Marlborough Hunter - Opinions & experiences?

[thenervouscob]

I've been on the look out for a 3.5T for a good while to carry just myself, 16.3 cob & tack locally for lessons & shows etc - so no real huge payload needed.

I've come across a lovely Marlborough Hunter for sale just not far away & have yet to view, but have fallen in love. The guy who owns is has made sure its been maintained mechanically & body work wise meticulously incl new floor etc.

I know its a higher mileage & old in the grand scheme as it the older type 2004 Movano, but it puts in within my budget & I've heard they're a lot more solid than a lot of the newer ones in the same price bracket that are flimsy.

Has anyone owned one or have any experience of them good or bad?

The only thing that's niggling me it that its not got a full wall between the horse and rear area, just a high breast bar. My mare is pretty good but its still there in the back of my mind, what if she went over!

Can you get a full wall put in or some kind of anti jump device just incase? Or am I being paranoid?!

 

[Lady Jane]

The horsebox inspector who advised me on my recent 3.5t purchase rated Malborough. I really like the Hunter but you need to decide if the breast bar would suit your horse. You know the build would be solid generally but would advise you to get a proper inspection of the whole lorry. Its unlikely the higher mileage matters if it has been well maintained. You can get a quote on putting in a full wall if you areconcerned

 

[Tiddlypom]

Marlboroughs are really strong and well built good boxes, and there a fair few older ones around. Do still get it thoroughly checked out, though.

You can get an anti jump shelf fitted to 3.5t's, if you do a search on here you should find earlier posts about them.

 

[maya2008]

We have a Marlborough Sport and it is very well built. Would recommend Marlborough boxes.

 

[thenervouscob]

Thank you all, that sounds positive! I'll definitely get an inspection done, I know it's had a new floor etc recently that waterproof wood etc so that's all fine, but need someone to look over it properly. I'll have a look for the anti jumps now too thanks. The more I look at it the more solid and safer it looks than the majority of 'newer' ones in the same price bracket, even without the full wall!

 

[Lady Jane]

I saw a 'newer' cheaper one and then saw a more expensive older one and the build quality was totally different - you didn't need to be an expert to tell I'm not!). I would check the MOT history and see whether its had many problems although they may all have been resolved.

 

[blodwyn1]

I have an 02 Marlborough cob that I had made for me in 06 and it is still going strong,

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

I saw a 'newer' cheaper one and then saw a more expensive older one and the build quality was totally different - you didn't need to be an expert to tell I'm not!). I would check the MOT history and see whether its had many problems although they may all have been resolved.

I've been doing this at the moment with boxes I've spotted. There's newer smarter looking ones who've failed every MOT before passing on silly things like tyres and bulbs etc, but shouts to me it's not maintained properly - only fixed when broken. Older ones with twice the mileage that have flown every MOT.

 

[GreyDot]

I had a Marlborough Sport from 2004 which I sold to someone on the yard and they still use it for their 16.3hh. I never had a problem with it, great van! Did have floor replaced and ramp at one point, but it's a great van and very economical. Definitely have a look at the MOT and get it checked out, but would recommend.

 

[YorkshireLady]

had mine about 8 years and its really lovely lorry and more solid than some others you will find. I Had it made with solid wall to tack area though.

 

[terrierliz]

I had a Marlborough Sport for 12 years only swapped as upgraded to bigger box to carry two. It was really well built, solid but with a decent payload if I was downsizing it would definitely be a make I’d look at first.