Horsebox Test Drive

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lizziebell

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Really need to get my rear in to gear and sell my 7.5t horsebox. Quick question to anyone who has sold/ bought privately - what do you do about test driving due to insurance limitations ? I was thinking I would drive it "around the block" then on the way back I let them drive it down our 800m private drive. Would that be acceptable ? Thanks
 
I’d accept this as a buyer if I could watch it driven on a variety of roads beforehand. Having sold my little one recently I was utterly terrified of the girl who bought it, she drove down our unadopted lane and into the yard, I really thought she was about to crash into the fence / ditch / other cars on the yard, and it was only a 3.5. I had to stop her so that I could park it back in a very ample space. Wouldn’t take the risk if someone is only on your insurance.
 
I took my buyer for a nice long drive, around the residential roads with all windows open to listen out for noises on the tighter turns and show how nicely it manoevered, then off the dual carriage way for a bit of speed. Offered her a drive on the final stretch which isn't private but might as well be as it only leads back to yard. She said thanks but no need. She could tell it was easy on me to drive and the rest was academic to her. So, to me your proposal sounds sensible but if you think it's a serious buyer, do take them on a nice decent roundtrip so they can get a feel for how much they love it and want to buy it.
 
Great question- I have a box for sale at the moment and was wondering about this too.

I’ve not driven those I’ve purchased, though have been out on runs with them with the owner driving. The viewers I’ve had so far haven’t expected to be able to drive it. I think if I was purchasing and determined to test drive, I’d be looking at dealers rather than private sellers, but that’s just my opinion.
 
A friend sold her 7.5T recently. To start with she would drive out of the village to a nice straight road and let the potential buyer drive, but she had two extremely hairy experiences so then insisted on driving it herself. Funnily enough it sold to the next viewer!
 
I’ve recently bought a new 7.5t and am selling my old 7.5t and didn’t drive drive the new one myself and no viewers have asked or expected to drive my old 7.5t but I have taken viewers on drive round myself.
 
When I bought my 6.5t I couldn't test drive it as hadn't actually passed my test yet. Owner took it on a 15min drive so I could have a good listen and see how it handles.
However, I would be a bit put out not being able to test drive something in the future. I've always insured my horseboxes for anyone over 25 in case of an emergency, so someone can drive the horse home from a competition if I am unable (has happened once).
 
mavandkaz said:
When I bought my 6.5t I couldn't test drive it as hadn't actually passed my test yet. Owner took it on a 15min drive so I could have a good listen and see how it handles.
However, I would be a bit put out not being able to test drive something in the future. I've always insured my horseboxes for anyone over 25 in case of an emergency, so someone can drive the horse home from a competition if I am unable (has happened once).
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It's a major problem for the seller though, if a prospective purchaser has an accident test driving a lorry they don't know (especially if they've never driven anything that big), it affects their own insurance and also puts the box out of action for the sale. This is why I would probably refuse it again.
 
mavandkaz said:
When I bought my 6.5t I couldn't test drive it as hadn't actually passed my test yet. Owner took it on a 15min drive so I could have a good listen and see how it handles.
However, I would be a bit put out not being able to test drive something in the future. I've always insured my horseboxes for anyone over 25 in case of an emergency, so someone can drive the horse home from a competition if I am unable (has happened once).
Click to expand...
Re: the ‘emergency’ clause- be careful. I asked my broker about this once and they said that some companies have stipulations about this….i.e ‘emergency driver’ must be someone with no driving penalties or claims within the last x number of years. I’d be worried about trying to use it for a test drive situation personally.
 
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Melody Grey said:
Re: the ‘emergency’ clause- be careful. I asked my broker about this once and they said that some companies have stipulations about this….i.e ‘emergency driver’ must be someone with no driving penalties or claims within the last x number of years. I’d be worried about trying to use it for a test drive situation personally.
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Agree, mine is any driver over 25yrs, WITH A CLEAN LICENCE. Anything other I have to speak to them.
 
Melody Grey said:
Re: the ‘emergency’ clause- be careful. I asked my broker about this once and they said that some companies have stipulations about this….i.e ‘emergency driver’ must be someone with no driving penalties or claims within the last x number of years. I’d be worried about trying to use it for a test drive situation personally.
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Yep, mine states that they must have no points and no claims in the last 5 years. Which is fine, as any of my friends that come with me to shows all fit into this category.
In terms of trialling the box, it's entirely down to the seller if they are willing to take the risk with their insurance. Or I suppose if someone is desperate to test drive they could arrange their own insurance for the day.
Certainly when buying 3.5t it never crossed my mind I wouldn't be able to test drive it. And when I get my next box I will want to test drive it.
If I had driven my current one I would have realised the brakes were soft and would need doing (I did have a PPE inspection, which didn't flag them - although that's a whole other story)
 
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