Car Allowance?? Best Way to Use it?

Inactive

Any wrote: »

Inactive I have noticed on more then this post that you are very naive in a way of how actually job market works.

I may well be " naive " in your opinion, but I am not impressed by the way this company dictates the age of the car to the OP, whilst not being prepared to make any capital outlay, then have the temerity to offer 14 pence a mile.

The OP has clearly stated her unwillingness to get in to debt, I respect that.

Any

Inactive wrote: »

I may well be " naive " in your opinion, but I am not impressed by the way this company dictates the age of the car to the OP, whilst not being prepared to make any capital outlay, then have the temerity to offer 14 pence a mile.

The OP has clearly stated her unwillingness to get in to debt, I respect that.

I also respect that, don't take me wrong... But what you find not impressive is completely normal industry standard and if the OP is looking at going higher up she shouldn't be mislead into thinking that this is not the case.

ericonabike

You say, OP, the interviewer was surprised by your Q about what constitutes a 'suitable' car. I suspect it's because they don't really care what you drive as long as it's reliable! Don't fret so much - I've run an old car on mileage and transport allowance many times. Drive what you've got and save what you can, then replace when you need to. As for image - it's you they've hired, not your motor...

EllieA_3

I think in the company's defence.

Most of the suprise was because i'm not exactly on a low income. I think there is a certain expectation that people on good incomes drive a reasonable level of car.

I simply don't think he expected someone of my qualifications and career stage to still be driving a banger and it's true i haven't always driven my saxo at one point i did have a reasonable mid range family car and i think that would have more than met the expectation's of the company, i don't think they are looking for a BMW or Jag just a mid ranged, presantable car.

Unfortuatly the downturn in circumstances ei my husband losing his job, called for desperate measures and the good car had to go which sucks cause now i need it.

Any

OP, you say the company is very reputable... Congratulations on getting the offer!
Even if you do not decide to take it, that is a success.

I take it the £5k payrise is on top of the allowance?

Sambucus_Nigra

No offence - but driving an old banger these days is all the rage! It's got nothing to do with qualifications and experience.....it's to do with circumstances.

If you hadn't have brought it up and just accepted the job, how long would it have realistically been before anyone did?

EllieA_3

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

No offence - but driving an old banger these days is all the rage! It's got nothing to do with qualifications and experience.....it's to do with circumstances.

If you hadn't have brought it up and just accepted the job, how long would it have realistically been before anyone did?

The car issue was bought up in the inital stages, when i was being told the salary etc by the agent he said there was a car allowance. He also mentioned I had to have a presentable car and a full clean drivers licence was part of the requirements for the job.

Sambucus_Nigra

EllieA wrote: »

The car issue was bought up in the inital stages, when i was being told the salary etc by the agent he said there was a car allowance but also an expectation to use it to have a presentable car was part of the requirements.

But...it's open to interpretation over whether a Saxo is presentable or not.

Isn't it?

Some might say that's perfectly fine and if the employer has issues, you will park a little further away and walk. Or that you are eccentric and can't possibly get rid of Stanley

EllieA_3

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

But...it's open to interpretation over whether a Saxo is presentable or not.

Isn't it?

Some might say that's perfectly fine and if the employer has issues, you will park a little further away and walk. Or that you are eccentric and can't possibly get rid of Stanley

haha i can't imagine anyone beliving i was eccentric enough to drive my heap of junk out of choice. The heaters don't work and it's blooming freezing to drive it atm.

Inactive

A clean, and cared for Saxo, or any other car, is " presentable " as far as I am concerned.

Anything else is snobbery.