Help me make a decision

[mpm1987]

Hi all.

I will be starting a new job shortly, and in doing so, will be giving up my current company funded Insignia.

The Insignia is a company car, and also have an s2000, as a bit of weekend fun. When I start the new role this will be going also.

The new role has company car allowance in the yearly salary. approx 450 a month.
With the new role, I expect to be doing 20-25k a year, so diesel will still be the sensible choice I'd imagine. I get 45p mile for first 10k, and then 25p a mile for mileage after.

I was set in my mind to get an E92 320d Msport Auto, with Nav and leather. AUC from BMW, circa 20k.

Now being a bit nosey, I've looked in to the VAG group 2.0tdi 170bhp lumps with the DSG box- what an amazing box, which has now got me confused. Mainly Scirocco- yes I know bit different to the 3 series, but being 24, feel that the Scirocco suits my lifestyle better, and would probably have lower running and servicing costs.

I guess the point of this thread. Although I've gone off topic a bit, is to ask owners of these cars their thoughts on them. Also thoughts of other people who run their own cars, and take an allowance each month.

Thanks.

[mpm1987]

Krikkit said:

For a mile muncher I'd be going for whichever had the best ride over anything else - you've got a weekend toy for setting your hair on fire, in the week I'd want something relaxing.

S2000 will be getting sold. I can't afford to run 2 private cars, and save for a house.

[mpm1987]

Cemesis said:

I presume the 450 is before tax, which (again presumably) at 40% takes this to 270.

However, are you getting 45p/25p per mile on top? If so this is untaxed (I believe) and will equal another 8250 a year if you do 25k. That totals 11,490 which should leave you with a massive profit on anything you buy, even taking fuel into account.

Normally company car allowance means you don't get the 45p/25p and instead get something like 11p, which obviously works out alot less.

There isn't as such a car allowance. The Salary is a fair amount more than I am on now they have basically included the allowance into the basic, but I have decided that 450 per month is the most I am wanting to spend on a car. I have been told I can have an M3 if I want, but obviously will still only get the 45p/25p a mile.