and the gearbox a higher 5th gear for motorway cruising. The 88bhp is identified without opening the bonnet as the TDI badge has a blue I. You should get around 38+ MPG with a trooper with either engine.

Good luck with your search

John

I owned a pop-up roof AS for many years, and enjoyed using the solid sided roof. The only criticism I have is that they are not draught proof, and during many trips to Scotland proved to be not at all midge proof!

Two alternatives that I'm aware of are the end-lifting Reimo-style roof and the side-lifting one made by Bilbos. I'm not a fan of the former, partly because it feels to me a bit cave-like with the roof up, and also because the fabric is not reputed to be too durable.

I prefer the Bilbos roof, but of course you are down to one fairly small manufacturer if you go for that, and many of the more recent secondhand ones get re-sold via Bilbos themselves - which is the wrong end of the country for you!

I did have a look at a recent Trooper Low-Line when I was at Marquis earlier in the year, and it was really nice - but shockingly expensive, at twice your maximum budget for a one+ year old van...