Board logo

Company car suggestion?
Fred W B - 1/9/08 at 07:27 PM

Someone I know who lives in the UK has to chose a new company car, budget about 30K UKP - what to go for?

She has a Merc two door C180 Kompressor at the moment

Cheers

Fred W B

Flamez - 1/9/08 at 07:29 PM

try and negotiate cash instead of company car, we are taxed beyond belief,

Flamez - 1/9/08 at 07:30 PM

try and negotiate cash instead of company car, we are taxed beyond belief,

Howlor - 1/9/08 at 07:40 PM

Be really careful about a cash alternative. I know of many people who have lost out with that route.

Look at the BMW 3 series as it is a run out model and there is an 'Edition' series with loads of extras thrown in. For 30K you can get the 320d M Sport with Satnav and leather etc etc. 50+ mpg and very good on the tax.

Steve

StevieB - 1/9/08 at 07:41 PM

Company cars are taxed hard here, but it is worth considering not having to pay for servicing, tyres, repairs, insurance or financing charges, so it can sometimes work out worthwhile - escpecially given the budget she has to play with.

Can't go wrong with a BMW 3 series in my book. There's a lot of them around, but it's becase they're bloody hard to beat in terms of quality and driving experience.

Howlor - 1/9/08 at 07:46 PM

If she is not too bothered about the tax then try the Audi A5.

coozer - 1/9/08 at 08:05 PM

Evo 9

TOO BADD - 1/9/08 at 08:08 PM

Nothing to do with a company car, just thought I'd show off my new avatar !
been trying for months to get one on.

Richard Quinn - 1/9/08 at 08:11 PM

I went for the 123D MSport hunchback. Still not sure on the shape but it's a cracking engine. 204bhp, 0-60 in under 7 and still showing close to 50mpg. Emmissions are low too at 130odd g/km which all helps with the tax.
The choice I had was a reasonable spec 3 series or a really good 1. With the 123 engine it wasn't a hard choice (and I only sit in the front and look at the inside anyway!)

adam1985 - 1/9/08 at 08:51 PM

seems like your trying to defend this car before anyones even said anything sounds like you dont like the look of it

Richard Quinn - 1/9/08 at 09:04 PM

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I don't like the shape of it! Is that clear enough?

nick205 - 1/9/08 at 09:08 PM

quote:
Originally posted by adam1985
seems like your trying to defend this car before anyones even said anything sounds like you dont like the look of it



Sounds more like a very accurate assesment of the car to me. On paper not much comes close to the 1 series all things considered. Best drivers car, excellent economy and emissions (which is a real boon on the co car tax bill), well built (still better than Audi IMHO), low running costs (for what it is) and very keen lease prices (again one for the co car drivers).

Then you have the love it/hate it looks (personally I'm a lover) and the unfortunate driver image (unfortunate badge effect (rather like Sokda)).


Back to the question - what are your friends feelings on the current Merc she has?

If she likes it and her local dealer that might be a done deal for Mercedes

Dangle_kt - 1/9/08 at 09:30 PM

My next car will be the Jag XF 2.7 d lux. Stupidly high tax, but gorgeous.

Thats £33k

Richard Quinn - 1/9/08 at 10:02 PM

Isn't there a new Merc hatch due out (replacement for C coupe)? Supposed to be a challenger for the top end Golfs etc

DarrenW - 2/9/08 at 08:11 AM

ive been running a 320D tourer for 3 years as a personal company car and love it. No plans to change it.
If i was to look for another car about 30K id be looking at BMW's again and perhaps also Audi's. Love the new A5. Mate has an A4 Quattro that is also very nice indeed. Id be looking to get something with best tax and emissions.
Ive had a mondeo before which was a surprisingly good car and a very sensible choice.