New job, new commute, car options.
New job, new commute, car options.
Author
Discussion

PDpreza91

Original Poster:

20 posts

109 months

Saturday 21st March 2020
quotequote all
Hi PH, hopefully this is in the right section!

Basically an opportunity has come up to move into a new job role, and it brings with it a new commute. I currently drive a 2017 BMW M140i, really enjoy the car and haven't had it long at all. I basically have two options with this new role, driving approx 18k a year on business.

1) Company van (transit) with a fuel card and everything paid for - company use only

2) £375 a month (before tax) car allowance. Only stipulation is the car has to be under 10 years old and reliable.

The commute is a mix of tight, winding B roads and a little dual carriageway.

Part of me feels it's worth taking the van and fuel card, saving a fair amount each month and putting it towards a useable fun car for the weekends and evenings...or just keep the m140.

Another part of me feels doing those miles in a transit on some nice driving roads will be soul destroying Monday to Friday, take the monthly payment and enjoy using the m140 or similar. "You only live once" and all that.

Any thoughts?

Jaybmw

325 posts

110 months

Saturday 21st March 2020
quotequote all
What's 18k a year. About a tank'ish a week in the beemer? If your not to hung up on putting miles on it then I'd go with that. The van will destroy you

ZX10R NIN

30,521 posts

154 months

Saturday 21st March 2020
quotequote all
If you like the M140 then just carry on, or take the van & keep the M140 for weekends.

Get in something like a new Transit & you'll find they drive pretty well especially if it's something like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

h0b0

9,051 posts

225 months

Saturday 21st March 2020
quotequote all
Assuming you need the van for the role, would you ever benefit from having it at home? The job site may be in the opposite direction for example.

PDpreza91

Original Poster:

20 posts

109 months

Saturday 21st March 2020
quotequote all
Cheers for the replies all.

Wouldn't really benefit from having the van at home, its company use only and monitored heavily. The role doesn't require a van either, it usually comes with a company car (1.3 astra hatch) but this is being stopped and a sign written corporate van offered in it's place.

Also worth mentioning it's not a nice "plush" transit, it's definitely an entry level fleet spec unfortunately!

Trevor555

5,402 posts

113 months

Sunday 22nd March 2020
quotequote all
PDpreza91 said:
Also worth mentioning it's not a nice "plush" transit, it's definitely an entry level fleet spec unfortunately!
They drive well, and if it's a custom you get the higher driving position.

But, you'll be stuck with a slightly lower speed limit on some of your roads.

And vans can attract some unwanted attention parked on your driveway.

Make sure you have the "no tools/toilet rolls left in van overnight" sign on the back door.