Company car; what to get & what to look out for?

[acme]

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!

[kiethton]

I'd look at the Volvo's as the seats are without doubt the most comfortable place to be, especially in leather Lux spec.

However nobody does low BIK BHP like BMW so a 1/3 series would be worth a look too (just ditch the run-flats and keep smallest alloys etc.)

[anonymous-user]

New A3 is now a very nice car but maybe a bit obvious as is the Golf. I'd have a look at the new Volvo V40

[acme]

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.......

[10 Pence Short]

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.

[acme]

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!

[mercfunder]

Put them all in here including any extras and it will work everything out for you.

http://comcar.co.uk/newcar/companycar/taxcalc/g1se...

[10 Pence Short]

acme said:

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!

I haven't bought anything yet as the deal on my current car has yet to run its course. I did have the auto on demo from BMW for a few days, did about 300/400 miles in it and found it an absolute revelation (and I am not traditionally a fan of autos). Once you've tried it, I doubt you'd want the manual. The changes are smooth, fast and the number of ratios means you're never very far from available power.

[Jonny_]

Top of the range Dacia Sandero 0.9 TCe, and spend the money saved on your own cars.

(Seriously considering doing this next time around. After paying 40% income tax on the balance of the lease allowance that'd be paid back to me, and then paying the benefit in kind tax out of that, I'd still be £35 a month in profit as opposed to over £200 down for the current Passat.)

[MagicalTrevor]

acme said:

Cheers fellas, this is just what I'm looking for. I'd never consider a Volvo personally, but comfy seats sound good.

I've got a Volvo V40 D2 SE Lux with the leather seats and they're fantastic! I'm really pleased with the car, it's surprisingly spritely for a 1.6D, 88g CO2 as well so, for you, the Company Car tax is really low (mine's a private vehicle)

It's not 'sporty', but for going up and down the motorway everyday it's nigh on perfect. I'd certainly recommend having a test drive. Also, you may be interested to find my thread in 'Reader's Cars' to see some pics

[T1547]

Was in a similar situation a couple of months back..

I ordered an a3 2.0 tdi sportback s line initially but a 4-5 month lead time on the order put me off and I changed to a 120d manual m sport with m sport plus, interior, comfort packs etc. Would have gone auto too but budget couldn't stretch.

Haven't received the car yet- due to arrive in a couple of weeks but glad to have changed to the BM - rwd, 184hp and 60mpg sounds like a nice combo and hard to beat at the price IMO.

Have you got a budget to work with?

[Fun Bus]

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.

Edited by Fun Bus on Saturday 14th September 19:02

[Glade]

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.

[Gruber]

I think I'd struggle to look past the current BMW 320d.

We hired one for a few days up in Scotland last month and it was excellent. Small wheels made for a very compliant ride - even with RFTs - the seats were good, the engine had plenty of shove, it managed high-50s mpg without trying, and it handled well. We did about 500 miles in it over a mix of roads and it continually impressed.

All in all, a very good rep-mobile.

[Fun Bus]

Interestingly, the petrol version of the efficient dynamics doesn't have run-flats.

[schmalex]

My wife has, in the last half hour, placed her order for her new company car:

BMW 320d x-drive saloon in Estoril blue with all the toys. We had one on an extended test drive this week and it was astounding, considering the low BIK. Plenty quick enough, decent interior space, comfortable ride (although it's the M-Sport model, so has slightly stiffer springs).

She went for the 4 wheel drive version as we live in the sticks and the roads round here are never salted well in the winter and she got caught out big time in her previous 5 series a couple of years back.

I'm quite looking forward to getting a go in it!

[aberdeeneuan]

I have a 320d mSport (in estoril blue too) touring and it's a superb thing. Drives well, punchy engine, covers vast distances easily. Averaging 50mpg over 13000 miles.

The auto gearbox is about all I wish I'd specced on it, and I'm a devoted manual gearbox person (mine has some othe toys, but the gearbox is well worth considering).

[schmalex]

My wife has specced the auobox (sport auto, whatever that means - I guess closer ratios??), as the loaner we had was fitted with an auto and it drove very well indeed

[SrMoreno]

schmalex said:

My wife has specced the auobox (sport auto, whatever that means - I guess closer ratios??), as the loaner we had was fitted with an auto and it drove very well indeed

Sports auto means you get paddles.

[williamp]

Its a company car. A hack. Park it and forget it driving. So get something which will save you money with comfy seats and good toys. If he business has a misplaced concern about image then they will give you a shortlist. If not, then a comfy cr with low tax and do the maths so you know how much more you can put towards your other cars.