I'm looking into purchasing a trailer that sat for years.  It is a 2001 4-star 2 Horse GN with a nice sized dressing room.

I know the complete history because I boarded at their barn and am now neighbors with them.  Purchased new in 2001 and hauled a horse in maybe 10 times in the first two years.  It has sat and done nothing except move around in their driveway and storage facility for the past 8.  For the past 5, I'm not sure it moved much at all. 

Everything looks good as far as structure, tires, and the little things.  Has anyone had any experience purchasing a trailer that sat as much as this one or have/had a 2001 4-star trailer and have any opinions on it?

Thanks!

You will need a new set of tires, the brake drums should be pulled, the brakes inspected and the wheel bearings inspected, repacked  and possibly replaced. Every door, window hinge and latches should be lubricated. Chances are that some of the running lights will need some attention, cleaning the bulb bases and sockets, and adding some dielectric grease. The same for the trailer plug. If it has mats, they should be pulled and the flooring inspected.

The under carriage should be inspected as well, and possibly acid cleaned at a truck stop. Sitting out in the open on the ground, traps moisture underneath the trailer every day. After years of accumulation, it can become corrosive.

An idle piece of equipment deteriorates without routine maintenance and care. Cleaning things and performing some basic maintenance will restore the trailer very quickly.

4 Star trailers are among the best built and enjoy an excellent reputation. You shouldn't be disappointed with its ownership.

I purchased a Trail-Et as my first trailer that had sat for 5-6 years and never had a horse on it. The previous owners did use it twice to haul bagged shavings and kept it indoors. I talked to one dealer who told me I was a fool to buy it because he could sell me a current model year for $2000 more dollars. I talked to another dealer who told me I was nuts not to buy it and that if I didn't please let him know where it was so he could go buy it for resale.

I use it for 4 years and never had any problems and traded it for close to what I paid for it. I did have a good mechanic go over it before I bought it. I felt the savings over a new trailer were worth it in the end. 4 Star trailers are so well built that I would not hesitiate if the price were right and a mechanic gave it his seal of approval.

Thanks to both of you!  Exactly the information I was hoping for.

Thanks everyone.  I put in an offer and waiting to hear about what they think.  This definitely helped me out!