Company car recommendations

trippy

Our company car is up for renewal later this year so we're beginning to look into all the options.

We currently have a Audi A4 Avant which we find ok for size. We have 2 children aged 2 & 5 so require adequate space for all their paraphanalia. We deliberately chose the diesel version to keep emissions and tax costs low although the tax calculations have changed again since then so the liability has increased.

Hubby does a lot of driving for work so that has to be a consideration. We also go away for an average of 2 weekends a month. We're not bothered about frills and extras. Just want the best balance between company car/ family car/ low tax liability. I'd love a people carrier so I can bring DD's friends home for tea but hubby says they're too expensive (in terms of tax).

Any recommendations? There must be some car buffs out there who can reel it all off at the drop of a hat.

peterg1965

I would have thought something like a Ford S-Max or new Citreon C4 Picasso would fit the bill, and I would have thought that they would have a lower tax liability than an A4 Avant. Obviuosly the diesel would be better given your husband's work mileage. Both of those MPV's are apparantly good to drive and offer the occasional seven seat option too. There are probably some cracking deals about with both of the cars too.

moonrakerz

Mondeo Tdci estate - hang on until June when the new one comes out if you can !

BillScarab

If he doesn't want a people carrier and can live with badge how about a Skoda Octavia? I got one as my new company car last week, the engines and gearboxes are the same as in Audis and VWs as are some of the controls etc but they're a lot cheaper to buy. The boot is also considerably bigger than an A4 Avant.

skim

moonrakerz wrote: »

Mondeo Tdci estate - hang on until June when the new one comes out if you can !

I've got one thats about 6 months old - engine sounds like a tractor - not a patch on the VW I had before.

jstallan

Consider the cash!!! I was in the same situation last month and I looked at it for ages - there is no easy option on this. The Tax element is going to get worse and therefore the only consideration might be a Hybrid of some sort. I decided to take the cash option and buy my own car. With interest rates fairly low, it can make a lot of sense.

Having said all that my car is due to be returned at the end of the month, so I need to get cracking...

mcfisco

The Toyota Avensis tourer is worth considering
I've got the T4 2.2 150bhp [non turbo] diesel

Great, well built car & very economical, it's currently costing me around 9.5p per mile in fuel & as I can claim back 14p/mile I get to re-coup some of the income tax I pay on it.

natanddan1

If your hubby does alot of business miles and decides to take the cash option (should be a good option bearing in mind the level of company car on offer) then he will be able to claim a considerable amount of tax that he pays on the allownace as business miles.

I am about to take the cash option, i will be buying a 55 reg peugeot 607 fully loaded from a main dealer for £10000. It only has 11,000 miles on the clock and comes with full colour satnav. this also includes 15months full warranty and the option of buying extended warranty for £380 a year.

I know peugeot are not in the same league as audi but for £10k you really can not go wrong.

Cumbrian_Male

Cash or Car

Have a ply with this it will give you an idea what you can get and tax liability.

Hugh_Jampton_2

Why are the IR rates only 40p and 25p per mile. Can you really run a car for that?

Hintza

For something different and if its in budget have a look at the Chrysler 300C Touring....I love mine (gross indulgence of course)