Ok, HONEST cost of running a 3.5t box....?!

K

KatB

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Been looking at transport seriously for a few mnths now, but want to know how expensive people find them to run? Would be used regularly, probably mainly for one horse for relatively localish runs.... is it worth paying abit more to buy a relatively new one? And what makes do people recommend?! Would be looking at one to carry a 16.2hh ISH.....
 
Hiya

I have a 3.5tn Renault Master, 1997, 2.8TD. It has an extra high roof, so has almost 8' of headroom (equal to Oakley boxes!) so easily takes 17.2hh. I use it to mostly travel one horse to shows within about 35 mile radius. I usually aim to compete at least twice a month but use it for all sorts, like collecting hay etc etc. Even though it's a turbo diesel, it's very cheap to run and I estimate with one large horse (700kg) and all stuff onboard & 2 passengers, I probably get about 220 miles to one tank (about £38 worth).

I'm only 21 but fully comp. insurance is only £280 & this includes breakdown etc (with NFU).

I bought it one year ago and it was made to my specifications, it was an investment and cost me £10k (that inc, VAT etc) but I've been soooooo made up with it it has been worth every penny, it's allowed me complete freedom and it's so easy to drive, just like a big car really.

We used to have an old VW LT35 and although great runner etc it was so hard to drive, I could bearly move it and gears were hit and miss! For this reason, I reckon newer the better as they tend to be much easier to drive and handle. The Renaults are especially build with ladies in mind and I'd have no trouble loading up and going somewhere totally by myself.

It's just needed all the rear brakes replacing but even though it's cost me a couple of hundred quid - I'm still over the moon with it!! Oh and all the horses (young, old, and bad travellers) travel better than in anything else.

I completely recommend them and they hold their value so well, as long as you don't pay over the odds you won't lose value like you do in other vehicles.

Hope that helps
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Have a look at this site:
http://www.marlboroughhorseboxes.co.uk/

I bought mine from them in September 2004 and we have been really pleased with it. It was a brand new conversion on a 2001 chassis, and we opted for the 2.8 Turbo diesel Renault Master in the end.

We have found it to be relatively inexpensive to run and maintain and is reasonable to service and MOT. Ours is lovely to drive and the horses travel beautifully in it. Mine has got a little 'living' area in it which houses a large wardrobe, saddle & bridle racks and 2 seats and we find this is ample for what we require.

I'll pop a few photos below for you but we have been so pleased with ours and would recommend one to anyone. The amount of people who stop us when we are out and about competing enquiring about them is phenomenol. Anyway enough of me rattling on about them here are a few piccies!!

DSCF2897A.jpg

This is a bit of an obscure shot of the inside - sorry!!
P9300154.jpg

Hope this helps!!
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What the VW? Oooh it was about 22 years old! An A reg I think. It was ultra reliable and a friend bought it off me and he now uses it for work everyday! VW are really good engines, but it was so tricky to drive, the gears were not a straight H and 2nd was near impossible, when we asked a VW expert he said all the older small comercial vehicles have fiddly gears.....
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I did have a renault master L reg professionally coachbuilt but I sold it because it was costing me between £1500 to £3000 a year to maintain. Everything was just falling apart and constantly needed replacing.
I think I was just unlucky?
 
Its gorgeous Benjis girl, think ive offered to take it off your hands before...
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JH58 thats what id heard re the VW engines, so was edging towards one of those, and they tend to be the more affordable option but are like "proper" boxs unlike the transits that I always think look a bit unstable!? How old was the chassis on your new one?
 
My bro and SiL have one of the 3.5ton boxes from Cuerden Valley boxes (they ad in horse and hound quite regularly) and thought that they were a good cpy to deal with etc. Have only had it a year so not sure about running costs though, but it was def less expensive to buy than some other cpys. Build quality etc seems v good. It was about 18K (I thiink)

Fiona
 
I have one exactly the same as that, but a Vauxhall. There is no difference mechanically between a Renault and a Vauxhall.
I think youre better off going for a newer model KB, these and George Smioth are the only makes in the country which are underweight with 2 big ones on.
Also very good on fuel, went to Kempton and back (dont know how far but 5 hours driving) on £40 yesterday.
 
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