Are all new Defenders commercials?

[speedyellowrs]

Hi all.

Just looking for a bit of information. We currently run two Defenders, a 90 County 300Tdi and a 110 CSW 2.4 Tdci. Both great motors.

The problem is, that I need to change to a Commercial vehicle for various reasons, and will probably trade in the 110 and have been looking at options. I've been on the Landrover website, and noticed that the Defender pricelist includes first years RFL of £210 as opposed to the £450 odd quid that our 110 costs us every year. Is this because ALL new Defenders are now registered as N1 Light Commercial Vehicles, irrespective of whether utility/double cab or passenger station wagon? Was this some EU directive, that I missed?

If that's the case, I'd be over the moon, as I'd be able to have a new passenger Landy AND a commercial, all in one car. Having my cake and eating it!!

If someone could clarify the situation, I'd be very grateful.

Many thanks for your help.

[bogtrotter]

Yep. I think that's correct just taken delivery of a 90 xs and it's £210 tax....think they changed to help in some way with emissions targets. Steve

[speedyellowrs]

Thanks Bogtrotter.

I wonder if HMRC would treat it as commercial, for BIK purposes?

BTW, I see we've got very similar tastes in motors!!

[jpm75]

Hi, did you ever discover if ALL the new defender models are treated as commercials?

[Twisted P]

For the 2011 model year defender Lr re-classified all derivatives as N1 commercial. All therefore are fully vat reclaimable so far as Hmrc are concerned, only the pick ups, hard tops and utilities carry the low BIK however. Bit of a mine field, but that is the official line so far as I can tell. In reality, when discussing with the HMRC recently they had to take advice and still couldn't answer. Assuming a logbook has N1 on it it's a commercial.... Many are claiming the vat and taking the risk on the BIK.