3.5 ton horse box high mileage

[Iloveeverycat]

Hi,

I viewed a 3.5 ton box today and put a deposit down . I brought someone with me who is knowledgable about boxes and has driven them as a job , he had a look at it, including underneath etc and said it looks like a good solid box

It did look well looked after for its age (2002/3) and it was a lot sturdier looking than the other 3.5 tonnes I’ve viewed. It’s also twin axel on the back so not like the tiny van conversions

I’ve started to worry about the mileage though as it’s high (245k). The owner did spend around £6000 on maintenance last year though (they brought the receipts) and it’s just had an mot (no issues) and service

I’m only paying 6.5k for it

Just worried I’ve made a mistake or paid too much… it’s my first box and I’m quite young so didn’t want to buy a very expensive one

Does anyone have a 3.5 tonne with similar mileage ?

 

[Bobthecob15]

Hi,

I viewed a 3.5 ton box today and put a deposit down . I brought someone with me who is knowledgable about boxes and has driven them as a job , he had a look at it, including underneath etc and said it looks like a good solid box

It did look well looked after for its age (2002/3) and it was a lot sturdier looking than the other 3.5 tonnes I’ve viewed. It’s also twin axel on the back so not like the tiny van conversions

I’ve started to worry about the mileage though as it’s high (245k). The owner did spend around £6000 on maintenance last year though (they brought the receipts) and it’s just had an mot (no issues) and service

I’m only paying 6.5k for it

Just worried I’ve made a mistake or paid too much… it’s my first box and I’m quite young so didn’t want to buy a very expensive one

Does anyone have a 3.5 tonne with similar mileage ?

I don't think that's too bad for a lorry personally, they go on for a long time, not like a car! To reassure yourself you could try and find a mechanic or horsebox specialist to come and give it a check over if you are not sure? We've just bought a 6.5T with similar milage but we got ours from a horsebox dealership who gave it a check over and guarantee etc...they had lots of high mileage lorries. We paid more than yours but it's a bigger box with living.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Is it based on a van chassis or a lorry chassis? Lorrys are designed to keep going round the clock 7 or 8 times. Vans are not. They have the engine and shelf life of a car.

 

[Northern Hare]

Hi,

To reassure yourself you could get a pre -purchase mechanical check done on the chassis.

I guess my concern would be ref the spare payload, when you say that it's a twin axel and that it seemed more sturdy than others you'd viewed.

Do you know what spare payload you'll have to load your horse/pony, and all your stuff? It's a big problem with 3.5t horse boxes - it's quite common to have a 3.5t horsebox where you barely have enough payload to load your horse, passenger, tack, hay and water. You could ask to take it to a weighbridge before purchase just to be sure that you'll be able to use it legally for what you want it for?

Good luck ?

 

[Lady Jane]

If its been properly inspected by someone who knows horseboxes (not just lorries and he said its fine then don't worry. The biggest problem at the moment is poor build quality in 3.5t. Do you know who did the build?My horsebox, Iveco 75E15 2001 had 345k on it when I bought it 10 years ago and has been fine. I had it unspected and there were a long list of issues which the seller rectified before it was delivered and my mechanic was totally happy with it. Have fun!

 

[Lady Jane]

Hi,

To reassure yourself you could get a pre -purchase mechanical check done on the chassis.

I guess my concern would be ref the spare payload, when you say that it's a twin axel and that it seemed more sturdy than others you'd viewed.

Do you know what spare payload you'll have to load your horse/pony, and all your stuff? It's a big problem with 3.5t horse boxes - it's quite common to have a 3.5t horsebox where you barely have enough payload to load your horse, passenger, tack, hay and water. You could ask to take it to a weighbridge before purchase just to be sure that you'll be able to use it legally for what you want it for?

Good luck ?

Good advice - a solid build will reduce the payload but most will be fine for one horse and the associated other stuff

 

[Iloveeverycat]

Hi,

To reassure yourself you could get a pre -purchase mechanical check done on the chassis.

I guess my concern would be ref the spare payload, when you say that it's a twin axel and that it seemed more sturdy than others you'd viewed.

Do you know what spare payload you'll have to load your horse/pony, and all your stuff? It's a big problem with 3.5t horse boxes - it's quite common to have a 3.5t horsebox where you barely have enough payload to load your horse, passenger, tack, hay and water. You could ask to take it to a weighbridge before purchase just to be sure that you'll be able to use it legally for what you want it for?

Good luck ?

Thanks , I only want to use it for one horse

 

[Iloveeverycat]

If its been properly inspected by someone who knows horseboxes (not just lorries and he said its fine then don't worry. The biggest problem at the moment is poor build quality in 3.5t. Do you know who did the build?My horsebox, Iveco 75E15 2001 had 345k on it when I bought it 10 years ago and has been fine. I had it unspected and there were a long list of issues which the seller rectified before it was delivered and my mechanic was totally happy with it. Have fun!

I don’t , but it’s also an Iveco

 

[SecretSquirrel80]

Ivecos have a poor reputation for rusting underneath.

Try putting the registration number into the DVLA MOT checker. This will show you any previous fails and advisories. Often the same faults appear each year that are patch fixed to get the vehicle through the MOT. If that is the case it can be very expensive to get that welding done every year, as well as concerning if the structural integrity is questionable.

Hopefully that is not the scenario with your vehicle but it is always recommended to check a vehicle's history as much as you can.

 

[Iloveeverycat]

Ivecos have a poor reputation for rusting underneath.

Try putting the registration number into the DVLA MOT checker. This will show you any previous fails and advisories. Often the same faults appear each year that are patch fixed to get the vehicle through the MOT. If that is the case it can be very expensive to get that welding done every year, as well as concerning if the structural integrity is questionable.

Hopefully that is not the scenario with your vehicle but it is always recommended to check a vehicle's history as much as you can.

the underneath has had a lot of work done , I saw £1000s worth of receipts etc and the guy who come with me checked it . I’m more worried about the engine because of the mileage

 

[SecretSquirrel80]

That is what I am referring to. Does that work need to be carried out annually? The MOT checker will list the faults and advisories from previous years.

Can you afford thousands of pounds annually to get the vehicle through the MOT test every year and feel safe driving it for the other eleven months?

Your vehicle will hopefully have a clean history but a lot of older Ivecos do not. Do not assume that the work done will be a long term fix.

The final MOT bill that I had for an Iveco 3.5t, with a much lower mileage than yours, was on par with what you are looking to purchase your vehicle for having paid two -three thousand each year prior.

It is your decision but I would strongly advise speaking to a lorry or horsebox mechanic and hiring them to carry out a pre purchase examination. They will tell you to be cautious with older Ivecos.

I appreciate your excitement at purchasing transport but please be cautious. Safety first.

 

[Iloveeverycat]

That is what I am referring to. Does that work need to be carried out annually? The MOT checker will list the faults and advisories from previous years.

Can you afford thousands of pounds annually to get the vehicle through the MOT test every year and feel safe driving it for the other eleven months?

Your vehicle will hopefully have a clean history but a lot of older Ivecos do not. Do not assume that the work done will be a long term fix.

The final MOT bill that I had for an Iveco 3.5t, with a much lower mileage than yours, was on par with what you are looking to purchase your vehicle for having paid two -three thousand each year prior.

It is your decision but I would strongly advise speaking to a lorry or horsebox mechanic and hiring them to carry out a pre purchase examination. They will tell you to be cautious with older Ivecos.

I appreciate your excitement at purchasing transport but please be cautious. Safety first.

the work was carried out two years ago and the MOTs have been clean since then , does that sound positive ?

 

[Leandy]

Pay a specialist horsebox mechanic to do a pre-purchase exam for you and yes, check the payload. On the mileage point, I agree with Elf that if this has a "lorry" chassis, then that is not high mileage but if it is, as seems more likely for a 3.5t, an Iveco van chassis, I think that would be regarded as very high but your specialist can advise. In fact you could just ask about that informally over the phone and, depending on the advice, just walk away if necessary. Even if the engine is worn out, it is possible to replace the entire engine theoretically if the chassis is sound enough, but again that will cost. Also agree that Ivecos are generally regarded as less lasting for rust reasons than more expensive makes but again, your specialist can advise on actual condition.

 

[Iloveeverycat]

Pay a specialist horsebox mechanic to do a pre-purchase exam for you and yes, check the payload. On the mileage point, I agree with Elf that if this has a "lorry" chassis, then that is not high mileage but if it is, as seems more likely for a 3.5t, an Iveco van chassis, I think that would be regarded as very high but your specialist can advise. In fact you could just ask about that informally over the phone and, depending on the advice, just walk away if necessary. Even if the engine is worn out, it is possible to replace the entire engine theoretically if the chassis is sound enough, but again that will cost. Also agree that Ivecos are generally regarded as less lasting for rust reasons than more expensive makes but again, your specialist can advise on actual condition.

My friend’s boyfriend is a mechanic and they do horse boxes at their garage so I’m going to see if he will do the inspection for me (not for free obviously lol)

 

[Merry neddy man]

Have him take it to a weigh bridge. Scrap yards some haulage companion etc doesn't need to be a government one just to be sure of the payload, if they won't let you then beware.

 

[Northern Hare]

My friend’s boyfriend is a mechanic and they do horse boxes at their garage so I’m going to see if he will do the inspection for me (not for free obviously lol)

Well done - that sounds like an excellent idea! I'd hate for you to find that there are some mechanical problems that are going to be costly to get fixed.

If your friend is used to working on horseboxes then can you also ask him to have a good look at the floor in the horse area - sometimes it's difficult to see if there is any damp/rot hiding beneath the rubber flooring, so he'd hopefully be able to take a good look for you.

3.5t horseboxes are really great if you get a good one, but they can turn out to be a bit of a millstone if there are significant mechanical or rust issues. I gave up trying to work out the £ per use for my one, but for the last couple of years I think it would have easily worked out at several hundreds of pounds per use - and that was a 3yo made to order 3.5t horse box compartment on a used Renault chassis. ?

 

[sport horse]

I have never seen a 3.5 ton lorry with a twin axle?

 

[Squeak]

Thanks , I only want to use it for one horse

Another one warning to take the lorry to a weighbridge yourself, you'd be surprised how little payload there can be. Some of them can't even carry one horse, with petrol and driver legally.

Don't forget when you do look at the weight that you need to allow for a full tank of fuel (100kg), water, tack and people as well as the horse.

It's hard because 3.5t's are so expensive so you do have to make compromises on age and mileage etc. unless you're able to spend the big bucks. 245k would seem very high to me for a van but then I don't know what else would be your option for that budget. If there are others that would be suitable with lower mileage and that age or younger then I would definitely walk away - if not, all you can do is do the due diligences on this lorry to make sure you're as happy as possible with it and then decide if you're comfortable.

Have you looked at hire costs and how much it would cost you in comparison? It hugely depends on how often you go out but if you're only out every other weekend then it could be cheaper to hire and not have to maintain an older horsebox. You would also hopefully have less chance of breaking down with a horse on board, which is always a worst nightmare and was even more so when I was younger and less experienced.

 

[humblepie]

Re rust - mine is an old Iveco 7.5 and pretty decent. Like everything it will vary from one to another and even where it has been kept can affect. I would also say to have a good test drive to check how it feels. I’ve not driven any 3.5 tonne lorries but I know bigger ones can vary a lot.

 

[Iloveeverycat]

I have never seen a 3.5 ton lorry with a twin axle?

Neither have I before that tbh but it’s definitely twin axil at the back

 

[Lady Jane]

the underneath has had a lot of work done , I saw £1000s worth of receipts etc and the guy who come with me checked it . I’m more worried about the engine because of the mileage

I went to see a lorry years ago, looked fab. My inspector said the receipts we were shown was for work that hadn't been done

 

[Iloveeverycat]

Another one warning to take the lorry to a weighbridge yourself, you'd be surprised how little payload there can be. Some of them can't even carry one horse, with petrol and driver legally.

Don't forget when you do look at the weight that you need to allow for a full tank of fuel (100kg), water, tack and people as well as the horse.

It's hard because 3.5t's are so expensive so you do have to make compromises on age and mileage etc. unless you're able to spend the big bucks. 245k would seem very high to me for a van but then I don't know what else would be your option for that budget. If there are others that would be suitable with lower mileage and that age or younger then I would definitely walk away - if not, all you can do is do the due diligences on this lorry to make sure you're as happy as possible with it and then decide if you're comfortable.

Have you looked at hire costs and how much it would cost you in comparison? It hugely depends on how often you go out but if you're only out every other weekend then it could be cheaper to hire and not have to maintain an older horsebox. You would also hopefully have less chance of breaking down with a horse on board, which is always a worst nightmare and was even more so when I was younger and less experienced.

there are ones that are a similar age with less mileage but they haven’t had as much maintenance and have worrying advisories on the mot I.e. things related to smoke , oil etc that could likely be longer term engine issues - I went for the higher mileage one as it appears to have been maintained better and had things replaced , it does look like it been taken care of and the women selling it spent a lot on it a few years ago for her daughter to drive , and I’d like to think someone would make sure everything is right with a horse box before giving it to their child as a first box

 

[Lady Jane]

Neither have I before that tbh but it’s definitely twin axil at the back

The fact that its a twin axl and an Iveco means its highly unlikley to be 3.5t. Is it an Iveco Daily? Iveco engines do go on forever if they have been looked after. Roughly where do you live? There are a number of good inspectors around the country and it could save you alot of money in the long run and make sure the lorry is safe to carry your horse

 

[Iloveeverycat]

I went to see a lorry years ago, looked fab. My inspector said the receipts we were shown was for work that hadn't been done

Oh dear, good job you had it inspected

 

[Iloveeverycat]

The fact that its a twin axl and an Iveco means its highly unlikley to be 3.5t. Is it an Iveco Daily? Iveco engines do go on forever if they have been looked after. Roughly where do you live? There are a number of good inspectors around the country and it could save you alot of money in the long run and make sure the lorry is safe to carry your horse

It’s an iveco daily but it is 3.5 tonne because I checked - it is slightly larger than other 3.5 ts I’ve seen but that’s not an issue for me as it will be sturdier and I’m only planning on putting one horse in it . I’m up north x

 

[The Xmas Furry]

The fact that its a twin axl and an Iveco means its highly unlikley to be 3.5t. Is it an Iveco Daily? Iveco engines do go on forever if they have been looked after. Roughly where do you live? There are a number of good inspectors around the country and it could save you alot of money in the long run and make sure the lorry is safe to carry your horse

Yup, was just going to post the same, Iveco twin wheelers were 4t. They are not that suitable as conversions due to loading height.

OP, do check this out with dvla. Also get the weight checked as twin axle adds a LOT of additional weight.

 

[Lady Jane]

Re rust - mine is an old Iveco 7.5 and pretty decent. Like everything it will vary from one to another and even where it has been kept can affect. I would also say to have a good test drive to check how it feels. I’ve not driven any 3.5 tonne lorries but I know bigger ones can vary a lot.

Oh dear, good job you had it inspected

I wouldn't buy one wothout inspection even if there was a warranty. I just bought a Theault Proteo from Atacanter (2008, 87k miles) and despite their reputation, they built it on the chassis when new, 2 owners, full service history, new service, new MOT and warranty I had it inspected. It passed with flying colours (I use Wayne Hennings, he gave me so much advice whilst I was looking). My OH thought I was mad but in this day and age I don't believe anything anyone tells me and I have done everything in my power to make sure I wasn't making a mistake.

 

[Iloveeverycat]

Yup, was just going to post the same, Iveco twin wheelers were 4t. They are not that suitable as conversions due to loading height.

OP, do check this out with dvla. Also get the weight checked as twin axle adds a LOT of additional weight.

i checked on dvlas website and it does say 3.5t, if you send me a pm I’ll show you the details x

 

[Lady Jane]

It’s an iveco daily but it is 3.5 tonne because I checked - it is slightly larger than other 3.5 ts I’ve seen but that’s not an issue for me as it will be sturdier and I’m only planning on putting one horse in it . I’m up north x

Very unusual but what has been compromised to get the weight to 3.5t on an Iveco Daily. They are normall 5.2t or 6.5t builds. I'm sure you think we are all being over cautious but you can't be too sure these days

 

[Lady Jane]

i checked on dvlas website and it does say 3.5t, if you send me a pm I’ll show you the details x

Can you send me details if I pm you?