Need to get new car and trailer...what to buy

alsxx

alsxx

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Well, I will do IF I pass my trailer test in just over 2 weeks time, fingers crossed!!!!!

From much looking around, I think I will probably get a Landrover Disco, it will be an older version, manual and diesel - anything I should be looking out for?? I also quite like the look of the short wheel based Shoguns and Isuzus, however not so sure on the towing capability on these and there also don't seem to be that many about for sale.

As for trailers, budget is up to £1500 really - I've seen a few Ifor's advertsied with an alloy floor - are these any good? Someone has told me this makes them very light and unstable. I alo quite like the look of the Rice trailers, they look nice and sturdy!! Again, any pointers here?

I have a friend who is a mechanic so will take him to view prospective cars, any pointers for looking at trailers? I'm pondering about hiring someone to come and check out anything before I buy - is it worth it, or armed with what to look for should I be able to spot any problems myself?
 
We have a short wheel base N reg izuzu trooper - it is ace!!! We also considered discos and dihatsu 4 tracks, but after a huge amount of reading around we decided for the trooper. Pulls legally up to 3.5 tonnes, so plenty basically! I think if you read around you will find them to be considered to be more reliable than the discos. If you go for one, then it is best to get the 3.1 desiel as it is by far the better engine (the newer ones have a 3l engine which has had a few probs and been the subject of several recalls - argh!!). I love ours!! IF you do want to read up on troopers, this website forum is really useful http://www.itocuk.co.uk/forums/
Trailer, I'm not sure. In the end we went for brand new as if we had bought second hand we would have worries (particularly for the floor and brakes) and would wind up spending a load on getting these replaced for peace of mind. Hopefully someone should be along soon who can be more help on that!
 
Thanks Glosgirl I will check out that link.

I currently have a Toyota Rav 4 which is really reliable, its a shame its not up to towing. I'd like an Isuzu as would like to think they would be pretty reliable, however looking on autotrader etc I cant see that many of the short wheel based ones about for sale.

Any other tips on the trailer side of things anyone?
 
I too have a SWB Isuzu Trooper 3.1 turbo diesel N reg and shes fab. I tow an Ifor Williams 510 effortlessly. Had my Suzi now nearly 6 years and will be very sad when she goes to car heaven. Been a fab car, good on fuel and easily fits up to 45 dirty horse rugs in. Shes my works vehicle too. The trailer is excellent though may be more than your budget. I did start off with a Rice trailer but found it too dark and rattley and the horses didnt travel well in it. The Ifor was like a Rolls Royce compared to the Rice.
 
Thats interesting that horse doesn't travel as well in a Rice....may well get an Ifor then.

My budget isn't set as my Dad will lend me more if I need it - just thought it would be good to buy with what I have and not boorow any more lol! If I do spend more I quite like the look of the Bateson's too....decisions decisions!
 
Land Rovers have a terrible reliabilty record, however there are lots around and lots of satisfied owners. You must know exactly what you are buying, particularly if you are going for an older model, as they put different engines in them and I also think there were gearbox problems with some. Get a Used Car Guide so you can find out what the different engines and what the likely problems were.

Some of the older Japanese 4 x 4 were better than the newer ones, the only downside is that as they get older the spare parts become expensive, especially if it has to be flown out from Japan.

Get a Used Car Buyers guide and write down which model you are looking at and don't believe the salesman, find out facts for yourself. Once you have bought the car they loose interest, although of course it is safer buying from a dealer rather than a private buyer as there is some warrrenty.
 
We have had two troopers on the farm and both have been money pits.
We have a Landcruiser Colorado fab car but they do hold their value extremley well.
As for trailers I have had a rice and now have an IW and both are good.
 
I would def have an Ifor with an alloy floor! The older Rice trailers have a wooden floor which means that unless you can store it undercover in the winter then the floor is inclined to buckle! Not expensive to have put right, but a nuisance!
 
I must be one of the luck ones with my Trooper. Apart from the usual run of the mill parts mine hasnt cost me hardly anything over the 6yrs I have had her. Does help that my OH is an RAC man and does give her regular TLC. Gets serviced on a regular basis, was fab in the snow and performs, well, like a trooper.!!
 
Hi, I started with a Fourtrak and Ifor Williams. Both did the job of A to B. Unfortunately my chap didnt like going in the 510 and he didnt travel well, splayed legs and moving side to side alot. So I upgraded to an Equitrek L, which I think are great and he loads and travels so much better (I would always recommend the trailer CCTV as well). I personally find the Equitrek easier to tow and manoeuvre. Shame your are so far as I am selling my Fourtrak for a newer Shogun SWB.
 
Thanks all really helpful. An alloy floor seems a sensible option in terms of not having to worry about the floor rotting, and I will need to keep whatever I get outside. I was just put off slightly by being told they are unstable as they are so much lighter.

Re what to look out ofr - can anyone help here or would I be better of getting a pro to take a look?
 
hey up.. I have passed my trailer test. have you booked yours yet? One word of advice - check the exam routes on the DVLA website and try and go for one in a rural location.

My test took me through the centre of Reading, around the one way system in rush hour - hell!!!!! Other friends have gone on a nice country drive!!

I have a discovery which is a 2003 2.5 litre deisel and it tows really nicely. I have a rice which I am selling because its too big and will probably get a nice ifor 505.

I'd reccomend the alluminium floor but a wooden floor is fine so long as its maintained.

Good Luck wiith your test!
 
I've not yet, I need to confirm today depending on if my Boss will let me have the half day....but I am in Kent so not sure at the moment exactly where the test centre is. But I will be doing a 2 day course next week (with aim of test on the tues am after bank holiday) and he will take me round the test route a few times.

Feel free to pm re your rice trailer for sale, I will be looking to buy something ASAP ****I******** I pass my test in 2 weeks!!
 
I've had both the wooden floor and the aluminium floor in my two IW traliers and can't say I noticed any difference in stability. The aluminium one is much easier to look after though.
 
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