3.0ltr Quattro stronic vs horsebox

[Alan02]

Each to their own regarding box choice but your gearbox doesn't self destruct if you go over by a couple of thousand. But agree on keeping the services as regular as you can.

[Gazwould]

The S-tronic isn't your ordinary DSG .

[ukgroucho]

Coolant leak would be a show stopper for me

[KevTrem]

I have just had to change cars because of a coolant leak. It was down to the oil cooler and effectively filled the gearbox with coolant, a full refurb of the box was needed, I traded the car in and took a hit after spending a grand getting oil cooler replaced and box flushed.
I have since bought a 2015 Allroad which is 3.0TDi and S-Tronic, happily tows my 1775kg caravan around and is stable. I suggest going for the Allroad for towing horse box as you get 100kg towball limit rather than 75kg for the Avant. Also the air suspension is very forgiving on what is being towed whether that is a caravan or your prized horses.
You've done the right thing checking the service history, the gearbox being serviced on correct mileage is an absolute must.

BTW for a multironic gearbox refurb I got quoted at least £3k so it pays to be picky.

[Alan02]

The S-tronic isn't your ordinary DSG .

Its a dual clutch gearbox, nowt ordinary about any version of them. I do understand their operation.