GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: remlapeel on 25 November 2015, 09:31
-
I'm looking at getting a new company car, although I love the R, there are a few approaching problems. First off Im doing 20K + a year, I have a 3 door and have a second child on the way and for the same reason the boot space is a bit cramped.
I'm undecided if I will keep the R as a toy or not and get a cheap work car, or chop it in and get a better balance.
I have been looking at a few different things
Lexus IS300h - hybrid so good BIL, good MPG and lots of space but looks dated inside and isn't particularly quick and has a CVT gearbox
A3 (184) diesel - A good cheap work horse but boring as sin!
320d - As above
335d Xdrive - more fun and a better comprise but not great MPG or BIK
My favourite spec wise I found last night. I have never been a fanboy of Merc but the stats speak for themselves
C350e - 300bhp, 0-60 under 6seconds, lowest BIK of the lot, plug in hybrid petrol. High spec.
Anyone got any suggestions or have any experience with any of the above?
-
How about a 2014 5dr GTD with DTUK, in Night Blue with one previous owner? :whistle:
For new, might be worth driving the new Jag XE too? Drove one of the petrols and they are very composed.
-
How about a 2014 5dr GTD with DTUK, in Night Blue with one previous owner? :whistle:
For new, might be worth driving the new Jag XE too? Drove one of the petrols and they are very composed.
Lol I have had a GTI (night blue) and an R in the mk7 range. I want something different this time round. I did look at the Jags briefly but they seem a lot more expensive than the competition for the same specs
-
Don't you ideally want an oil burner for the combination of low BIK and mileage?
The hybrid's do give you a low BIK, but after 30 ish miles you are left with a 1.nothing petrol engine hauling a massive car around - that won't be fun at all.
The secret to low company costs is:
1) Good depreciation to keep lease costs down
2) Low CO2
3) Low list price (its the list you are taxed on, not the actual purchase price) which usually means trying to avoid "needing" optional extras.
Other than the obviously fantastic Golf GTD which you don't want...
Audi is a poor choice - same car, higher list price, less toys. Pointless. If its the sportback you are thinking gives you more baby space, get a GTD estate instead.
BMW can be cheap to lease, they do have some low CO2 oil burners, but not the powerful ones. By the time you get to the powerful ones that you need to haul the heavier car around, you might as well have a smaller petrol turbo.
Lexus, always hated them, bland Toyota barges for people in beige slacks.
Merc, again not my thing really. I've never played golf, well, apart from VW Golf. Have a nast rep for poor build quality.
Jag - heard nasty things about the latest designs. Poor build quality and nasty plastics.
Considered a Volvo at all? Might be a bit of a left field choice, but...
-
From the list you've chosen, personally I'd be going for a 3-Series but not the 320d or 335d X-Drive. I'd stick with rear wheel drive and either go 330d if you want the economy, or the new 330i. It's a 250bhp 4-Pot Turbo Petrol so at least the engine will be nicer than a 4-pot diesel. Granted, the 6-pot oil burner in the 330d is a superb bit of kit but I still think the petrol would be a nicer choice for a petrolhead.
Spec wise, this is where the BMW falls a little short, you have to tick many boxes in order to make it the luxury car it should be.
M-Sport Plus pack gets you LED headlights, Tinted Glass, Larger Brakes and the Essential HK sound system (standard BMW speakers are shockingly bad), the Pro Nav is mega, and you need to add things like Heated Seats, Parking Sensors, Reversing Cam and Keyless Entry, all costly options.
That's where the BIK will kill you.
How about a Golf R Estate? Mega spec, 4WD, cracking motor. Just a shame the wagon doesn't look as good as the hatch (IMO of course).
-
I Keep going round in circle with my choices. I looked at petrol but the CO2 emissions causes a BIK issues. Hybrids have a massive advantage on BIK, the Merc for instance has a 240bhp petrol engine and a 60bhp electric engine. So even after the depleted electric motor I still have a 240bhp car with a BIK of 5% which saves me around £750 (higher rate tax) a year over an oil burner with the same power, my problem is.....it's a Merc lol.
BMW specs are so low, I would be taking a step backward compared to the R without ticking every box, which will ruin the lease price.
Volvo I haven't looked at, but I will do now :)
-
The Merc sort of interested me after you mentioned it (I need to start considering my next car about now...)
I found this talking about both MPG and what the thing is like minus the extra battery boost:
http://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/579936-realistic-c350e-mpg.html
And I read this:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/c-class/90861/mercedes-c350-plug-in-hybrid-review
Air suspension?
Citreon anyone?
And this article suggests that despite the impressive BHP figure, the petrol engine is a bit meh:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/c350e
I totally get trying to game BIK, I really do, but I draw the line somewhere and I think the Merc is probably it!
-
Reading that Autocar article, the C350e is also only available in 'Sport' trim (not AMG Line) so it's going to look very dull with furniture castors for wheels. Other than the large capacity AMG models, their petrol motors are nothing to write home about.
Have you driven a 320d? I think you might be surprised in that the motor is very strong. Might not be the most exciting but I suppose that's the compromise. If you want BIK and MPG at the top of the priority list, excitement will automatically fall down the ladder.
At least with the BMW you'll get the balance of a rwd chassis, the 320d is certainly powerful enough to adjust the cornering attitude on the throttle. You'll not be pulling big drifts but certainly a little shimmer on a wet roundabout makes things a bit more fun!
Next year BMW will introduce a petrol/electric hybrid so that might be worth waiting for.
-
Have you thought about the new A4- it looks to have a decent basic spec in s-line and the new virtual cockpit as an option looks the business
I do like the new c-class too esp the C450 AMG- might be a bit silly as a company car haha
-
I tell you what I have noticed looking at this question... the manufacturers are all introducing hybrid technology which quite frankly doesn't actually help much because of its short range... the only reason for this is that the short range is all that is needed to get through the emissions test...
Hence a 240bhp petrol engine gets a CO2 figure of 48g/km - which incidentally is pretty much the figure that all of the hybrids quote...
Now if only they made it possible for an owner to dump the extra 100kg if you wanted to :) Removable batteries you know ;-)
-
Can you opt out?
-
Have you driven a 320d? I think you might be surprised in that the motor is very strong. Might not be the most exciting but I suppose that's the compromise. If you want BIK and MPG at the top of the priority list, excitement will automatically fall down the ladder.
At least with the BMW you'll get the balance of a rwd chassis, the 320d is certainly powerful enough to adjust the cornering attitude on the throttle. You'll not be pulling big drifts but certainly a little shimmer on a wet roundabout makes things a bit more fun!
The g/f has a 320d M-Sport Touring. It is a worthy, if slightly dull car, handles quite well. The Sport-Auto box is excellent. The engine is OK, a little dull... not as good as the engine in the GTD... but not far off - it's more old school diesel.
If it were me, I'd pay a little more income tax and go for the 330i, on our scheme there's barely any difference in monthly lease cost. Yes, you'll lose out a bit on fuel consumption but performance and a petrol engine, for me, would make it worthwhile. BTW, I know it is expensive but the M-Sport + pack really is the way to go. Forget the frivolous options like keyless and reversing cameras... The M-Sport + pack has pretty mucg everything you need to make the car as it should be.
As for the Merc 350e, on our scheme, for some reason, it is almost 50% more than the BMW 330i... and on our scheme I'd have to pay that... and the tax saving won't offset that.
I'm not due to change mine for another couple of years... And it is difficult as the tax regime is likely to change to penalise the latest "bad thing"... They've done it before. Who knows, in 2 years there may be plug-in hybrids with decent range...
Talking of plug-in hybrids, they work quite well if you live in a city. A colleague has had his Golf GTE for a few months. He reckons that he's only filled it up with petrol a couple of times... He just swans around London on e-power and then charges it up overnight for the next day... But for me it would be useless, I rarely do journeys of less than 100 miles when I'm traveling for work.
-
You do know that BMW have just launched their 3 Series hybrid (the 330e) which is essentially near identical in terms of set-up and performance to the Merc C Class hybrid? The 5% bik rate (of both cars) is very compelling if you are going to stay in a company car scheme (particularly with the extension of the 3% diesel supplement announced yesterday by the Chancellor). I have driven the Merc and whilst the petrol engine certainly is not the finest, in conjunction with the electric motor in Sport Plus mode it certainly has considerable performance off the line. I suspect the hybrid 3 series BMW will be better to drive again.
-
The thing with plug in hybrids "being good in the city"... unless you are super rich, you probably don't have a drive or a garage to park your car and plug it in...
I used to live in London, my parking place was a permit valid for several streets around and most evenings I was parked several streets over. Even if I could park outside my house, I don't think trailing an extension lead from my letterbox to the car across the pavement would be viewed very well!
-
You do know that BMW have just launched their 3 Series hybrid (the 330e)
Shame BMW only offer it as a saloon... not sure that will cut it with the OP's child carrying requirements... probably needs to be a hatch at the very least, if not an estate.
Merc offer their's as an estate. They also make a PHEV SUV too if you want want a Chelsea tractor.
-
Agreed - particularly as the batteries eat into the boot space (giving raised floor) - if you need litres load capacity that may rule out the saloon only BMW. Is worth bearing in mind also that split rear seats are not standard fit in the BMW...
-
Audi A3 e-tron? Low BIK and relatively quick.
-
A3 e-tron is pretty hefty, similarly the GTE.
I had a look at both and they are well out of my personal allowance a month - so would have to pay up but lower BIK would cover most of that over the lease period.
Guessing the OP has a slightly higher allowance than me (I could get an R though but not with same spec as my current GT spec diesel estate) so might be different for him.
Other issue with all these hybrids is the range, they are advertised at xxx mpg but in reality you go to the pumps every other day if you drive a fair lot! My colleage has a Outlander PHEV, he manages to get a whole NINENTY less than the japs claim.... at the pump every 300 to 400 miles and he doesn't even drive it fast.
-
Audi e-tron is 150PS and expensive to boot.
The other thing I've thought about today with BMW and Merc PHEV's is that they are auto boxes... a BMW or Merc auto is the last thing you need if you are a business user who has to drive through whatever weather.
They fill the ditches and central reservations the second there is a drop of snow.
-
Thanks for the responses guys. I don't have an allowance as such. I'm the director of the company so I can have pretty much whatever I want, but I'm not a greedy. Plus the more money I spend on a car the less profit I make.
A saloon is fine as long as the litre capacity is a decent amount. I did look at the new A4 but it has a £20k options list!
-
The boot litre capacity is slightly better in the BMW 330e saloon than the Merc C class PHEV saloon (but both are less than their non-hybrid equivalents as they both have raised shelves in the boot). You would need to check them out in the flesh to see if they meet your requirements or are just too restrictive.
The fact is with these new hybrid 3 series/C Class, they really make sense ONLY for company car drivers because of the compelling 5% company car benefit rate (compared to around 20% for a Golf GTD/BMW 320d etc). It's a pure numbers game - in other respects the hybrid electric Golf GTE, BMW 330e and Merc C lass are all compromised/less than ideal - but if you can't/don't want to opt out of a company car scheme and take the cash, then the ultra low bik rate makes them impossible to ignore without careful consideration.
-
Thanks for the responses guys. I don't have an allowance as such. I'm the director of the company so I can have pretty much whatever I want, but I'm not a greedy. Plus the more money I spend on a car the less profit I make.
A saloon is fine as long as the litre capacity is a decent amount. I did look at the new A4 but it has a £20k options list!
Have you considered buying privately and then just paying yourself 45p a mile? Nearly always works out better and is what I do as a self employed limited company.
-
Thanks for the responses guys. I don't have an allowance as such. I'm the director of the company so I can have pretty much whatever I want, but I'm not a greedy. Plus the more money I spend on a car the less profit I make.
A saloon is fine as long as the litre capacity is a decent amount. I did look at the new A4 but it has a £20k options list!
Have you considered buying privately and then just paying yourself 45p a mile? Nearly always works out better and is what I do as a self employed limited company.
That's pretty much what I do. I take a monthly allowance and then buy privately and pay myself mileage. That way, I don't need to worry about company car policy or mpg.
-
If you buy out of your own pocket, you pay 40% tax on the money you use to pay for the car...
And your business can't claim back the VAT
-
If you buy out of your own pocket, you pay 40% tax on the money you use to pay for the car...
And your business can't claim back the VAT
Of course, there are pro's and con's. For my situation the accountant worked it out in both ways and advised it was better to buy personally. BIK rates, dividend, salary, income tax, she took it all into account.
I'm sure for a low power, low BIK rate vehicle it would be better to go down the company route.
-
If you buy out of your own pocket, you pay 40% tax on the money you use to pay for the car...
And your business can't claim back the VAT
He might not be VAT registered though. In any case, its still better to have your own car rather than a company car, that's the cheaper way (in most cases). Also, you can actually buy the car you want, rather than compromising and getting something because it fits into a lower BIK bracket (as in general the lower the tax on a company car the more dull it is!)
-
the accountant worked it out in both ways and advised it was better to buy personally.
Beat me to it! :grin:
-
If you buy out of your own pocket, you pay 40% tax on the money you use to pay for the car...
And your business can't claim back the VAT
In any case, its still better to have your own car rather than a company car, that's the cheaper way (in most cases). Also, you can actually buy the car you want, rather than compromising and getting something because it fits into a lower BIK bracket (as in general the lower the tax on a company car the more dull it is!)
Exactly that. We are VAT registered but are still only a small company so it works out better for us to do it personally. Plus, I really don't want to have to go diesel. I'm hoping for a BMW 340i M-Sport next time round so I don't think that would work very well for BIK!
-
If you buy out of your own pocket, you pay 40% tax on the money you use to pay for the car...
And your business can't claim back the VAT
He might not be VAT registered though. In any case, its still better to have your own car rather than a company car, that's the cheaper way (in most cases). Also, you can actually buy the car you want, rather than compromising and getting something because it fits into a lower BIK bracket (as in general the lower the tax on a company car the more dull it is!)
I'm actually flat rate VAT registered, so I don't claim VAT back - and make some profit on VAT instead, which works well for a small services company. But I'm not sure you are allowed to claim VAT back on a car anyway?
My 'car allowance' is effectively 0% personal tax rate as it paid through a dividend, which makes it hard to beat!
Exactly that. We are VAT registered but are still only a small company so it works out better for us to do it personally. Plus, I really don't want to have to go diesel. I'm hoping for a BMW 340i M-Sport next time round so I don't think that would work very well for BIK!
The 340i is on my radar too, have you been able to see one Jon? I want to test drive one (manual preferably), but no luck so far.
I literally just got home from driving it's rival - the Jag XE S. Was awesome, sounds great - although quieter in the cabin than I expected. Best thing was the instantaneous power from the pedal - part in thanks to the supercharger and part in thanks to me being used to a turbo diesel :grin: Discounts are much better on the BMW, but the spec is lower and the Jag holds it's value better so it's not such a huge difference. Jaguar sales team were very cool, have told me pick it up for a 24hr loan when it's dry (was soaking wet today).
-
I currently lease my R privately and claim 45p a mile back as suggested, but I do 20k mile a year so always get hit at the end. Also because the business is doing really well I'm dropping down to 4 days so my mileage claim won't exceed the cost of the car. Along with a few other reasons it works better to put it through the company this time. I go for one extreme to the next with cars. I was looking at a C63 AMG earlier......I really need to get out and test drive some cars.
I have decided if I get a family car, I will be getting some sort of sports car in a few years as a second car
-
A note of caution is you can only claim 45p tax free for the first 10k. If your doing significant mileage (i.e. 30k+) then you will be battered by depreciation and it's much more sensible to go with a company vehicle on lease.
You can only claim half the vat back on company cars.
An average repmobile like a 320d will cost you an extra £3,000 in tax each year if your in the higher tax bracket. Hybrids are a LOT cheaper currently but I expect the government will change the rules once they become more popular.
If you want to save tax a commercial vehicle is the best option (I'm currently looking at an Amarok pickup) as company car tax is very low.....plus all the vat is deducted.
-
Out of curiosity what is the issue with paying yourself more for mileage than the car costs or did I misunderstand you?
I figured that 45p a mile covers you pretty well for all overheads as well as the car itself (unless taxation cuts in). When I say figured I actually did the maths and even at >40k per annum I would have easily still broke even or even got out on top (list price on my car was 30k)! But that was just a mind exercise as my company does not allow people to opt out if they do over 10k on business a year.
-
I'll try and explain my situation a bit clearer.
I own a business with 2 other people
Currently I pay for my car plus all associated costs. Including insurance. With this is claim 45ppm for the first 10k then it drops down for any remaining miles over. Currently this works best for me financially.
Next year I'll be dropping days and moving locations so my mileage would drop to around 6k so if I keep paying for my own car I'll lose out and the business gains money, but as profit is split 3 ways I'll effectively take a pay drop. So if I get a company car, the business will pay for the car and all costs and profit will be split after the costs of the car have been taken into account, but because my mileage claim will be at 12ppm the business effective cost doesn't change.
It's complicated but it works, so I want to BIK low ish but I want a decent car ;)
-
Audi e-tron is 150PS and expensive to boot.
150ps is only the petrol motors output. Combine it with the electric motor and you'll have 205ps with a 0-60 of 7.6 seconds. It's worth the initial outlay.
-
What about the Passat GTE hybrid? 215hp and 295 lb-ft torque
http://www.greenmotor.co.uk/2015/07/volkswagen-passat-gte-review.html
Not as premium as the BMW or Mercedes, but the latest model seems to get a very good write up, and the GTE also has the 5% BIK. Not sure how the standard spec compares your other choices, but cost could be less for equivalent spec.
Plus, if you were to get any hybrid with less than 75g C02, your business gets 100% enhanced capital allowance for the purchase price to offset against company tax bill, which I'm sure your accountant will explain and help flatter your company profits :)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/315604/factsheet-tax-implications.pdf
-
Lol so what your saying is you want the bun and the penny :smiley:
I'll try and explain my situation a bit clearer.
I own a business with 2 other people
Currently I pay for my car plus all associated costs. Including insurance. With this is claim 45ppm for the first 10k then it drops down for any remaining miles over. Currently this works best for me financially.
Next year I'll be dropping days and moving locations so my mileage would drop to around 6k so if I keep paying for my own car I'll lose out and the business gains money, but as profit is split 3 ways I'll effectively take a pay drop. So if I get a company car, the business will pay for the car and all costs and profit will be split after the costs of the car have been taken into account, but because my mileage claim will be at 12ppm the business effective cost doesn't change.
It's complicated but it works, so I want to BIK low ish but I want a decent car ;)
-
After doing some research I am currently looking into a Jag XE R-Design. 163ps (DTUK box takes it to 195) 99g CO2 so 13%BIK 75mpg combined and amazing spec as standard and weirdly very cheap. Anyone had any experience with these?
-
This:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jaguar/xe
Against: Limited rear space, small-ish luggage capacity
Doesn't sound terribly double child capable to me...
Plus its heavier and lower powered than the Mk7 GTD.
I don't think its practical nor fun really...
-
I've driven the 240 and 340PS Petrol XE. Very poised and capable cars. I didn't drive the diesels but a friend has the R-Sport 200bhp Diesel XF and loves it. At higher motorway speeds it's not far off my DTUK GTD, which we put down the 8 speed box gearing, but is a way off at more reasonable speeds (we've compared extensively!)
They aren't as exciting as the MK7 to drive - probably due to everything being a bit too subdued, the XE still handles very well though, and can definitely entertain on an A road.
I would love an XE S (it's been hard to stop thinking about it!), but think it would have to be a manual first and I'm not sure that will ever happen.
Funnily enough, the above friend and I jumped from the 340PS V6 XE S in to my GTD, and we were both just amazed at how fantastically the Golf compared.
We also prefer the Golf dash, the plastics are better and everything is more thought out. Some of the controls are confusing in the XE although the overall cabin feel is good and the seats are better - my whole back felt amazing. I do like the sweeping shapes around the doors and dash (like a boat), and the bonnet bulge in front gives a muscle car feel.
Disclaimer - I'm not trying to sell you my GTD again ;) Probably going to keep it another 6 months for now. But still - a DTUK GTD with sport and sound, good tyres and DCC, it's awesome.
-
Exactly that. We are VAT registered but are still only a small company so it works out better for us to do it personally. Plus, I really don't want to have to go diesel. I'm hoping for a BMW 340i M-Sport next time round so I don't think that would work very well for BIK!
The 340i is on my radar too, have you been able to see one Jon? I want to test drive one (manual preferably), but no luck so far.
I literally just got home from driving it's rival - the Jag XE S. Was awesome, sounds great - although quieter in the cabin than I expected. Best thing was the instantaneous power from the pedal - part in thanks to the supercharger and part in thanks to me being used to a turbo diesel :grin: Discounts are much better on the BMW, but the spec is lower and the Jag holds it's value better so it's not such a huge difference. Jaguar sales team were very cool, have told me pick it up for a 24hr loan when it's dry (was soaking wet today).
Ooh now it really does sound like we've got similar thoughts here. I'm very intrigued by the XE-S too. I love the exterior design and love the engine, but I sat in the back of one (or tried to) with the seat in my driving position and I just don't think it's big enough for my needs. I do keep thinking about them though, if they did a Sportbrake I'd be very interested.
I've seen a 340i with some M-Performance goodies on the road, not up close but I followed one for a bit. Sounded stunning and the new LED rear lights looked ace.
I've sat in an XE and a new 3-Series back to back though, and I must admit I preferred the BMW thanks to it's better driving position for my 6' 1" frame (could get the drivers seat lower and steering wheel reached out further to me) and also the media screen is at a higher level which makes looking at the screen easier whilst driving. I also prefer iDrive to the touch screen.
New Audi S4 will be worth a look too, generous spec, good looking, quattro and the MQB II chassis. Promises to be a superb car.
-
A BMW 340 or a Supercharged Jag or a Audi S4 though are not what our friend is looking for...
He's looking for something fun with a lowish BIK...
I'd been round this one loads and loads before I decided on my GTD. The GTD does meet all of these requirements for me, but my children are both grown up and I no longer need to think about how to stuff all those prams/bikes/whatever into my car so was able to go from a large rep mobile down to a go-kart and enjoy the freedom and have a few quid in my pocket.
If I need the trash hauling capability, I'd be looking at either a Passat estate or a BMW of 3 series of some kind. Seem to remember the new bi-turbo on the Passat is highly rated by fellow 'dubbers on here.
-
Ooh now it really does sound like we've got similar thoughts here. I'm very intrigued by the XE-S too. I love the exterior design and love the engine, but I sat in the back of one (or tried to) with the seat in my driving position and I just don't think it's big enough for my needs. I do keep thinking about them though, if they did a Sportbrake I'd be very interested.
I've seen a 340i with some M-Performance goodies on the road, not up close but I followed one for a bit. Sounded stunning and the new LED rear lights looked ace.
I've sat in an XE and a new 3-Series back to back though, and I must admit I preferred the BMW thanks to it's better driving position for my 6' 1" frame (could get the drivers seat lower and steering wheel reached out further to me) and also the media screen is at a higher level which makes looking at the screen easier whilst driving. I also prefer iDrive to the touch screen.
New Audi S4 will be worth a look too, generous spec, good looking, quattro and the MQB II chassis. Promises to be a superb car.
Ha, similar indeed! Interesting to hear your thoughts on the interiors. the only time I sat in the back of the XE was in one of the showroom models, so the driver chair may have been too far forward for me (I'm also 6'1!) but it seemed ok. Have seen it is definitely less space than the BMW though. Yes, wasn't a big fan of the screen in the Jag - found it all a bit distracting to look at.
S4 could well be a contender, and then there's the C450!
I think I would prefer the 340i out of the lot though, I like it's sleek but understated looks and biggest thing for me - a gear stick :)
A BMW 340 or a Supercharged Jag or a Audi S4 though are not what our friend is looking for...
He's looking for something fun with a lowish BIK...
I'd been round this one loads and loads before I decided on my GTD. The GTD does meet all of these requirements for me, but my children are both grown up and I no longer need to think about how to stuff all those prams/bikes/whatever into my car so was able to go from a large rep mobile down to a go-kart and enjoy the freedom and have a few quid in my pocket.
If I need the trash hauling capability, I'd be looking at either a Passat estate or a BMW of 3 series of some kind. Seem to remember the new bi-turbo on the Passat is highly rated by fellow 'dubbers on here.
Yes, we are a bit off topic sorry, but we did offer some XE experiences first ;)
-
My 'car allowance' is effectively 0% personal tax rate as it paid through a dividend, which makes it hard to beat!
However, you must bear in mind that the rules relating to dividends are changing from 6th April 2016, so you'll only be getting £5,000 'tax free' instead of the current rules whereby you can effectively earn up to the higher rate of tax and pay no tax. Massive change, and worth consulting your accountant about. :smiley:
-
My 'car allowance' is effectively 0% personal tax rate as it paid through a dividend, which makes it hard to beat!
However, you must bear in mind that the rules relating to dividends are changing from 6th April 2016, so you'll only be getting £5,000 'tax free' instead of the current rules whereby you can effectively earn up to the higher rate of tax and pay no tax. Massive change, and worth consulting your accountant about. :smiley:
Are you touting for work again? :grin: :grin: :grin:
Oh, and where's the pics of the Cayman Mark? How you finding the Porsche compared to the R?
-
Are you touting for work again? :grin: :grin: :grin:
Oh, and where's the pics of the Cayman Mark? How you finding the Porsche compared to the R?
Ha ha :grin: no, just offering some free advice! However, should anyone want a more detailed consultation... :wink:
They're on my twitter/instagram! I can't remember how to post pics in here :grin:
Some interesting differences actually. Firstly, it feels a lot quicker. Don't know if that's the placebo effect as it shouldn't really be quicker, but it does feel it. May be because of the longer gearing, I don't know. But I've obviously tested it full beans on roads I know (it is second hand so no need to run it in), and its a monster and tears through the tarmac much quicker than the R. And, obviously the noise is much, much better - very addictive and people can hear me coming a mile away :grin: Grip in the dry is phenomenal!
However, its also a lot different in the wet - maybe it's cause I've only had it a few weeks, but the confidence levels at speed when driving when its hammering it down is a lot less than in the R - basically, didn't matter what the weather was like, the R was planted; the Cayman S is a lot different, you really have to pay attention (and not be an idiot basically) - however, some may say that's more fun (had the back end come out slightly which was great!) but on the flip side after a long day at work you sometimes just want to drive home and not have to worry about being that engaged in the drive.
Inside, obviously visibility is reduced compared to the R, however its still fine. I will say the infotainment side of things - easier in the R, but still usable. I find some of the buttons are in the wrong place, however its probably cause I've been in a VW for so many miles, and I have only had it a few weeks so still getting used to it. Steering wheel isn't as good as in the VW either. Driving position is spot on, seats are incredibly comfy, and even as a daily drive its more than usable. Consumption wise, I'm getting average 24-26, and I was only getting 28 in the R, so happy with that! Materials inside of are of higher quality, but then you'd expect that.
Overall, its amazing - looks great, sounds great, and is great fun to drive! Very pleased I changed as never had anything like this before, and I love driving it. I'd highly recommend anyone thinking of getting one to do so!
-
My 'car allowance' is effectively 0% personal tax rate as it paid through a dividend, which makes it hard to beat!
However, you must bear in mind that the rules relating to dividends are changing from 6th April 2016, so you'll only be getting £5,000 'tax free' instead of the current rules whereby you can effectively earn up to the higher rate of tax and pay no tax. Massive change, and worth consulting your accountant about. :smiley:
I know, thanks matchboy, and cheers Osbourne you £$%"! My accountant has sent a couple of emails on it but the last one stated it was still subject to consultation, but seems likely to be happening?
Nice to read your thoughts on the Cayman, love that car. If I wasn't thinking of keeping practicality (4+ doors) it would be top of my list! Yeah, get some pics up :)
-
I test drove an XE today manual R Sport 180bhp. Lovely refined car, extremely comfortable and quiet. Engine is excellent. Obviously slow compared to the R but enough poke to get the job done. (7.4 is the 0-62). They have one sat in the dealership brand new I want to take off their hands.
Heated seats
Rear view camera
Keyless entry
Front and rear parking sensors
Sat nav
Intouch connected app connect
Heated steering wheel
Heated front screen
Two tone leather heated seats
Panoramic sunroof
Blind spot monitor
Memory pack
10 way electric seats
Power tailgate
The list goes on and on. Just need to sort the finance side of things. It's December so I reckon I could squeeze a good deal. They have thrown together a 3+35 at 10k coming in at £430
-
Have you tried to put baby stuff into it?
Make sure you try that...
-
Yeah I took the wife and toddler with me, put the car seat and out and put the buggy in the boot. The boot is massive! 455litres compared to the R 340litres. The wife who is extremely keen on this one.
-
Ok I have jumped with the XE, I take delivery of it next week. Outstanding company car, unsure if I will keep the R as a toy or not. I will keep it until the new year to let the Jag settle in and see if the power satisfies me or not.
It has some cracking features on it.
iPhone app to start the car and turn on heating inc front and rear heated screens, locate car, check its locked, preload navigation into the car, check fuel levels etc.
Heated steering wheel
Blind spot monitor to help you reverse out of a bay.
Rear view camera ( had this on my GTI and loved it)
Heated and cooled leather seats with 10 way electric adjustment and 4 memory functions
Keyless entry
Traffic sign recognition with automatic speed limiter (why you would use the speed limiter is beyond me)
Voice control and text to speech system
A jaguar version of carnet....ish
Plus lots of other really clever crap. I'll upload photos etc when it arrives but it will look like this
(http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag237/lee_palmer4/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2exapttl.jpeg) (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/lee_palmer4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2exapttl.jpeg.html)
-
Ok I have jumped with the XE, I take delivery of it next week. Outstanding company car, unsure if I will keep the R as a toy or not. I will keep it until the new year to let the Jag settle in and see if the power satisfies me or not.
It has some cracking features on it.
iPhone app to start the car and turn on heating inc front and rear heated screens, locate car, check its locked, preload navigation into the car, check fuel levels etc.
Heated steering wheel
Blind spot monitor to help you reverse out of a bay.
Rear view camera ( had this on my GTI and loved it)
Heated and cooled leather seats with 10 way electric adjustment and 4 memory functions
Keyless entry
Traffic sign recognition with automatic speed limiter (why you would use the speed limiter is beyond me)
Voice control and text to speech system
A jaguar version of carnet....ish
Plus lots of other really clever crap. I'll upload photos etc when it arrives but it will look like this
(http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag237/lee_palmer4/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2exapttl.jpeg) (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/lee_palmer4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2exapttl.jpeg.html)
I like that. :cool:
-
Ok I have jumped with the XE, I take delivery of it next week. Outstanding company car, unsure if I will keep the R as a toy or not. I will keep it until the new year to let the Jag settle in and see if the power satisfies me or not.
It has some cracking features on it.
iPhone app to start the car and turn on heating inc front and rear heated screens, locate car, check its locked, preload navigation into the car, check fuel levels etc.
Heated steering wheel
Blind spot monitor to help you reverse out of a bay.
Rear view camera ( had this on my GTI and loved it)
Heated and cooled leather seats with 10 way electric adjustment and 4 memory functions
Keyless entry
Traffic sign recognition with automatic speed limiter (why you would use the speed limiter is beyond me)
Voice control and text to speech system
A jaguar version of carnet....ish
Plus lots of other really clever crap. I'll upload photos etc when it arrives but it will look like this
(http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag237/lee_palmer4/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2exapttl.jpeg) (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/lee_palmer4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2exapttl.jpeg.html)
I like that. :cool:
I agree with you that is really nice :smiley: that's another r owner from here in a jag
-
Ok so this is mine (yes I'm aware it's covered in dirt lol)
(http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag237/lee_palmer4/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2ui4qxve.jpeg) (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/lee_palmer4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2ui4qxve.jpeg.html)
-
That's lovely, congrats! Nice to see it has the upgraded 'Templar' alloys too, look great!
-
That looks awesome! Lovely!
-
Very nice. You decided on the fate of your R yet?
-
Really like that mate, lovely looking motors.
I've been trying to get my bro to buy one for ages :wink:
-
My R is currently sat on my drive, the speed compared to my R is taking a lot of getting used to. I'm having to be more careful at junctions and be more aware of gearing because of the torque. So it will be staying at least until the new year, then I'll decide if I can justify the cost of 2 new cars given I'm the only member of my house with a licence.
-
Ok so this is mine (yes I'm aware it's covered in dirt lol)
(http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag237/lee_palmer4/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2ui4qxve.jpeg) (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/lee_palmer4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2ui4qxve.jpeg.html)
That's beautiful. Lovely colour.
-
Very nice :cool: It's a great looking car.
You could sell the R, and when it comes time to trade the Jag - go for the XE S!
Is it the auto or manual? Just wondering how the ZF compares to your DSG.
-
That's a sweet motor. Very mildly envious. :whistle:
-
Very nice :cool: It's a great looking car.
You could sell the R, and when it comes time to trade the Jag - go for the XE S!
Is it the auto or manual? Just wondering how the ZF compares to your DSG.
Manual this time. The auto is apparently good but slightly more hesitant over the DSG
-
(http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag237/lee_palmer4/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsoxic6i17.jpeg) (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/lee_palmer4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsoxic6i17.jpeg.html)
Also sealed and waxed it today. Paint is excellent but had no protection on before and mud literally stuck to it like a magnet
-
I've seen a few on the road and it's nice from the front but not a fan of the rear design. The exhausts look puny on the ones I've seen
-
I've seen a few on the road and it's nice from the front but not a fan of the rear design. The exhausts look puny on the ones I've seen
Yes the standard exhausts are nasty. Bloke in our office has a green one and has fitted some Skoda exhaust tips to it, makes a huge difference...
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/birchyboy87/2015-09-25%2010.32.19_zpsflo00ssd.jpg) (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/birchyboy87/media/2015-09-25%2010.32.19_zpsflo00ssd.jpg.html)
-
Yeah some of the small petrol engines have stupidity small exhausts. Mine are slightly bigger than those on a GTD
-
I've seen a few on the road and it's nice from the front but not a fan of the rear design. The exhausts look puny on the ones I've seen
Yes the standard exhausts are nasty. Bloke in our office has a green one and has fitted some Skoda exhaust tips to it, makes a huge difference...
(http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc481/birchyboy87/2015-09-25%2010.32.19_zpsflo00ssd.jpg) (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/birchyboy87/media/2015-09-25%2010.32.19_zpsflo00ssd.jpg.html)
I got to be honest i'd have one as a company car and be very pleased but it looks sh!t to me especially from this angle, almost like some 90's Nissian has shagged a Saab and this is the end result from this angle at least.
P.s i wouldn't be this rude if you paid for it with your own money.