Another 4x4 post: but for a younger driver.

[H.K.D]

I am starting my own thread in case anyone has similar experiences.

I am 21 (22 next month) and am looking at getting a 4x4 and borrowing a trailer from a friend until I can afford my own. I currently travel 3 days a week and this costs me a total of £60 a week for 6 months, I then won't need a trailer for winter as don't travel.

Is it worthwhile me getting a cheaper 4x4 and borrowing a trailer (not for free) or just paying to be transported?

I have looked at x trails and Kia Sorentos and like these. But what sort of tax costs and insurance options are there? Is a 2.5 litre engine enough?

I will be travelling about 25 miles a week towing, with two 400kg large ponies. An easy journey with no hills.

Any tips/advice much appreciated. I have up to £4000 to spend on the car, £3500 preferred. I then use the car in the week as my main car.

-- Also I have not passed my test but will aim to take it this year, and my mother is happy to drive the 4x4 and tow until I do so.

 

[ROG]

I am 21 (22 next month) and am looking at getting a 4x4 and borrowing a trailer from a friend until I can afford my own.
-- Also I have not passed my test but will aim to take it this year, and my mother is happy to drive the 4x4 and tow until I do so.

HI - why dont you drive it.......
All B licence holders have a B+E provisional on the paper part of their licence

That means they can tow a B+E combination either loaded or empty and on a motorway providing they adhere to these rules:-
Supervising driver must be age 21+ and held B+E for 3+ years
L plates on front of vehicle and rear of trailer
Correct insurance for B+E learner - check with current insurer

Sorry, cannot help with the rest of your queries

 

[becca1305]

2.5l engine should be plenty to tow, although of course you need to check towing capacities for the particular car too. My 2.5l towed 2 550kg horses in a full size ifor. Slightly slow uphill but no other problems .

As for younger driver it depends what you want. I am insured on my 4x4 - mitsubishi sport shogun for about £800 a year. But I was supposed to be upgrading to my dads 4x4 since hes bought a new one, its a Mercedes ML280 CDI and only one insurance quote came in.....for £10k . I have a full motorbike and HGV licence as well as my car licence with no points or claims on any so despite claiming its road 'experience' based they are just ageist b*****ds. So definitely check the insurance on any 4x4 before you buy! I have no idea about the tax on them Im afraid. The other thing to check if, as ROG says, you choose to drive as a learner under your mums supervision to get some practice, is that insurance covers you towing.

Other thing to consider is cost of fuel. Mine is appalling fuel economy for both town driving stop starting, and motorway driving- if you want to go over 60mph anyway!

They are not all doom and gloom though, I love my truck (though not denying an upgrade would have been nice!). They make you feel very safe on the motorway etc and I can fit everything and the kitchen sink in mine . Great for carting horse stuff particularly feed, and also great for camping wknds away with mates etc.

Hopefully someone else will have some more info on hiring trailers etc but I'd have a look on a few hire websites to see if they have any age limits etc so you know where you stand. Good luck

Sorry I should say I was insured on my dads, under a business policy but specifically named as a special driver (under the age for any driver can drive) for 2 years which was why the quote was even more of a shock! So they can catch you by surprise on insurance!

 

[becca1305]

*deleted* was trying to edit not repost!

 

[Heathy82]

Hi,

I passed my B+E in December last year and spent ages looking at options for a 4x4 that would suit me as both a towing vehicle and practical day to day car that wouldn't cost the earth. I looked at Discovery TD5's for months, but after test driving a few (and not liking them!) I opted for a 2004 Kia Sorento XS manual. I LOVE IT! You get alot newer car for your money with less mileage. It tows so so well. Hardly feel my boy on the back. Hills are no problem. It has all the little luxuries I want inside. Heated seats, aircon, leather, CD changer etc I'm 29yrs old and its £440 for the year to insure. Fuel economy is miles better than the Disco. I get around 38mpg, less when towing obviously. I really can't rate it enough. I think the fact it won tow car of the year speaks volumes. I would definitely recommend you test drive one and see how you get on. I don't think you would be disappointed and you could probably get a 2003 plate XE model for your budget. Good luck and happy towing!