Defender - all variants a commercial vehicle?

[moochofun]

I'm looking into different options of maybe buying a Defender 90. Buying privately is the easy option but with a private limited company was looking to maybe buy it through the business.

My question is: are all the variants of a Defender 90 classed as a commercial vehicle i.e. can I get a station wagon or do I have to go with a hard top? I occasionally need more than 2x seats so options are a station wagon or a hard top with a bench in the back.

If buying a commercial vehicle through a limited company do I still have to pay a benefit in kind tax on it?

Any help or guidance is appreciated

[PhilTD5]

Land rover changed it around 2010, making all variants of defender N1 commercials. The benefit being cheaper road tax. Strictly speaking it should fall in to the lower benefit in kind commercial tax bracket, however it is rumoured that the tax man isn't too keen on seats and windows behind the driver. Best to take the advice of your accountant.

[biglump]

Not sure about the 90, but I know the 110 s/w is classed as a passenger vehicle, so I ended up going for the Utility Wagon.

[vjj]

The XS 110 Utility Wagon is your best option - Full commercial status and 5 seats - only drawback is it's a bit gloomy in the back as there are no side windows in the load area but these can be fitted quite easily.

[forest172]

you are correct all new defenders from the introduction of the 2.2 diesel engine inc 90xs and 110xs passenger vehicles etc, are classed as commercial for road tax purposes. They show light goods on the tax disc and M1 classification on the v5, which is the same as my 3 1/2 tonne renault pickup truck. I`ve got one!! love it great piece of kit

[biglump]

forest172 said:

you are correct all new defenders from the introduction of the 2.2 diesel engine inc 90xs and 110xs passenger vehicles etc, are classed as commercial for road tax purposes. They show light goods on the tax disc and M1 classification on the v5, which is the same as my 3 1/2 tonne renault pickup truck. I`ve got one!! love it great piece of kit

Road tax yes, but Mr HMRC will class it as a Passenger vehicle for BIK...did a load of research on this prior to ordering the 110 U/W and unless you've a very creative accountant, you'll get stung due to emmisions, value etc as oposed to the £500 you pay for having a commercial vehicle at your disposal.

110 XS U/W is a great compromise...had mine a month and loving it...every journey's an adventure and the complete opposite to the 320d's of this world which cost a similar amount!