Older Leyland Daf lorry

[MyBoyChe]

Very excited as going to look at one today, its 20 years old so not sure how much notice to take of the mileage but is there anything I really need to be looking out for other than the obvious standard checks?

 

[OWLIE185]

You need to ensure it has a fully tiltable cab as if the cab is fixed on a vehicle of this age you are asking for major problems. (An inspection cover from the cab is a waste of time).
You need to get it thoroughly checked out out by a qualified commercial vehicle mechanic. The container also needs to be thoroughly checked out especially from underneath/top of the floor and ramp. Also check out that parts are still available for it. With an older vehicle especially a horse box they stand around a lot and this is not good for them as brakes seize up etc. Also as it is old the rubber gaskets in the engine etc may be going so these may need to be replaced.

 

[epsilon]

Older DAF's are notorious for rust around the windscreen, doors and sides of the cab. Make sure you lift the mats in the footwells and poke the floor, poke under the wheel arches and give the handles beside the seat + inside the door a good pull - they shouldn't move! Lift as much of the carpet as you possibly can + if you find a section that is stuck down, be suspicious! Where you can't lift the carpet (like around the gear lever) give the floor a good poke! My mechanic said he had one in a while ago that they had to go virtually to the middle of the cab, under the passenger seats, before they found sound metal they could build back out on! Don't be afraid to run your hands along the edges of the doors, even if they look fine, your fingers will be able to feel if there is any unevenness Agree with all the checks Owlie suggested and would also suggest you have a good look at the walls of the tyres as well as the treads as often they perish before horsebox tyre wear out. One thing I wouldn't agree about is the comment on the tilt cab. In my experience it is quite unusual for the tilt cab to be retained on older lorries. Whilst it can lead to more difficult engine access, I wouldn't rule it out. What size is it? The 45/130's can be very under powered go for a 45/150. If at all possible. I've driving DAF's for the last 15+ years and really like them! Somebody absolutely needs to get underneath + check to horse section floor + you must lift any mats, particularly where the hindquarters stand as that is the worst area for rot due to dung/wee. If it has living open the cupboards + have a sniff + see if they smell fausty - sometimes water can get in through a badly sealed roof. Do the same in the Luton as well. Don't be afraid to ask questions about work it's had done on it, when tyres were last replaced, when was it last serviced, how often the oils/filters been changed - some lorry mechanics only change the oil every 2nd or 3rd year because of the lower mileage on horseboxes. Finally on a common sense level, does it looked cared for? I don't mean cosmetically as at 20y/o it's bound the have a few bumps and scratches, but generally are bits tied on with string?! Finally don't forget to drop the ramp yourself + close it yourself - there's nothing worse than not being able to pull down the ramp, or not being able to lift it to close!! Will also reiterate what Owlie said, definitely get it checked out by a reputable, experienced horsebox mechanic it will save you a lot of money in the long run. Just thought - ask to see the plating (mot) paperwork - not just the certificate as that will show you any advisories of work that needs doing before next plate. There should also be emissions and brake test paperwork as well. Sorry this is a bit long, but I kept remembering things to look for!

 

[MyBoyChe]

Epsilon and Owlie, thank you both for the info, very helpful. On balance we have decided she wasnt for us, just looked a bit too tired on the inside, both human and horse area, so am going to look at a Ford Cargo later this week. The cargo is an older engine but converted 4 years ago and the owner has pics of her stripped back. She looks very well cared for so we shall see. I guess the above advice is pretty much standard for any box?