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General => General discussion => Topic started by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 16:47

Title: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 16:47
Talk to me! New job comes with a £5.5K allowance (I know this is subject to tax and NI).

I don't really know what to do with it! Top of the list at the moment is a TD4 LR Freelander 1 for about £6K on a 55 plate.

The only thing I believe I have to have is 4 or more seats.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: VeeDubGTI16v on 13 December 2011, 16:49
Tfsi'd mk2  :afro:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 16:53
Tempting!

Honestly, having this car allowance is such a ball ache. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it. It needs to be sensible, cheapish to run and ideally be able to tow the golf on a trailer.

Passat B5.5 TDI 4motion is another choice but they're like hens teeth. Audis are a no go, I don't want to look like a dick.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Sam on 13 December 2011, 16:54
Tempting!

Honestly, having this car allowance is such a ball ache. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it. It needs to be sensible, cheapish to run and ideally be able to tow the golf on a trailer.

Passat B5.5 TDI 4motion is another choice but they're like hens teeth. Audis are a no go, I don't want to look like a dick.

Nick

f**k you  :evil:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 16:54
How much are you getting pence per mile on top/banding?

iirc its 12p up to 2L derv.

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 16:58
How much are you getting pence per mile on top/banding?

iirc its 12p up to 2L derv.



Don't know, I'm off work at the minute but back in tomorrow when I'll get all the details of the allowance scheme and mileage money etc.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 16:58
Computer says?

http://www.cashorcar.co.uk/


Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 17:02
Computer says?

Buy a Kia. I shall be ignoring that!

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: GTiPirelli on 13 December 2011, 17:04
Yep I get a car allowance. Got a mk5 Pirelli - seemed the sensible option  :cool:

Makes sense if you are not doing all that many miles. I do about 8k per year so a no brainer
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 17:06
Well I'll be doing circa 12K a year to and from work (so personal mileage) and I guess another 10K business mileage.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: RandomJord on 13 December 2011, 17:41
Something outstandingly boring and practical, have they not got an age limit on the cars?

When I had CA it was 4 years was the oldest we could have.

Thought of leasing?
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: SoundillusioN on 13 December 2011, 17:45
Something outstandingly boring and practical, have they not got an age limit on the cars?

When I had CA it was 4 years was the oldest we could have.

Thought of leasing?

When this came up before I asked the same but it appears not.... which is good!... and unheard of as far as I know.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: SoundillusioN on 13 December 2011, 17:46
Get a mazda 6, previous shape to mine...a lot of reliable high spec car for the money.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 17:54
Well I don't think there's an age requirement. If there is I'm boned and I'll have to lease some boring 1.4 TDI Golf that'll sit outside the flat doing nothing for 5 or 6 days a week. Seems an utter waste of money for something I'll barely use. The 5 will still be on daily duty unless the weather is horrific or I'm heading to see a customer.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: RandomJord on 13 December 2011, 17:59
Why would you do that? Use the free car!
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 18:08
Because I like driving?
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: RandomJord on 13 December 2011, 18:09
Pish! Start liking money an save the driving for enjoyable times not commuting!
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 18:18
I'll have to put fuel in whatever I drive to work and for the sake of about £15 a week I might as well drive the one I like driving no? It's why I got rid of the Polo and bought the 5 in the first place.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Wazzzer on 13 December 2011, 18:41
someone I know has a car allowance, he tops it up every month and drives an RS5  :laugh:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: T_J_G on 13 December 2011, 19:44
Mondeo?

http://www.stratstone.com/vehiclesearch/used/ford-used-car-mt57pxc.html?marketingsourceid=203

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3421377.htm
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 19:59
Nick, At one time I had a brand new 55 plate Honda Accord 2.2 diesel Ex.

Fair play, for £23K new it had everything.  Heated electric leather, sunroof, Auto redirect sat nav (when there are jams), 6 CD, hands free phone, etc.... the lot.  The only option was a roof rack.

55-60 Mpg from the 2.2 L Derv.  For a motorway cruiser it was mint.

You can pick these up for 5-6 K with low mileage.

Nighthawk black. Sat Nav + HFT (Hands free technology) kit is the one to get.

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 20:05
I'll have a nosey at those.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: RandomJord on 13 December 2011, 20:08
Nick, At one time I had a brand new 55 plate Honda Accord 2.2 diesel Ex.

Fair play, for £23K new it had everything.  Heated electric leather, sunroof, Auto redirect sat nav (when there are jams), 6 CD, hands free phone, etc.... the lot.  The only option was a roof rack.

55-60 Mpg from the 2.2 L Derv.  For a motorway cruiser it was mint.

You can pick these up for 5-6 K with low mileage.

Nighthawk black. Sat Nav + HFT (Hands free technology) kit is the one to get.



Agreed, this is the car I should have got when I bought a Golf Diesel instead
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 20:10
Just looked at them on eBay. Not sure I'm ready for a cardigan and slippers yet!
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 20:14
Nick, At one time I had a brand new 55 plate Honda Accord 2.2 diesel Ex.

Fair play, for £23K new it had everything.  Heated electric leather, sunroof, Auto redirect sat nav (when there are jams), 6 CD, hands free phone, etc.... the lot.  The only option was a roof rack.

55-60 Mpg from the 2.2 L Derv.  For a motorway cruiser it was mint.

You can pick these up for 5-6 K with low mileage.

Nighthawk black. Sat Nav + HFT (Hands free technology) kit is the one to get.



Agreed, this is the car I should have got when I bought a Golf Diesel instead

Tru dat!

I moved into one of these from a Mk 5 Golf GT TDI.  For a mile muncher I have yet to find better. Even better than the latest Audi A4 2.0 Derv SE I had.*



* The B+O Stereo set up was better.   :tongue:



Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 20:20
The Freelander just seems to be ticking all the boxes right now. 40mpg, can tow the golf no probs, will be good for getting to work in bad weather and I want to leave the 5 at home, looks smart for customer visits, useful for tip runs and going on holiday.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Land-Rover-Freelander-2-0-TD4-PREMIUM-SPORT-DIESEL-/270873039489?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f114a9281

nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 20:26
You pull up in one of those, and all it says is that you can't afford a Discovery.

#PorcheBoxter.

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Jay on 13 December 2011, 20:29
Thought you enjoyed driving? It can't be ticking that box, the most important box?! Surely? :shocked:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 20:30
I'm not entirely sure that's a bad thing.

The MD drives a 1996 Volvo estate in re-sale grey, what does that say about him? :grin:

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Jay on 13 December 2011, 20:31
He's skimming at least 5.5k (if not more) into his back pocket?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 20:33
Thought you enjoyed driving? It can't be ticking that box, the most important box?! Surely? :shocked:

Yeah I do, that's why I'd still drive the MX5 most days. The car bought with the allowance would be just used for customer site visits. Hence why I want to spend the money on something I can use for other things as well like towing the Golf.

Another option would be to sack off the MKII and get myself an Edition 30 with the allowance for my VW fix.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 20:36
Lets have a look at Nick at the end of the month:

"Hmm...how may business miles have I done.....Ah.....342!"

"Now how many should put down on my expenses form.....ah...542"

 :lipsrsealed:


Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 20:37
:grin:

I don't start till 1st Jan and I doubt I'll be out of the office more than 1 day a week.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Len on 13 December 2011, 20:54
£5k seems to be the standard so you're getting another 500 quid above that which makes it a good allowance!

Wish I got that much!
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 21:04
:grin:

I don't start till 1st Jan and I doubt I'll be out of the office more than 1 day a week.

Nick

You have a lot to learn my young Padawan learner.

 :lipsrsealed:




On  a serious note Nick. If you can *Ahem, claim for journeys from home to work, then you will be throwing money away by driving the Mazda and not your company slag.

Ask if your company has a "homeworker" policy.  :wink:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 21:08
Yeah I can work from home, pretty sure travel to and from work isn't covered. Don't think I get a fuel card either. This threads been really helpful though, I have a good list of questions for tomorrow!

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 21:17
Yes. But if you can work from home. Then journeys from Home/work to clients won't cost you a penny in fuel.

In previous roles as National Account Manager, I was classed as based at home " days in the office" etc.. but every trip to a meeting I could class as from home, and back again.


Or...*Cough....just take the longest route.



Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 21:25
:grin:

The job is deffo office based with occasional work from home.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 21:32
:grin:

The job is deffo office based with occasional work from home.

Nick

Nick.  Your obviously not sleeping with the right people.



Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Diamond Hell on 13 December 2011, 22:15
Nick.  Your obviously not sleeping with the right people.

You f*cking what?  Seriously?  'Your'?

You disgust and disappoint me.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Jay on 13 December 2011, 22:16
Nick.  Your obviously not sleeping with the right people.

You f*cking what?  Seriously?  'Your'?

You disgust and disappoint me.

 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 22:25
Nick.  Your obviously not sleeping with the right people.

You f*cking what?  Seriously?  'Your'?

You disgust and disappoint me.

 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:



"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."














Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Diamond Hell on 13 December 2011, 22:28
"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."

Oi, my car resembles that remark.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 22:29
*Sigh

Sometimes I think I'm operating on a higher plain.


(http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x314/dandrew90/calamari-its-a-trap.png)

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 13 December 2011, 22:31
(http://img2.moonbuggy.org/imgstore/stay-on-topic-stay-on-topic.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 22:34
(http://img2.moonbuggy.org/imgstore/stay-on-topic-stay-on-topic.jpg)

FAIL!

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Diamond Hell on 13 December 2011, 22:36
It's always a trap.

You set them up, I'll knock them in.

As you were etc.

Freeloader: bad

Passat Estate 4Mo TDI: good

Clearly.  Dog food, innit.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 13 December 2011, 22:40
It's always a trap.

You set them up, I'll knock them in.

As you were etc.

Freeloader: bad

Passat Estate 4Mo TDI: good

Clearly.  Dog food, innit.

I would have thought the MK3 Derv recommendation would have wonalot.

 :grin:


Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 14 December 2011, 08:56
Ok looked up the policy this morning and all it sates is:

Quote
17.    CAR ALLOWANCE POLICY
 
  Employees eligible for a Company car can opt to receive a (non-pensionable) car allowance instead of a company car.
  If employees are specifically granted a car allowance they cannot opt to take a Company car.
 
  The following rates will apply:
 
  •   GRADE 1      £5,500 per annum
  •   GRADE 2      £6,500 per annum
  •   GRADE 3      £8,000 per annum
 
  Under the car allowance scheme all running costs in respect of an employee’s private car must be met by the driver/owner of the car.  Business mileage can be reclaimed from the company at the company’s current rates under the Company Expenses Policy.
 
  Insurance
 
  It is the driver’s responsibility to always ensure that insurance cover for the car must specifically cover business journeys.
 
  Tax and national insurance
 
  For the avoidance of doubt, employees are responsible for the payment of all tax and national insurance payable in respect of the receipt of benefits under this policy.


Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Rhyso on 14 December 2011, 09:47
Avoid the FreeLander.

Worked with a bloke who worked in Land Rover for over 20 years and he said that the Freelander is the WORST car they make  :sick:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: SoundillusioN on 14 December 2011, 09:56
Avoid the FreeLander.

Worked with a bloke who worked in Land Rover for over 20 years and he said that the Freelander is the WORST car they make  :sick:

This.... I had the pleasure of one as a courtesy vehicle for a day recently... that was enough.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 14 December 2011, 10:11
Freelander is out then.

Soooooo what I need is car that looks presentable, can tow upto 1400KG, is derv and about £5K. At the moment it seems to be the Passat TDI 4mo or a 2.5 TDI A4 Quattro.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: RandomJord on 14 December 2011, 10:13
My mate steves a LR tech, he went solo last year an made triple what he made employed an always has a full workshop...... maybe this tells you something about the Landrover brand!

Plus the only FL i've ever driven felt like a space hopper with magic toy car gears so far apart you need a passport to change into 3rd!
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: RandomJord on 14 December 2011, 10:14
Freelander is out then.

Soooooo what I need is car that looks presentable, can tow upto 1400KG, is derv and about £5K. At the moment it seems to be the Passat TDI 4mo or a 2.5 TDI A4 Quattro.

Nick

I'll sell you my warrior for £5.5k  :evil:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Jay on 14 December 2011, 10:14
I was looking at the 2.5TDI's and apparently they're not so good  :sad:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Agreeable Slick on 14 December 2011, 10:21
This is making me sorely tempted to sell me wagon to you.... :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 14 December 2011, 10:27
This is making me sorely tempted to sell me wagon to you.... :lipsrsealed:

Give me the infoz.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Agreeable Slick on 14 December 2011, 10:48
You have PM
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: SoundillusioN on 14 December 2011, 10:49
This is making me sorely tempted to sell me wagon to you.... :lipsrsealed:


And what a nice wagon it is too....

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 14 December 2011, 10:54
PM received and replied to!

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: JC on 14 December 2011, 11:14
This is making me sorely tempted to sell me wagon to you.... :lipsrsealed:

This is making me want to drive to Yorkshire and kick you firmly in the gentlemans area after the grief we had finding the fcuking thing  :rolleyes:


 :kiss:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Agreeable Slick on 14 December 2011, 11:22
Gentleman area presented in your general direction. :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: JC on 14 December 2011, 11:34
Gentleman area presented in your general direction. :lipsrsealed:

See you boxing day  :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 14 December 2011, 11:52
Has towbar:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3300539.htm

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: The Mighty Elvi on 14 December 2011, 11:54
More towbar:


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3356920.htm


Remember Nick that you get the 5.5K allowance every year, so you can afford to get a more expensive car.

Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 14 December 2011, 12:04
True, but I want to keep some in my pocket for maintenance and insurance etc.

TBH Slick's car ticks all the boxes. Just need to confirm it'll be OK with the policy and if so and I pass my probation and he doesn't need to shift it before March then I'll take it.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: SoundillusioN on 14 December 2011, 13:54
Slick were thinking of getting rid anyway????  Either way it seems we have another forum slag. :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 14 December 2011, 14:33
Had it confirmed in writing the only stipulation is 4 or more seats and that Slick's passat is all good.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: JC on 15 December 2011, 10:55
4 or more seats.
Diesel
Good for towing

Gotta be time for a early T5 van with extra seats  :grin:
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 15 December 2011, 10:57
It did cros my mind but the pisshat is perfic.

Nick
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Diamond Hell on 15 December 2011, 11:09
Gotta be time for a early T5 van with extra seats  :grin:

This.  In spades.

Way more spades than a Passat.

http://vans.autotrader.co.uk/stock-item-id/at8a6a919333aeb0010133b28e34237483/advert

Just me those p*ssedupheads links aren't working for?
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: DC90 on 15 December 2011, 21:00
I chose to have the car rather than the allowance. £20k to buy a car then all maintenance and fuel (including personal) paid for, tax man helps himself but at least you don't have to think about anything financial. Plus the £150 a month company car and fuel benefit tax i pay would only cover my usual car insurance anyway, without tax, fuel etc etc
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: Horney on 16 December 2011, 00:12
I get no choice on having a car, it's only allowance.
Title: Re: Anyone on here get a car allowance?
Post by: CJA321 on 17 December 2011, 02:48
Im a mechanic for LR... good job on avoiding the freelander 1.... God awefull cars.... Even the mint ones  :grin: