Riding stable

I am disabled and need a car that is easy and high enough (higher than a saloon car) to get in and out of, I also have a horse which I need to visit twice a day carrying a saddle, and bridle, his feed and other bits and pieces. We have been looking at the Fiat Sedici, 1.9 diesel, 2/4 drive, manual, which would seem to be ideal and wonder if this vehicle would be ‘man’ enough to cope with towing a double horse trailer - with a horse weighing about 500 kilos. Or, if not that, a suitable alternative? We have the two cars, an 04 Ford Focus and an 03 Rover 1.8 petrol LXi. I think we should part-exchange the Ford Focus as we would realise the most money on it, the Rover would be easier to sell privately/auction because it would probably realise less money. We do the occasional long journey to our Son in Coventry so would need to be comfortable as we both have back problems. What could we expect to get for the Focus, which is an 04 1600 lx, against a new car? We are prepared to go to about £13,000 by trading in the Focus.

Asked on 26 September 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
The Sedici 120PS diesel 4WD is quite a good car, and currently on offer at HUGE discounts, but it can't tug a double horsebox with a horse in it. 2WD would be hopeless. You need at least a mid-size 4WD SUV. Something like an X-Trail. And if the horse and trailer weigh more than 2,000kg you need something bigger. Providing the Focus is in good shape it should trade at about £2,800.
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