Car and Trailer

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Luckylocalian

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Ok so think I might have finally ground the other half down to accepting a 4x4 is a necessity for me to fulfil me competition dreams
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Problem is that I only have a max budget of £6-£6.5k to spend on BOTH 4x4 and trailer (which needs to be a big one as my horse 17'1hh)

Does anyone have any recommendations for a 4x4 which has a decent tow capacity but that is not too too juicy and expensive to buy and run as it will be the only car that we have so will be needed for general use as well!

Also can anyone recommend a trailer - so far I have seen the Ifor 510 only.

Or am I searching for the impossible?
 
Cheval Liberte trailers are cheap and light, so have a look at those as you may get a newer one cheaper than other makes (and the lighter it is the easier it should be to match with a 4x4).

As for 4x4, look on www.whatcar.co.uk to compare vehicles' towing capacity and the fuel consumption. Older models will be more gas-guzzling than the newer ones. Cheaper to run ones I think are e.g. the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and smaller ones like Nissan X Trail and Honda CRV (but these may not have sufficient towing capacity for your big horse - check it out first).

Happy searching!!
 
Your priority will be the safety of your horse, yourself and other road users.

The heavier and longer the wheel base of the towing vehicle then the safer it is to tow a trailer given the constraints of the current law as regards kerb weights and trailer weights.

Unfortunately 4 x 4 vehicles are expensive on fuel.

I like towing with a Range Rover, Long Wheel Base Land Rover, Mitsibishi Shogun and the old Dihatsu Four Track.

As regards the trailer always check that the ramp and floor have not deteriorated as many become dangerous with age as they rot or the metal support structures supporting the floor corrode or rust.
 
With a 17.1 be careful about buying what I call 'wannabe 4x4s'. The cars that PeterNatt describes will do the job, as he says though they are not cheap to run. Also beware of buying a cheap trailer/ car as they may end up being a money pit. It is possible on your budget, but make sure that you take an expert with you , so that you don't buy something that you end up regretting.
One way to increase your budget may be to hire a trailer. My friend found a place in dorset (i'm afraid I don't know the details) that hires trailers with insurance and recovery for something like £450 for 6 months.
 
Thanks guys! I am so confused. I want transport so much as feel so stranded at the moment and not working towards any goals as can't get anywhere but to be honest even if I do manage to get something within that budget I can't see myself being able to afford the running costs of maintenance!! Depressing!
 
You will need to get a diesel if you don't want a gas guzzler. You will need at least a 2.5 diesel or 3 litre petrol to tow a 510 and your horse. It will need to be a long wheel base car so I agree with the options PeterNatt gave you - have a look on www.autotrader.co.uk to see what is for sale in your price range.

I have just bought a trailer with a friend (could that be an option for you?) Insurance is £105 a year with KBIS and recovery is £45 a year with Equestrian Support (have to be RAC member first).

If you can get to Ramsden Bellhouse in Essex (near Wickford) I can recommend a lady who sells and hires trailers for reasonable prices (she recently had a fairly new 510 for sale for £2,300. We got a very clean and tidy 1996 model for just under 2 grand.)

PM me and I will give you her number (or you can get it from Essex Rider)
 
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