How to buy a horse box...

[FlyingCircus]

Someone please walk me through the logistics!? I have been keeping an eye for a long time and have nearly pressed go a few times but ultimately chicken out as spending nearly 30k is a LOT of money.

I'm looking at newer 3.5t in hopes they will hold their value as expecting to sell in 3-4 years time.

What does the timeframe look like? So many are being snapped up but I'd want to see it, want inspection etc!?

Help a clueless buyer ? I have no issues buying ponies but I've literally never purchased a vehicle ever!

 

[FlyingCircus]

Also how is it I can find a number of negative reviews for anyone building in my price range ?

 

[Abacus]

You should get a nice box in that budget. It’s worth looking at the well known and well reviewed makes - boss, Alexander’s, ascot, chaigley… I don’t them them all and others may have many more. I would probably start with a list of essential features, minimum payload etc to help you to narrow down. Personally I wouldn’t buy new - I prefer a box with the odd scuff or scrape, makes me feel less bad if I add any, and they seem to hold their value well.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

For that price you might get one built on an older chassis. Often you’ll purchase the chassis after given a choice then pay for the build on top. I’ve never heard anything bad about Marlborough builds and although any used individual box may need work they are fundamentally sound. They usually sell super fast so you can’t hang around.

I’d also recommend Travel Two horse boxes. And you’ll see other recommendations on this forum. I took a risk bought mine unseen as it was in Wales and they delivered it to me. I’ve been really pleased with it. They do good honest used box sales and also bespoke builds.

 

[Suncat]

Yes, for that budget you will be able to buy a very good and vetted secondhand box (Travel Two) or a new build on a good second-hand chassis (Staffordshire Horseboxes or TT) if the time to wait for the build works for you.

 

[Wonderling]

I have bought a couple, usually go with my dad, read the history of the mot checks online, make sure the miles match up etc, drive it and send the money online.

You can talk yourself out of buying them easily but mine have always worked out absolutely fine.

 

[QuantockHills]

I paid 23K for my lorry about 2 years ago.... it's very low mileage for its year (under 6k and 2003) but now worth much more! from a dealer, there's one with 11k miles and it's about 35k... the worlds gone mad! I don't think you'll lose money on it!

 

[jnb]

A couple of excellent low mileage ex hire ones here if you can stretch a bit (they have been for sale a few weeks so may take an offer). One is an 18 plate the other a 19.

Don't discount ex hire ones as they will have been kept clean, serviced every 6-8 weeks and looked after (this company is local to me and has an excellent reputation)

https://www.facebook.com/point2poin...EvSZDYKyYFcn4GaqtJU5ahWZZPB4SXUtkhtXM6FSCa5nl

 

[onemoretime]

Have a look at Equito built by Bloomfields on 2nd hand chassis. For someone to inspect a potential purchase I would recommend Wayne Henning. Have a look at his Facebook page where he has videos of inspecting horse boxes and the problems he incurs.