3.5t lorry advice :)

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SarahRicoh

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Right im 20 yrs old. Iv looked into possible towing combinations which means i dont need to take test.
However as budget is low & its difficult anyway looks like im going to be hard pushed to tow..

So im thinking that a 3.5t lorry may be best option but have no idea really..
Have found a few in my budget but no idea on rest of stuff..
Anyone around my age that can tell me how much their insurance on a 3.5t is?
Average tax costs (something like a renault masters conversion)?
Lorry plating cost(im in gloucestershire)?

Also just general.opinions on them... Easy to drive? Safe for horses? Etc

please help guys :) determined to find best option!!
 
No idea re: insurance cost as I am old!! LOL However lorry insurance always seem cheaper than car for some reason.

Road Tax £270 ish (can't remember but know I winched but them my car is only£30 per year LOL).

They have a MOTs (not a plating), just have to go to one that takes bigger vehicles. Think that's about £60 (dunno exactly as alway have service done at same time).

Make sure you KNOW the weight of the lorry BEFORE you buy, I looked at one and it only had a 750kg payload!
 
I had a 3.5t lorry,then I realised it was a little big! It was however great to drive, and I loved it. I'm in the same situation as you, and whe I got mine at 19, the fully comp insurance for it was cheaper than the 3rd party for my lorry. Tax is about the same as for a car, now have a 7.5t and it is actually cheaper than the car.
I would recomend getting a mechanic to look it over, and also see if you can weigh it empty, so that you know what your payload is, you are likely to be overweight with 2 horses + gear on board, so as long as you only want to take 1 its fine.
 
As others have said. Make sure you check the weight before you buy. I got caught out - bought mine straight from the manufacturer and believed them when they told me the payload. Turned out it could only carry 800kg. This includes horses, people, diesel, water, tack etc. So could only really carry one average size horse. They are easy to drive and economical to run, but please, please check the payload !
 
I've got an old L reg Leyland 3.5t which was only £1800 to buy :D

My approx costs are:

Insurance and breakdown £375 a year - this is for limited mileage (approx 5k a year I think but I only do local shows so that is plenty) but anyone can drive who is 25+. I am 33 though!

MOT (it is a Class 7 MOT, doesn't need plating) - £45 plus I have it serviced which last time was about £200 in total. I budget £500 though in case need new tyres etc.

Tax - £215 last year

Mine is herringbone and so only has room for 1 14.2hh chunky coblet (450kg-ish) as she takes up too much length. But it just as well really as then I don't have to worry about payload with only 1.
 
I know the MPG on a good towing car will be higher than an economical car but I reckon it will still be cheaper overall to use a towing vehicle and trailer
 
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