Company car; what to get & what to look out for?
Discussion
I've just accepted a new role which comes with a company car, it's the first time I've had one and am a little unsure of what to consider, both the car and implications etc.
I've got a reasonable grasp of rules around BiK etc (Parkers seems reasonable for working out what the tax will be per model, anyone other suggestions where else to look?)but am looking for input from those who've had them & have learnt the hard way what is/isn't worth considering. For example I'm very much a manual man (though the BM 8 speed has got me thinking), but appreciate that in a company car where I'm likely to be covering a lot of miles (my region is the whole of the south) an auto may be best, likewise personally I'd never bother with a satnav but again it may be worthwhile in these circumstances. I also favour a sporty car but realise this is perhaps secondary to comfort when I'm likely to be spending lots of time getting to know the M25...........
At the moment I'm not sure of the exact options, but apparently the makes are;
Ford - Focus/Mondeo?
BMW - 1/3 series?
Volvo - haven't a clue about these, not on y 'radar' at all
VW - Golf/Passat?
Audi - A3?
I'm very lucky to have some fun stuff in the garage so having something which covers all the bases isn't that important, so do I go for something as cheap as possible for me, or given perhaps lots of miles & time spent in it the best I can?
I don't have kids/pets etc to consider so estates/lots of space doesn't matter.
Not sure if fuel card or not, or if there's an option.
Cheers for any input!
I've got a reasonable grasp of rules around BiK etc (Parkers seems reasonable for working out what the tax will be per model, anyone other suggestions where else to look?)but am looking for input from those who've had them & have learnt the hard way what is/isn't worth considering. For example I'm very much a manual man (though the BM 8 speed has got me thinking), but appreciate that in a company car where I'm likely to be covering a lot of miles (my region is the whole of the south) an auto may be best, likewise personally I'd never bother with a satnav but again it may be worthwhile in these circumstances. I also favour a sporty car but realise this is perhaps secondary to comfort when I'm likely to be spending lots of time getting to know the M25...........
At the moment I'm not sure of the exact options, but apparently the makes are;
Ford - Focus/Mondeo?
BMW - 1/3 series?
Volvo - haven't a clue about these, not on y 'radar' at all
VW - Golf/Passat?
Audi - A3?
I'm very lucky to have some fun stuff in the garage so having something which covers all the bases isn't that important, so do I go for something as cheap as possible for me, or given perhaps lots of miles & time spent in it the best I can?
I don't have kids/pets etc to consider so estates/lots of space doesn't matter.
Not sure if fuel card or not, or if there's an option.
Cheers for any input!
Cheers fellas, this is just what I'm looking for. I'd never consider a Volvo personally, but comfy seats sound good.
The OH has a 1 series co. car & as you say the CO2 emissions do mean it makes sense - shame though I really was hoping to replace the daily driver with a petrol, but for a co. car seems diseasal is the only way forward.......
The OH has a 1 series co. car & as you say the CO2 emissions do mean it makes sense - shame though I really was hoping to replace the daily driver with a petrol, but for a co. car seems diseasal is the only way forward.......
10 Pence Short said:
I was in a similar position recently and couldn't really look past a 120d auto in Sport or MSport trim. The Volvo's CO2 and MPG figures go mental if you go auto.
How are you finding the auto? And is the M sport too hard? Got to say some modern cars are just so dam hard riding, and it's not as though I'm old or unfit!Many thanks for all the response, appreciated.
Seems as though the BM's inevitably have a decent following for a co. car & the autos are appreciated in the mix that is co. car driving, i.e. lots!
Was at a car show today and I sat in a V40 (cross over I think), got to say the quality of the interior seemed pretty good, but just not sure in my 30's I could drive one - I know the image is not what it once was (& I really don't care that much about image) but I'm a kid of the 80's, it still seems like an older mans car.
New Golf seemed nice inside, as did the A3, really nice interior & the pop up screen was a nice touch - personally I prefer it to the one in the BM's which are constantly in your view & I could imagine are distracting???
Main issue with Golf/A3 is that I've had a MK5 for 5 years, time for a change I think.
As for budget, unsure as yet, should find out more this week.
Any other input appreciated, cheers.
Seems as though the BM's inevitably have a decent following for a co. car & the autos are appreciated in the mix that is co. car driving, i.e. lots!
Was at a car show today and I sat in a V40 (cross over I think), got to say the quality of the interior seemed pretty good, but just not sure in my 30's I could drive one - I know the image is not what it once was (& I really don't care that much about image) but I'm a kid of the 80's, it still seems like an older mans car.
New Golf seemed nice inside, as did the A3, really nice interior & the pop up screen was a nice touch - personally I prefer it to the one in the BM's which are constantly in your view & I could imagine are distracting???
Main issue with Golf/A3 is that I've had a MK5 for 5 years, time for a change I think.
As for budget, unsure as yet, should find out more this week.
Any other input appreciated, cheers.
Fun Bus said:
I took delivery of my new company car on Thursday - BMW 320i efficient dynamics - it's a 1600cc lump with twin turbos. Higher in CO2 than the diesel version, but lower in BIK - cheaper to buy too so fitted in my budget which the 320d didn't and I could also spec a few extras and metallic paint.
If your private fuel is also paid for my the business (mine is, I have an AllStar card) then prepare to be bum rated by the tax man. Despite that, I'm still better off than paying my private fuel.
Interested in your first impressions etc? I did say I'd not get a diesel daily again, but then this job came up & well we'll see what's available etcIf your private fuel is also paid for my the business (mine is, I have an AllStar card) then prepare to be bum rated by the tax man. Despite that, I'm still better off than paying my private fuel.
Edited by Fun Bus on Saturday 14th September 19:02
Glade said:
VW Golf 1.4 GT TFSI or if you need a bigger boot Skoda Octavia Hatch 1.4 TFSI Elegance with Adaptive cruise specced.
Better power & toys than my current A4 but half the tax.
When these were launched I did think this would make a perfect daily, efficient, fast ish & not diesel, definitely worth looking into I think, despite my wish after 5 years to perhaps move away from VAG. Only issue is I'm unsure so far on how fuel is paid for; expense or fuel card etc & how this might affect the costs. With other cars to run minimising the total cost to me, fuel & BiK etc might be sensible, this is the crux, or do I accept lots of miles will make a lower spec car etc seem like pergatory?!Better power & toys than my current A4 but half the tax.
Thanks again fellas for the responses.
Seems from those with company cars & doing miles that comfy seats are clearly important, and therefore compliant suspension too.
Seems my thoughts on auto are echoed too, I'll miss the interaction of a manual but don't think I could put up with the stiff clutch/gearbox of the OH's 1 series on the M25!
Seems from those with company cars & doing miles that comfy seats are clearly important, and therefore compliant suspension too.
Seems my thoughts on auto are echoed too, I'll miss the interaction of a manual but don't think I could put up with the stiff clutch/gearbox of the OH's 1 series on the M25!
Many thanks again for all the responses.
I've checked and there's no option to take the cash as it's considered required for the role, & TBH given that I'm covering the whole of the south (!) I think the miles I'm likely to be doing wouldn't make using my own car sensible.
Interesting that again the BM's are being mentioned, and that the 320D/ED have compliant suspension - a mate had a previous shape 1 series and said the suspension was awful, so when the OH got a new shape one as a co. car I was expecting the worst, but it's pretty good, comparable to my Golf - shame the electric PAS has no feel whatsoever - but I guess this is a gripe of modern cars overall.
I've checked and there's no option to take the cash as it's considered required for the role, & TBH given that I'm covering the whole of the south (!) I think the miles I'm likely to be doing wouldn't make using my own car sensible.
Interesting that again the BM's are being mentioned, and that the 320D/ED have compliant suspension - a mate had a previous shape 1 series and said the suspension was awful, so when the OH got a new shape one as a co. car I was expecting the worst, but it's pretty good, comparable to my Golf - shame the electric PAS has no feel whatsoever - but I guess this is a gripe of modern cars overall.
Edited by acme on Monday 16th September 16:12
RicksAlfas said:
The 320D ED (as opposed to 320D) has slightly lowered SE suspension and 16" wheels with non-runflats. It's about the most comfortable car BMW make. Still drives very well too as it has a suppleness over bumpy lanes that the sporty ones just do not have. Looks like a taxi though, but you can't have everything. Go for that with any toys you can fit within budget. 8 speed auto well worth thinking about. Sport auto gets you paddles at extra cost.
TBH not too bothered about looks, I suspect in a few months all anyone will notice is how filthy it is! Comfort given what I'll be doing will be paramount I suspect!Didn't realise the 8 speed auto didn't come with paddles as standard?! Thanks for the heads up!
Mine was £38,600 (although I wasn't paying). Options list looks like a christmas tree.
oyster said:
This.
It needs big fat seats, auto box, squidgy tyres, cruise control and anything that makes either long miles or long tailbacks bearable.
Speccing an mSport or S line to your yawnfest diesel repmobile does not turn it into a BTCC spec racing car like some on here seem to gloat about. All it does is make you hate ruts, potholes and your job even more. It might impress the neighbours though (the ones that know f
k all about cars).
From asking exactly that on here, it does seem that's about the order those are needed in, just hope I can get something appropriate! It needs big fat seats, auto box, squidgy tyres, cruise control and anything that makes either long miles or long tailbacks bearable.
Speccing an mSport or S line to your yawnfest diesel repmobile does not turn it into a BTCC spec racing car like some on here seem to gloat about. All it does is make you hate ruts, potholes and your job even more. It might impress the neighbours though (the ones that know f
k all about cars).I'm getting the impression the 3 series is favourite with you company car drivers!!
One question for those who've done it for a while, does having a 'better' car, i.e. paying more BiK make much of a difference, or does it simply become like a washing machine, simply a white good etc?
I guess this is perhaps aimed more at those who have another vehicle to enjoy.
One question for those who've done it for a while, does having a 'better' car, i.e. paying more BiK make much of a difference, or does it simply become like a washing machine, simply a white good etc?
I guess this is perhaps aimed more at those who have another vehicle to enjoy.
aberdeeneuan said:
I'd never choose diesel
I've had a diesel daily for the past 5 years and did state I'd replace with a petrol, ideally a MK6 Golf GTI or Focus RS MKII - looks like I'll be sticking with diesel for the time being! I'm thinking with HMRC rates for expensing fuel petrol might actually end up costing me......CraigyMc said:
I'd say this: Work out how long you're going to sit in it.
eg. 20K miles per year at an average of 43mph (my overall average, yours may be different) is 465 hours, which is 58 8-hour working days worth of time.
Basically, if you're going to be in it a hell of a lot, ensure you're OK with the inside of the car.
Many company car drivers go for nicer cars on this sort of basis, and many go for the cheapest thing they can get their hands on, because they don't care. It's a matter of your own opinion as to which will suit you.
C
I do think this is how I feel as well, it's one of the reasons having a comfortable car probably an auto appeals, the thought of sitting on that po*y M25 all the way round it changing gear doesn't appeal.....eg. 20K miles per year at an average of 43mph (my overall average, yours may be different) is 465 hours, which is 58 8-hour working days worth of time.
Basically, if you're going to be in it a hell of a lot, ensure you're OK with the inside of the car.
Many company car drivers go for nicer cars on this sort of basis, and many go for the cheapest thing they can get their hands on, because they don't care. It's a matter of your own opinion as to which will suit you.
C
CraigyMc said:
I only went for the manual 'box because I live somewhere that traffic isn't usually much of a problem.
If I was doing it again today, the 8-speed would be hard to look past as it's a fab bit of kit and to be honest the long gearing can make traffic jams annoying in the manual.
C
My main concern on the BM manuals is as mentioned my experience on the OH's 1 series, it's very springy and the clutch is VERY stiff, & I can't imagine on a 12 plate 1 series with 17k miles it's on its way out!If I was doing it again today, the 8-speed would be hard to look past as it's a fab bit of kit and to be honest the long gearing can make traffic jams annoying in the manual.
C
I've found that on the 1 series it really 'springs back & out of your hand', don't get me wrong, it's not a bad box it's just that 20 years of reading about BM's being drivers cars but not having actually driven one I expected more. As for the clutch, I'm amazed, it's almost as stiff as my weekend car, I'm surprised the OH hasn't complained - in fact it's due its first service & I've suggested it's looked at!
As you can tell from the Golf/FRS comment I hadn't intended to get an auto next by any stretch (would only have considered a manual GTI) but assume I will be getting to know the motorway network somewhat better so it makes sense - not an issue in itself I just want something suitable.
Still can't get out of the lease company what the options are!
Still can't get out of the lease company what the options are!
motor mad said:
I went with a Golf Match (mk6) last year. It was fairly cheap from a BIK perspective, comfortable and had all the bits I wanted. Its not going to be a car I'll ever own, so I just look at it as a business tool. It was about £140 under my allowance, so that money gies back towards paying the tax.
I can't fault it.
This is another alternative, thing is having had a MK5 Golf for 5 years I do fancy a change, but having sat in a new MK7 at the weekend I really quite like the interior, much better than mine. As ever it all depends on what the options are.....I can't fault it.
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