Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Gaffers on 15 October 2018, 17:49:25

Title: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 15 October 2018, 17:49:25
Right, as kitty is dead I need a new kitty (or similar)

I have had a quick butchers at the company car tax calculators and the rates seem  eye-watering for an XF.  Even the XE was steep.  Dont tell me I'll have to stoop to a BMW  :o
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 15 October 2018, 18:07:24
Is it worth leasing if you're off soon?

Better to buy summat suitable, if older to see out your time in Blighty  :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 15 October 2018, 18:20:29
Looks like if we expand to the US I will retain my role in Blighty as well.  Not sure what that would mean in terms of company car but it will take at least a year to acquire a company over there so it might be worth it.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 15 October 2018, 18:26:29
Just thinking that if you have to cut the lease short the penalties might cause you issues and the last thing you need is to opps the whole thing up due to what is effectively an impulse purchase :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 15 October 2018, 20:09:07
I think a 2 year lease is reasonable given the time frames for moving over there.

However the BIK rates can be eye-watering for anything with a bit of poke.  I like th eidea of a plug-in hybrid (and the favouable BIK rates) but I also need something with a towbar.  The Outlander could work but it's a lot of car for Mrs G and I.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 15 October 2018, 20:12:58
How about a pick up? Hilux rates aren't too bad... Gets Swmbo ready for the F150 Raptor :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 16 October 2018, 09:44:10
Check lease costs, some good deals about, you may find its less than the BIK hit for many models (don't forget to include tax, insurance etc in the calc).
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 16 October 2018, 10:14:56
How about a pick up? Hilux rates aren't too bad... Gets Swmbo ready for the F150 Raptor :D

Already decided on a jaaaaag in the US of A.  Got ot keep the classy (ahem) Brit image alive  ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 16 October 2018, 10:17:56
Check lease costs, some good deals about, you may find its less than the BIK hit for many models (don't forget to include tax, insurance etc in the calc).

Noted.  I have seen that some of the higher end PHEVs are pretty good on the BIK but I can only find one with a towbar and that's a Mitsubishi Outlander!  The BMs, Mercs and VWs have all either stopped taking orders or no longer do towbars.  I had a look at the XF and XE but then saw the BIK.....
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 16 October 2018, 10:42:58
Outside the box...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807268816943

Falls outside the stupid tax rates too ;)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: LC0112G on 16 October 2018, 11:25:05
I'd wait until the end of the month, after the Budget, before making any decisions. There is no way of knowing what Hammond will tax next, and Benefit's in Kind could be on the radar.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 16 October 2018, 15:23:28
Outside the box...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807268816943

Falls outside the stupid tax rates too ;)

Not bad, but would rather a lease on a new or newish car.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 16 October 2018, 15:28:14
Not bad, but would rather a lease on a new or newish car.

I believe that is the American way  :y

I'd go with LCOG's advice above, mind, given the impending budget and talks of "end to austerity by raising tax by 1% across income tax, VAT, etc etc"!

I have no useful car advice, however. So I'll go back to my corner  ;)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 16 October 2018, 16:08:14
Outside the box...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807268816943

Falls outside the stupid tax rates too ;)

Not bad, but would rather a lease on a new or newish car.
Fair enough, looked interesting enough to be a stop gap rather than rushing headlong into an overreaction :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 16 October 2018, 16:16:39
Saw an advert for here:

https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto (https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto)

XF Petrol, £286 for 3 years, with 10k miles.

Additional £43 for servicing, which includes tyres & service.

Quite reasonable actually.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 16 October 2018, 17:00:25
Saw an advert for here:

https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto (https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto)

XF Petrol, £286 for 3 years, with 10k miles.

Additional £43 for servicing, which includes tyres & service.

Quite reasonable actually.


Probably.....but I find it hard to get my head around the fact that I don't own the car, and I'm just renting it.

Much like renting a house instead of buying it. :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 16 October 2018, 17:36:45
Saw an advert for here:

https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto (https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto)

XF Petrol, £286 for 3 years, with 10k miles.

Additional £43 for servicing, which includes tyres & service.

Quite reasonable actually.


Probably.....but I find it hard to get my head around the fact that I don't own the car, and I'm just renting it.

Much like renting a house instead of buying it. :-\

Same. After 4 years and £13k be good to own it, despite it being a lower value.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Viral_Jim on 16 October 2018, 17:47:23
I'm not sure what the difference would be, you either take the hit directly on lease or indirectly in the depreciation of your asset.  :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: TheBoy on 16 October 2018, 18:05:55
Saw an advert for here:

https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto (https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto)

XF Petrol, £286 for 3 years, with 10k miles.

Additional £43 for servicing, which includes tyres & service.

Quite reasonable actually.
And an extra £2.5k initial rental ;)


Bro was offered an mid spec Octavia for a 2yr/20k lease, total was £4k over the 2 years (plus servicing/tyres/tax/insurance etc).  But the silly fool has not long signed up for yet another S Class parts bin.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 16 October 2018, 18:32:53
I'm not sure what the difference would be, you either take the hit directly on lease or indirectly in the depreciation of your asset.  :-\

The old adage.

If it appreciates (houses) buy it.........If it depreciates (cars) rent it.

 
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 16 October 2018, 18:35:20
10k miles is absolutely sod all... I only work four days a week and do 12k just commuting  ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: STEMO on 16 October 2018, 18:39:00
I'm not sure what the difference would be, you either take the hit directly on lease or indirectly in the depreciation of your asset.  :-\

The old adage.

If it appreciates (houses) buy it.........If it depreciates (cars) rent it.
If you buy wisely you can mitigate the depreciation. I'm obviously talking about buying used, not new.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 16 October 2018, 18:42:50
I'm not sure what the difference would be, you either take the hit directly on lease or indirectly in the depreciation of your asset.  :-\

The old adage.

If it appreciates (houses) buy it.........If it depreciates (cars) rent it.
How about...

Never have more than 50% of your household income tied up in things with engines  :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 16 October 2018, 18:45:51
I'm not sure what the difference would be, you either take the hit directly on lease or indirectly in the depreciation of your asset.  :-\

The old adage.

If it appreciates (houses) buy it.........If it depreciates (cars) rent it.
If you buy wisely you can mitigate the depreciation. I'm obviously talking about buying used, not new.

Yes.......buying a 7 litre Cobra in 1968 when nobody wanted them would have proved a fine investment today. :)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 16 October 2018, 20:20:40
Thoughts on the XC60 PHEV?

Financials just about work.  Reviews look good. Pretty decent performance when wanted and half decent mpg when charged (I still have the charger attached to the house from the Leaf). Good spec and build quality.  Looks ok.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 17 October 2018, 08:56:56
10k miles is absolutely sod all... I only work four days a week and do 12k just commuting  ::)

How are the miners' strikes and rolling blackouts back there in the 1970s?  :P ;)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 17 October 2018, 09:28:26
How about a pick up? Hilux rates aren't too bad... Gets Swmbo ready for the F150 Raptor :D

You might be on to something there.  I didn't realise the BIK rates for LCVs are so low.  Hmmm, Merc X class, anyone?  ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Viral_Jim on 17 October 2018, 09:36:52
You might be on to something there.  I didn't realise the BIK rates for LCVs are so low.  Hmmm, Merc X class, anyone?  ::)

Id buy the Navara (exactly the same car) for several grand less personally. But the ideas sound.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 17 October 2018, 12:53:05
You might be on to something there.  I didn't realise the BIK rates for LCVs are so low.  Hmmm, Merc X class, anyone?  ::)

Id buy the Navara (exactly the same car) for several grand less personally. But the ideas sound.

It is less but not that much less on a company lease from what I can see.  I do like the Navara though, I'd have to test drive them both to see which one suits me best.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 17 October 2018, 16:23:56
10k miles is absolutely sod all... I only work four days a week and do 12k just commuting  ::)

How are the miners' strikes and rolling blackouts back there in the 1970s?  :P ;)
Starting in 1976, I can't say that I noticed ;D

If you can remember the seventies, you weren't there man ;D :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Keith ABS on 17 October 2018, 17:19:41
 The Navara and the Isuzu are the best two to consider if going pick up route
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 17 October 2018, 23:03:39
You might be on to something there.  I didn't realise the BIK rates for LCVs are so low.  Hmmm, Merc X class, anyone?  ::)

Id buy the Navara (exactly the same car) for several grand less personally. But the ideas sound.

Have they figured out how to stop them splitting in two yet? :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Viral_Jim on 17 October 2018, 23:06:16
Allegedly. But I suppose only time will tell  ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 17 October 2018, 23:07:21
Allegedly. But I suppose only time will tell  ::)
I found out about that little gem about a week after using an '07 plate model to tow a glider to Aberdeen. :o


EDIT: Lovely tow car, BTW, with the rear attached, at any rate. :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: VXL V6 on 17 October 2018, 23:14:11
You might be on to something there.  I didn't realise the BIK rates for LCVs are so low.  Hmmm, Merc X class, anyone?  ::)

Id buy the Navara (exactly the same car) for several grand less personally. But the ideas sound.

Have they figured out how to stop them splitting in two yet? :-\

Yeh, apply rust protection at the factory... Oh no that would be too simple!
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 17 October 2018, 23:44:46
Nah, nothing rusts in Spain where they're made ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 18 October 2018, 09:13:28
Nah, nothing rusts in Spain where they're made ::)
Ahh! Rust proofing is clearly the first job after siesta + sherry. ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 18 October 2018, 15:01:20
Well, I have spoken to all the dealers (VOlvo, Mitsubishi and NIssan) and the financials are compelling.  For a Ltd company with personal usage an LCV is best.  The Navara comes with a 5 year/100k mile warranty, drives as close to a car as a truck can get atm and if the company purchases it then the tax advantages are significant, not to mention the significant discount from the dealer.

Looks like I'm gunna be a pick-up driver  ???
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: dave the builder on 18 October 2018, 15:22:44

Looks like I'm gunna be a pick-up driver  ???
have you fixed / dried out the engine you washed  :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 18 October 2018, 15:24:17
Well, I have spoken to all the dealers (VOlvo, Mitsubishi and NIssan) and the financials are compelling.  For a Ltd company with personal usage an LCV is best.  The Navara comes with a 5 year/100k mile warranty, drives as close to a car as a truck can get atm and if the company purchases it then the tax advantages are significant, not to mention the significant discount from the dealer.

Looks like I'm gunna be a pick-up driver  ???

What are the monthlies like?
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 18 October 2018, 15:26:21
Well, I have spoken to all the dealers (VOlvo, Mitsubishi and NIssan)

Ford also make a pickup.. and you clearly missed Mercedes  :P

(Loved my Ranger, as I may have mentioned before .. it willed me to drive like a spotty yoof at all times!)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: TheBoy on 18 October 2018, 17:17:11
Having just come back from the States, an F350 is a pickup, not the childrens toys being mentioned here ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: STEMO on 18 October 2018, 17:18:44
Having just come back from the States, an F350 is a pickup, not the childrens toys being mentioned here ;D
Yeah, but other people need the other half of the road, so you can't have it all to yourself.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 18 October 2018, 17:21:52
Having just come back from the States, an F350 is a pickup, not the childrens toys being mentioned here ;D
Yeah, but other people need the other half of the road, so you can't have it all to yourself.

When the cull is implemented there will be far more room on the road. :y

Think 'Omega Man' with Charlton Heston. :)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: STEMO on 18 October 2018, 17:23:27
Having just come back from the States, an F350 is a pickup, not the childrens toys being mentioned here ;D
Yeah, but other people need the other half of the road, so you can't have it all to yourself.

When the cull is implemented there will be far more room on the road. :y

Think 'Omega Man' with Charlton Heston. :)
Or even Soylent Green.....with Charlton Heston.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: TheBoy on 18 October 2018, 17:33:38
Having just come back from the States, an F350 is a pickup, not the childrens toys being mentioned here ;D
Yeah, but other people need the other half of the road, so you can't have it all to yourself.
OK, I'll settle for a lesser F250. Or even the pokey F150.

Then I can still ram everyone out of my way.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 18 October 2018, 18:26:45

Looks like I'm gunna be a pick-up driver  ???
have you fixed / dried out the engine you washed  :-\

Yup, all working fine although there is still a lot of moisture in the exhaust system which keeps the tailgaters away at least ;D

A good blast at the weekend should sort it out but tomorrow I am testing an Outlander PHEV for 24 hours so it'll ahve to wait until saturday when I go down to Gosport.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: dave the builder on 18 October 2018, 18:35:56

Looks like I'm gunna be a pick-up driver  ???
have you fixed / dried out the engine you washed  :-\

Yup, all working fine although there is still a lot of moisture in the exhaust system which keeps the tailgaters away at least ;D

A good blast at the weekend should sort it out but tomorrow I am testing an Outlander PHEV for 24 hours so it'll ahve to wait until saturday when I go down to Gosport.
Cool  8)

It's a good selling point when you sell it
say you just had the entire intake and exhaust system cleaned  :)

T̶e̶r̶r̶a̶C̶l̶e̶a̶n̶ by Edd China

Terrible-clean By Gaffers   :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 18 October 2018, 21:48:30
Ok, I deserve that  ;D

Just driven back from rugby practice and it was still steaming when I booted it.  A funny slight burning smell too, but I guess that must be the exhaust drying out.  I'll wait until I give it a good long drive before I am fully happy with it.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: dave the builder on 19 October 2018, 00:58:38
I'm not familiar with your car or what the exhaust looks like,
many cars have low points that can trap water (the back box of an astra g can have water in even used daily to the extent that some manufacturer has put a small drain hole in the design),some sections have wadding .
takes a while to dry out even when hot .
glad your up and running again  :)
hopefully it dries pretty quick  :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 30 October 2018, 15:28:30
Well, I have spoken to all the dealers (VOlvo, Mitsubishi and NIssan) and the financials are compelling.  For a Ltd company with personal usage an LCV is best.  The Navara comes with a 5 year/100k mile warranty, drives as close to a car as a truck can get atm and if the company purchases it then the tax advantages are significant, not to mention the significant discount from the dealer.

Looks like I'm gunna be a pick-up driver  ???

What are the monthlies like?

Any LCV with fuel card = <£150/month in BIK @ 40% tax rate.  Much less than a plug-in hybrid.  Bonkers.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 30 October 2018, 15:30:47
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: RossPhim on 30 October 2018, 15:36:28
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.

I would!!!  :y :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 30 October 2018, 15:40:19
SO Over the past few weeks I have test-driven the following:

Outlander PHEV - Good drive and handling but only suitable for commutes of 50 miles or less.  Mine is 100/day and the mpg take a real hit.  Add to that a very small fuel tank and I would be filling up every other day.  Reasonable BIK though.
Lexus NX Plug-in hybrid - Really nice interior but the drive was, well, a little gutless even in sport mode.  Full size fuel tank but still not really suitable for the amount of commuting I do.  Acceptable level of BIK.
Volvo XC60 D5 - Outstanding drive, nice interior.  The D5 really pulls like a train and proably beats the jag in terms of performance.  High BIK :(

Navara test drive is tomorrow, I already have my quote and the numbers work.  VERY low BIK, even with fuel card.  I wont get the performance of the Jag or anywhere near but I would be able to launch and recover the boat with ease now and not be worried about getting stuck in the sand (as much).  Plus I get to lord it over everyone else on the road  ;D 

With the financials I have worked out it really is a no-brainer.  Unless the Navara is a real POS to drive then I cannot see me going with anything else.  If only the Model 3 was available, with the BIK going down to around 500 quid in 18 months and with the 100% write-down on CT it makes it a very appealing proposition.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 30 October 2018, 15:41:36
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.

Leaf springs ::)

and 'coming soon' usually means in 6 months or so......
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 30 October 2018, 15:48:49
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.

Leaf springs ::)

and 'coming soon' usually means in 6 months or so......

2019 .. right about when the PCP on the Skoda finishes. :-X :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 30 October 2018, 15:53:06
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.

Leaf springs ::)

and 'coming soon' usually means in 6 months or so......

2019 .. right about when the PCP on the Skoda finishes. :-X :D

I saw a Dodge RAM 15900 this morning on my commute.  I was very tempted......
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 30 October 2018, 16:04:27
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.

Leaf springs ::)

and 'coming soon' usually means in 6 months or so......

2019 .. right about when the PCP on the Skoda finishes. :-X :D


Same again? :)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 30 October 2018, 16:56:24
With the financials I have worked out it really is a no-brainer.  Unless the Navara is a real POS to drive then I cannot see me going with anything else.  If only the Model 3 was available, with the BIK going down to around 500 quid in 18 months and with the 100% write-down on CT it makes it a very appealing proposition.

How long does it take a Navara to rust in two these days? ;)

What about if you keep reversing it into the sea?  :o
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 30 October 2018, 18:10:35
With the financials I have worked out it really is a no-brainer.  Unless the Navara is a real POS to drive then I cannot see me going with anything else.  If only the Model 3 was available, with the BIK going down to around 500 quid in 18 months and with the 100% write-down on CT it makes it a very appealing proposition.

How long does it take a Navara to rust in two these days? ;)

What about if you keep reversing it into the sea?  :o

I won't be keeping it long enough to find out.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Viral_Jim on 30 October 2018, 19:55:56
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.

Leaf springs ::)

and 'coming soon' usually means in 6 months or so......

2019 .. right about when the PCP on the Skoda finishes. :-X :D

Also doesn't count as a van for BIK I don't think. I'm sure to be commercial a pickup needs a load bed capacity of 1000kgs and the article I read said it was only 750 on the raptor.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 31 October 2018, 08:11:42
Also doesn't count as a van for BIK I don't think. I'm sure to be commercial a pickup needs a load bed capacity of 1000kgs and the article I read said it was only 750 on the raptor.

That will be a shame - in fact, if it doesn't come with the same GTW rating as the Wildtrak, it would count it out for me.. I mean, a thoroughly impractical vehicle needs at least some practicality to justify it ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 31 October 2018, 08:57:35
Also doesn't count as a van for BIK I don't think. I'm sure to be commercial a pickup needs a load bed capacity of 1000kgs and the article I read said it was only 750 on the raptor.

That will be a shame - in fact, if it doesn't come with the same GTW rating as the Wildtrak, it would count it out for me.. I mean, a thoroughly impractical vehicle needs at least some practicality to justify it ;D

 ;D ;D

I at least will have a practical use in the launching and recovery of my boat and tips to the trip over the next year or so.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 31 October 2018, 09:53:54
;D ;D

I at least will have a practical use in the launching and recovery of my boat and tips to the trip over the next year or so.

FTFY. One 1000 kg load and I can't see them letting you back on site. ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 31 October 2018, 10:28:56
;D ;D

I at least will have a practical use in the launching and recovery of my boat and tips to the trip over the next year or so.

FTFY. One 1000 kg load and I can't see them letting you back on site. ;D

They never say anything about the box trailer and boot being full but often turn commercial vans away.  Hired vans were ok but I think that has stopped too.
 Apparently the local tips are switching to pre-registration and ANPR.  If you cant prove you are a local resident you have to pay a fiver.  That should stop all the Surrey cheap-arses coming over to Hampshire to dump their carp.  surrey introduced a charge last year.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 31 October 2018, 10:30:51
;D ;D

I at least will have a practical use in the launching and recovery of my boat and tips to the trip over the next year or so.

FTFY. One 1000 kg load and I can't see them letting you back on site. ;D

They never say anything about the box trailer and boot being full but often turn commercial vans away.  Hired vans were ok but I think that has stopped too.
 Apparently the local tips are switching to pre-registration and ANPR.  If you cant prove you are a local resident you have to pay a fiver.  That should stop all the Surrey cheap-arses coming over to Hampshire to dump their carp.  surrey introduced a charge last year.

Back home, it's free e-permits now, have to register the high van's number plate, get 5 free trips a year or something. Works out fine for us as we rarely use a van, but helping fatherT clear the garage. We will have to use Towcester though, as Ardly is in Oxfordshire.  :(
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 31 October 2018, 11:01:20
Ours are introducing permits from the spring... Pick ups, single piece vans and single axle trailers all ok; yet lutons, twin axle trailers and horse boxes are not ::)

So if you only own a twin axle flat trailer, and you need to dispose of twenty fence panels, then you're choice (assuming you can't give them away on Craigslist or Shpock?), is to burn it or rent a van and do three trips  ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 31 October 2018, 11:05:55
Fire is the best option, in competition with someone else as to how high you can get the flames of course ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 31 October 2018, 11:07:14
Fire is the best option, in competition with someone else as to how high you can get the flames of course ;D
Obviously high enough to reach the nearest lelandii ;)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: TheBoy on 31 October 2018, 16:46:30
Last week I was offered an XF Sportbrake, petrol, for a shade over £4k pa, 2yr scheme, 10k miles pa. List of the particular car was £46k

I was almost tempted to chop in the chav, but:
The scheme was for an estate (urgh)
We both like the chav, which is comfortable, cheap to run, feature rich and mostly hassle free (except that pesky EML that I must get my Tech2 back to sort)

Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 31 October 2018, 19:38:11
So I test drove the Navara today.  Ok, it doesn't have the performance of kitty but then I wasn't expecting it either.  It doesn't feel as big to drive as I thought it was going to be.  I liked it although there was a slight vibration whenever we hit a pothole or bump in the road.  The hardtop double cab really reduces the visibility in the rear view which confirms my choice for just a roller shutter.  ORder going in this week :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2018, 13:39:00
https://www.ford.co.uk/future-vehicles/ranger-raptor

I'll just leave that there.

You bastid
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2018, 14:34:37
Just drove the Ranger to compare it to the Navara and it's got a nice grunt to the engine, pulls like a train and the interior is very nice indeed.

Damn you Aaron, damn you ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 01 November 2018, 15:14:27
 ;D ;D ;D ;D

And the leaf springs at the back never did bother me - they make it very easy to hang the arse out, too. So I hear.  :-X

Take it you drove the 3.2 5-cylinder? The 2.2 is meant to be more bulletproof but the 3.2 (despite sounding like a bag of spanners when you're ragging it!) has much more grunt.  Not quite the 450hp of the Raptor, mind  :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2018, 15:18:56
It did not have the front end wobble when going over bumps which the Navara had.  Unsure whether that was due to the chassis or the 18" wheel weight fighting with the tyres and suspension but it was very noticeable compared to the Ford.  Even when booting it the 3.2 wasn't that bad.  It really did shift and gave me the smile that the jag does when my right foot gets heavy.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 01 November 2018, 15:29:31
I remember that smile.. it was very rewarding to drive quickly (considering it's size and high COG). It also towed a covered car trailer loaded with Cobra, second engine, compressor, half the garage tools etc commendably, and had a pallet of bricks in the load bed (not at the same time!) without breaking a sweat*

*Unless that weighs more than the bed limit, in which case it was half a pallet, your honour.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2018, 15:34:33
Regardless of choice I may have to carry a load of crap tools and stuff in the back just to give the rear a bit of weight and improve handling in general.  I could just use the dead bodies from the fiat 500s and 2 series beemers I will be driving over on my morning commute (cures the outside lane hogging issue)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 01 November 2018, 16:07:54
Bed liner filled with sand and a lid ;)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2018, 16:31:01
Bed liner filled with sand and a lid ;)

That should reduce the aroma of the dead bodies a bit  ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Shackeng on 01 November 2018, 16:45:08
;D ;D

I at least will have a practical use in the launching and recovery of my boat and tips to the trip over the next year or so.

FTFY. One 1000 kg load and I can't see them letting you back on site. ;D

They never say anything about the box trailer and boot being full but often turn commercial vans away.  Hired vans were ok but I think that has stopped too.
 Apparently the local tips are switching to pre-registration and ANPR.  If you cant prove you are a local resident you have to pay a fiver.  That should stop all the Surrey cheap-arses coming over to Hampshire to dump their carp.  surrey introduced a charge last year.

Even for dead fish? :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Shackeng on 01 November 2018, 16:48:47
Just drove the Ranger to compare it to the Navara and it's got a nice grunt to the engine, pulls like a train and the interior is very nice indeed.

Damn you Aaron, damn you ;D

SIL has one, and loves it. :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 01 November 2018, 17:59:07
Ford also do a car/SUV version of the Ranger called the Everest which looks really nice, but they don't sell it in Blighty sadly.  :(
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 01 November 2018, 18:17:44
Ford also do a car/SUV version of the Ranger called the Everest which looks really nice, but they don't sell it in Blighty sadly.  :(

Here you go a Ford Everest linky! (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Diecast-Car-Model-Ford-Everest-Titanium-SUV-U375-1-18-Red-GIFT/252813595013?hash=item3adcdd5185:g:fVIAAOSwax5YyJoV:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true)  :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2018, 18:36:47
Ford also do a car/SUV version of the Ranger called the Everest which looks really nice, but they don't sell it in Blighty sadly.  :(

Here you go a Ford Everest linky! (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Diecast-Car-Model-Ford-Everest-Titanium-SUV-U375-1-18-Red-GIFT/252813595013?hash=item3adcdd5185:g:fVIAAOSwax5YyJoV:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true)  :y

Dont you start as well! ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: New POD on 01 November 2018, 21:31:12
Saw an advert for here:

https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto (https://www.motorama.com/car-leasing/jaguar/xf/2-0i-prestige-4dr-auto)

XF Petrol, £286 for 3 years, with 10k miles.

Additional £43 for servicing, which includes tyres & service.

Quite reasonable actually.

THIS IS the omega owners forum isn't it ?

My Limited company refuses to fund a lease car for me despite the fact that I do 15K business miles a year.

But it sticks religiously to the HMRC mileage rates of 45p and 25p.  (also pays 12p a mile if I use a push bike)

And this is why I bought my omega.  £525 deposit and £0 monthly payments. with an easy to end contract (I'd phone the scrap man and take £150 cash) , and then approx £475 into my bank (on average) a month and about £260 in fuel going out each month, so about £215 tax free, which I need to fund servicing, tyres and repairs out of.  So far I reckon I've spent £1000 in 2 years so call it £42 a month. So  £173 Tax free PROFIT and use of the car for private use with just petrol to pay. 

I'm feeling smug. by owning an Omega I'm making tax free cash.

Do I win a prize for using a 200K plus petrol 3.2 MV6 omega every day ?

(Obviously Old cars are unreliable, but I have a back up car, and I had to use the mk1 Mx5 as a stop gap for a week when it failed the MOT after I failed to adjust the handbrake correctly) 


Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 01 November 2018, 22:01:35
Sadly not... My best year was about £18k in Omega fuel... All deductible  8)

That car did 180k in four years. Which was nice  8)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 07:02:51

THIS IS the omega owners forum isn't it ?

My Limited company refuses to fund a lease car for me despite the fact that I do 15K business miles a year.

But it sticks religiously to the HMRC mileage rates of 45p and 25p.  (also pays 12p a mile if I use a push bike)


Yes, and you point is?

As for the figures, yes that is what i do currently but kitty is starring to get to that point where i am working on it nearly every weekend.  I am time poor not necessarily the other way around.  I run the uk side of a cyber security company which means working full time for clients during the day and doing business development and admin in the evenings.

Plus i am the boss/owner so i can do what i like  ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 02 November 2018, 10:03:39
Ford also do a car/SUV version of the Ranger called the Everest which looks really nice, but they don't sell it in Blighty sadly.  :(

Here you go a Ford Everest linky! (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Diecast-Car-Model-Ford-Everest-Titanium-SUV-U375-1-18-Red-GIFT/252813595013?hash=item3adcdd5185:g:fVIAAOSwax5YyJoV:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true)  :y

Dont you start as well! ;D

At that price you could buy several.

You'd need to, to use them as roller skates, as they're 1:18 scale ;D ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 10:11:01
Ford also do a car/SUV version of the Ranger called the Everest which looks really nice, but they don't sell it in Blighty sadly.  :(

Here you go a Ford Everest linky! (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Diecast-Car-Model-Ford-Everest-Titanium-SUV-U375-1-18-Red-GIFT/252813595013?hash=item3adcdd5185:g:fVIAAOSwax5YyJoV:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true)  :y

Dont you start as well! ;D

At that price you could buy several.

You'd need to, to use them as roller skates, as they're 1:18 scale ;D ;D

Plus it's an SUV and not an LCV so the BIK will be ruinous.  With the fuel card the BIK on the Ranger or Navara is less than 150 notes a month :y

Van insurance on the another hand :o
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 02 November 2018, 10:14:19
Yeah - although at least yours is van insurance for business use.. try finding van insurance for "personal use only"! Damn near impossible, which is part of the reason I ended up with REIS and a fleet policy..

P.S. I'm doing my "told you so" dance over here. Another convert to the Ranger.  ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 02 November 2018, 10:48:07
What engine is the Ranger to bring on these smiles?
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 11:35:31
Yeah - although at least yours is van insurance for business use.. try finding van insurance for "personal use only"! Damn near impossible, which is part of the reason I ended up with REIS and a fleet policy..

P.S. I'm doing my "told you so" dance over here. Another convert to the Ranger.  ;D

Sorry, the thought of you dancing is having a detrimental effect on my current choice..... :-X
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 11:37:33
What engine is the Ranger to bring on these smiles?

3.2 weasel.  200hp with a fork load of torque, something like 470 at relatively low revs  :o
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Viral_Jim on 02 November 2018, 12:28:22
What engine is the Ranger to bring on these smiles?

3.2 weasel.  200hp with a fork load of torque, something like 470 at relatively low revs  :o

Handy!

Out of interest did you drive the v6 TDI Amarok?
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 02 November 2018, 14:12:11
What engine is the Ranger to bring on these smiles?

3.2 weasel.  200hp with a fork load of torque, something like 470 at relatively low revs  :o

And sod all weight over the rear, I can see why these are fun.  8)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 14:34:21
What engine is the Ranger to bring on these smiles?

3.2 weasel.  200hp with a fork load of torque, something like 470 at relatively low revs  :o

And sod all weight over the rear, I can see why these are fun.  8)

Hence why I think I willl have to cart my tools around with me.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 02 November 2018, 14:38:10
I never had any grip issues, unless I was driving like a complete moron loon, really.. and in the snow there's the diff-lock  :y (Which you can turn on at up to 60mph, IIRC! I never tried that as I didn't want to leave cogs on the road ;D)

Fun drive, though.

FWIW I had an aftermarket roll-top on the bed, but I would have the Ford one by preference. Get the Ford towbar fitted, too, as it's better than the aftermarket IMHO.

The only thing that annoyed me was that the tailgate isn't on the central locking, though you can get a kit for that.. mine was pre the current facelift, though, so that could have changed.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 02 November 2018, 14:49:07
Out of interest did you drive the v6 TDI Amarok?

Good shout - Matt, I'd be interested to know what one of those drives like (there's a good chap ;) ;D) as they do look quite nice.

(Looks are important because I'm a total poser, as you all know.. ;D ;D)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 02 November 2018, 14:51:23
Out of interest did you drive the v6 TDI Amarok?

Good shout - Matt, I'd be interested to know what one of those drives like (there's a good chap ;) ;D) as they do look quite nice.

(Looks are important because I'm a total poser, as you all know.. ;D ;D)

He would also have someone with VCDS around the corner as well, not that it would go wrong, but what stuff could be enabled, tweaked or disabled.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 15:26:11
For the same spec the Amarok is very pricey.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Viral_Jim on 02 November 2018, 16:05:42
As are most VW products, but I was wondering because of the residuals, I thought a lease/PCP might not be so bad.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 02 November 2018, 16:15:18
https://www.parkers.co.uk/company-car-tax-calculator/ (https://www.parkers.co.uk/company-car-tax-calculator/)

Is something like this accurate? Was having a play....

2018 Jaaaaag 2.0  :-X AWD (300PS) Saloon. (Petrol) = ~£500/m

2018 BMW 330e Luxury (Petrol) = ~£150/m

Massive difference, would Hybrid thing like that really just cost you just an extra £150 in tax a month?  :-\ If having a company car?
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 16:19:24
BIK rates on the jags and beemers are quite high, LCVs are a fixed very low rate even with fuel cards and pickups fall in to that category (if they have a 1kT carrying capacity.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 02 November 2018, 16:23:14
BIK rates on the jags and beemers are quite high, LCVs are a fixed very low rate even with fuel cards and pickups fall in to that category (if they have a 1kT carrying capacity.

But the "Hybrid" things, which barely do 10 miles on a charge. Appear very cheap.  :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 16:25:51
XF was my first thought when considering options for the company and then cam the BIK of £500+ per month.

Remember, I am a stingy Yorkshireman at heart.  Don't let the Sandhurst-forged accent fool you ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 16:26:18
BIK rates on the jags and beemers are quite high, LCVs are a fixed very low rate even with fuel cards and pickups fall in to that category (if they have a 1kT carrying capacity.

But the "Hybrid" things, which barely do 10 miles on a charge. Appear very cheap.  :-\

Only really useful if doing about 50 miles a day.  I am doing twice that easily.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 02 November 2018, 16:26:58
If the Model 3 was available I would have that in a heartbeat.  It is going to make a very attractive company car option.  Relatively good value car with very low BIK rates.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 02 November 2018, 18:42:05
As are most VW products, but I was wondering because of the residuals, I thought a lease/PCP might not be so bad.
Not so... They are priced up to the market... Residuals aren't actually that great on VAG products even if they are perceived to be. They're expensive to begin with.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 02 November 2018, 20:48:23
Remember, I am a stingy Yorkshireman at heart.  Don't let the Sandhurst-forged accent fool you ;D

 ;D ;D ;D

My Yorkshire must have all dissolved when I moved south .. I've spent years spending it as fast as I earnt it  :-X
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Viral_Jim on 03 November 2018, 16:32:48
As are most VW products, but I was wondering because of the residuals, I thought a lease/PCP might not be so bad.
Not so... They are priced up to the market... Residuals aren't actually that great on VAG products even if they are perceived to be. They're expensive to begin with.

My only experience with VAG products so far has been the golf I've signed for. Cost more than either the leaf or Zoe, but less to lease than either.

TBF that's comparing really bad depreciation to racking awful depreciation though!
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 04 November 2018, 15:54:29
My Altea XL lost £10k in two years... It would have lost nearer £15k, but as it was pre registered, I only paid £12,500 for it...

Being able to write off the depreciation was most helpful ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 08 November 2018, 13:41:22
Just had a test drive in an iPace.  :-X
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 November 2018, 13:49:41
Just had a test drive in an iPace.  :-X
That bad ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 08 November 2018, 13:53:25
Just had a test drive in an iPace.  :-X
That bad ;D

Quite the opposite.  Phenomenal.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 November 2018, 14:05:57
Have you driven a Tesla lately? 3 might be worth the wait ;)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 08 November 2018, 14:09:58
In all honesty i am probably going to have to wait a couple of years before i get anything fancy.  The company entity is fairly young and many finance companies wont touch it.  I have found somewhere that will do the ranger sp if i do that for a couple of years and look again when the model 3 and other evs are around (and that the current evs rethink their tow bar decisions)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 08 November 2018, 14:11:56
Just had a test drive in an iPace.  :-X
That bad ;D

Quite the opposite.  Phenomenal.

They are arn't they!

Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 08 November 2018, 14:29:59
Just had a test drive in an iPace.  :-X
That bad ;D

Quite the opposite.  Phenomenal.

They are arn't they!

I knew it was going to be fast given the figures but nothing prepares you for the reaction when you plant it in sport mode.  I felt like I wasn't pushed in to the seat but that my chest had been sat on by a sumo wrestler who was carrying a small car.  We came across a Maclaren on the drive who wanted to go, he had trouble keeping up :D   The handling is good too, you can literally throw it in to any corner at speed with high accuracy.  The only thing letting it down is the lack of 100kW charging stations but that isn't JLR's fault and should be rectified in a few years.

Wow, just, WOW!
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 08 November 2018, 14:35:13
Right, anough f$%&ing around, order placed for a Ranger.

Well done Aaron, you win.  But if it is sh!te I'll drive it through your living room ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 November 2018, 14:44:31
Right, anough f$%&ing around, order placed for a Ranger.

Well done Aaron, you win.  But if it is sh!te I'll drive it through your living room ;D
Dave Ramsey has recently purchased his first brand new car (having previously advocated against it until you have at least a million dollars net worth)...

His choice? A Raptor...  :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: tunnie on 08 November 2018, 15:47:07
Drove up next to one of these on Wednesday, branded like this. Huge things....

(https://images.clickdealer.co.uk/vehicles/1807/1807486/large1/28307523.jpg)

Did note that the brake discs looked smaller than 3.2's - Maybe it was just perspective with wheel size.  :-\
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: STEMO on 08 November 2018, 15:50:35
Outside, we have a lay by thingy with room for three cars. When my neighbours son in law visits in his ranger, there is room for one car.........his.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 08 November 2018, 15:56:28
Outside, we have a lay by thingy with room for three cars. When my neighbours son in law visits in his ranger, there is room for one car.........his.

I may have to alter the front garden slightly to cater for the extra 50cm of the truck less the c£$& a few doors down neighbours may grass me to the council again.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 November 2018, 16:35:41
Outside, we have a lay by thingy with room for three cars. When my neighbours son in law visits in his ranger, there is room for one car.........his.

I may have to alter the front garden slightly to cater for the extra 50cm of the truck less the c£$& a few doors down neighbours may grass me to the council again.
Don't tell me, you're not allowed commercial vehicles on your drive ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 08 November 2018, 16:57:44
Outside, we have a lay by thingy with room for three cars. When my neighbours son in law visits in his ranger, there is room for one car.........his.

I may have to alter the front garden slightly to cater for the extra 50cm of the truck less the c£$& a few doors down neighbours may grass me to the council again.
Don't tell me, you're not allowed commercial vehicles on your drive ::)

It's not that, more about overhanging the pavement ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: TheBoy on 08 November 2018, 17:13:06
Have you driven a Tesla lately? 3 might be worth the wait ;)
I think I'd be wary buying a Tesla currently, given the state of the company's finances, and history in the tech industry where a high profile CEO gets kicked out.

Thats on top of my waryness with plugin EVs (but that's because a) they don't meet my current requirements, b) nobody makes a viable, durable battery)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 08 November 2018, 19:04:24
Right, anough f$%&ing around, order placed for a Ranger.

Well done Aaron, you win.  But if it is sh!te I'll drive it through your living room ;D

;D ;d you won't regret it.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 08 November 2018, 20:43:19
When I stayed in Houston at my mates, I was told that the local body shops were used to Brit's who'd just arrived, bought a pick up and tried to put it in the garage!  :-X  ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 09 November 2018, 07:24:16
Cor, what kind of pikey Houston houses are these people buying/renting? ;D my boss has no problem fitting his lifted Bronco or Raptor in one of his eight garages...

...other than him having filled four of them with vintage pinball tables and arcade machines!

It's possible he has too much money.... ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 09 November 2018, 09:04:55
No, the houses in Houston are rather massive.  I have been looking at it as one potential company acquisition is there so I checked the real estate.  For less than the cost of my current 2up/2down I could get a 4 bed all en-suite detached house with 2.5 (US-sized) car garage and a pool.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 November 2018, 10:48:02
Yes there are houses in Houston that are massive!  :y

My mates place was big and had a double garage. His Range Rover Sport and Jag XKR both went in, but it was a squeeze. He wouldn't have got a pickup in.   :-\

A guy who we went to school with turned up bought a big house and a Ford F350 Raptor and it didn't fit in the garage. It's the same as here, older housing stock have smaller garages as the cars were smaller.  ;)

They also joke that there are more Brit office guys driving around Houston in big pickups than local tradesmen.  ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 09 November 2018, 11:01:48
Ironically I have Jaguars on my list for when I move to Amurika.  $2.5 a gallon?  Don't mind if I do sir! :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 November 2018, 11:25:15
Ironically I have Jaguars on my list for when I move to Amurika.  $2.5 a gallon?  Don't mind if I do sir! :D

Too right!  :y

The guy we went to school with went car shopping on his 2nd day and came back with the Raptor for his wife (who is 4ft nothing!  ;D) and a Mustang for himself.  :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: BazaJT on 09 November 2018, 17:43:59
Where did I go wrong?When my son moved over to America-to Los Angeles for a brief period and then to where he is now just outside San Francisco-he bought a...………….FOCUS :-[ not only that but his wife also has one :-[ :-[ :-X
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: STEMO on 09 November 2018, 18:16:43
Where did I go wrong?When my son moved over to America-to Los Angeles for a brief period and then to where he is now just outside San Francisco-he bought a...………….FOCUS :-[ not only that but his wife also has one :-[ :-[ :-X
A very sensible decision, Baza, take no notice of the hooligans on here.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 November 2018, 18:22:49
Where did I go wrong?When my son moved over to America-to Los Angeles for a brief period and then to where he is now just outside San Francisco-he bought a...………….FOCUS :-[ not only that but his wife also has one :-[ :-[ :-X
You let him move to the sandal wearing, salad munching capital of the world :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: ronnyd on 09 November 2018, 18:26:35
Where did I go wrong?When my son moved over to America-to Los Angeles for a brief period and then to where he is now just outside San Francisco-he bought a...………….FOCUS :-[ not only that but his wife also has one :-[ :-[ :-X
A very sensible decision, Baza, take no notice of the hooligans on here.
You can tell from the vehicles that a lot of Americans drive that they don,t give a toss about global warming, er sorry , climate change.  ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: STEMO on 09 November 2018, 19:35:02
Where did I go wrong?When my son moved over to America-to Los Angeles for a brief period and then to where he is now just outside San Francisco-he bought a...………….FOCUS :-[ not only that but his wife also has one :-[ :-[ :-X
A very sensible decision, Baza, take no notice of the hooligans on here.
You can tell from the vehicles that a lot of Americans drive that they don,t give a toss about global warming, er sorry , climate change.  ;D
Big, fat, noisy things. That's both Americans and their cars.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: ronnyd on 09 November 2018, 20:10:20
Where did I go wrong?When my son moved over to America-to Los Angeles for a brief period and then to where he is now just outside San Francisco-he bought a...………….FOCUS :-[ not only that but his wife also has one :-[ :-[ :-X
A very sensible decision, Baza, take no notice of the hooligans on here.
You can tell from the vehicles that a lot of Americans drive that they don,t give a toss about global warming, er sorry , climate change.  ;D
Big, fat, noisy things. That's both Americans and their cars.
Our Catera owners across the pond will love that. :o
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: STEMO on 09 November 2018, 20:16:24
Where did I go wrong?When my son moved over to America-to Los Angeles for a brief period and then to where he is now just outside San Francisco-he bought a...………….FOCUS :-[ not only that but his wife also has one :-[ :-[ :-X
A very sensible decision, Baza, take no notice of the hooligans on here.
You can tell from the vehicles that a lot of Americans drive that they don,t give a toss about global warming, er sorry , climate change.  ;D
Big, fat, noisy things. That's both Americans and their cars.
Our Catera owners across the pond will love that. :o
Oh dear, don't want to offend anybody.  ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: TheBoy on 10 November 2018, 09:06:22
My (limited) experience of average cars in America, taking pickups out of the equation, is the vast majority are Euro/Jap shitboxes.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 November 2018, 09:32:08
Quite fancy on of these...

https://www.byo.gb-en.cadillaceurope.com//models/ct6/configurator/
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 10 November 2018, 11:06:10
My mother in law has a DTS which she lets me use whenever i visit.

4.6 V8.  Less than 300 ponies.  Crap handling.  Slightly smaller than a british house.

The aircon works though.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 November 2018, 11:25:43
My mother in law has a DTS which she lets me use whenever i visit.

4.6 V8.  Less than 300 ponies.  Crap handling.  Slightly smaller than a british house.

The aircon works though.
Wrong wheel drive too :o The last STS is more than capable with the 3.6 lump and very nice with the V8  ;)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 10 November 2018, 11:44:43
The version i drive is definitely RWD.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 November 2018, 16:04:45
The version i drive is definitely RWD.
Ah, ok, my mistake, I thought it was a reworking of the older STS ;)

RWD doesn't help the looks though :D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 10 November 2018, 17:12:07
The version i drive is definitely RWD.
Ah, ok, my mistake, I thought it was a reworking of the older STS ;)

RWD doesn't help the looks though :D

The crappy suspension makes booting it a squeeky bum moment.  You could live, you could be thrown in a hedge.  You just dont know ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 November 2018, 18:37:58
The stupid rear overhang won't help either... It's traditional Cadillac though, long floppy boat that will eat miles doing the double nickel ;)

Looking underneath one, the STS seemed to be a clear relative of the VE Commodore, which makes it most unCaddy like to drive 8)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 10 December 2018, 23:03:49
Well, it has taken firkin ages but i have finally confirmed delivery in mid january.

After messing around with finance at the stealers first i hadn't been trading long enough, so i had some draft accounts made.  Still no good so switched to Black Horse who were ok with the company trading time but somehow didn't recognise my bank as a real bank (It’s a new fintech thing, and very good).  So after pulling my hair out i went Arval instead and with some to-ing and frow-ing we have finally arrived at a deal.

Although now i have to for the roller shutter to be delivered and fitted so it won't be here in time for xmas.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: 2boxerdogs on 11 December 2018, 04:54:24
Don't care what anyone says about American cars , I love them especially the Camaro & Mustang , had a Jeep Hemi for a short while & that was terrific can't beat a big V8.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Shackeng on 11 December 2018, 11:08:53
Don't care what anyone says about American cars , I love them especially the Camaro & Mustang , had a Jeep Hemi for a short while & that was terrific can't beat a big V8.

^^^
Me too, the first one I drove was like this https://www.shannons.com.au/club/enthusiasts/wildweels/garage/1959-oldsmobile-rocket-88/ belonging to a USAF friend of mine. Lovely car. Short on gears but great on pulling in every sense. :-X
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 11 December 2018, 11:39:32
Don't care what anyone says about American cars , I love them especially the Camaro & Mustang , had a Jeep Hemi for a short while & that was terrific can't beat a big V8.

The first big American V8 that I owned was made by Corgi, and given to me for Chistmas by my grandmother in 1966.

The car was an Oldsmobile Toronado, which looked great, and came with a 7 litre V8, and FWD. :o :o :o

Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: 2boxerdogs on 11 December 2018, 11:48:12
Don't care what anyone says about American cars , I love them especially the Camaro & Mustang , had a Jeep Hemi for a short while & that was terrific can't beat a big V8.

The first big American V8 that I owned was made by Corgi, and given to me for Chistmas by my grandmother in 1966.

The car was an Oldsmobile Toronado, which looked great, and came with a 7 litre V8, and FWD. :o :o :o
.


Funny enough Opti my favourite Corgi/ Dinky were a variety of Mercedes  always swore that I would have one one day.😎🎄🎄🎄🎄
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: 2boxerdogs on 11 December 2018, 11:49:31
Don't care what anyone says about American cars , I love them especially the Camaro & Mustang , had a Jeep Hemi for a short while & that was terrific can't beat a big V8.

^^^
Me too, the first one I drove was like this https://www.shannons.com.au/club/enthusiasts/wildweels/garage/1959-oldsmobile-rocket-88/ belonging to a USAF friend of mine. Lovely car. Short on gears but great on pulling in every sense. :-X
.

Nice looking Yank.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Nick W on 11 December 2018, 17:18:05
The car was an Oldsmobile Toronado, which looked great, and came with a 7 litre V8, and FWD. :o :o :o


The Cadillac based on the same floorpan and gearbox came with an 8.2
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 11 December 2018, 17:37:05
And a psychotic looking chain drive iirc :o
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Nick W on 11 December 2018, 17:43:52
And a psychotic looking chain drive iirc :o


Only from the torque converter to the gearbox
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 04 January 2019, 14:55:38
Picking it up on Tuesday :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 04 January 2019, 15:16:55
Picking it up on Tuesday :y

An I-Pace?
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 04 January 2019, 15:24:53
Picking it up on Tuesday :y

An I-Pace?

Nope, the Ranger I ordered.  Taken frickin long enough for the Lease company and dealer to pull their fingers out of their 'arris but I suppose that you roll the dice with that.

The iPace should be the next one unless something better comes out at around the same price point but I doubt that very much.  The BIK rate doesn't drop for EVs until 2021 so the 2 year lease on the Ranger means I wait for the more favourable tax rates plus getting the history on the company credit file which is a bit thin rdue to it being new.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: aaronjb on 04 January 2019, 15:28:19
Much jealous.
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 04 January 2019, 15:35:30
Much jealous.

It does mean that Kitty has to go
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: dave the builder on 04 January 2019, 16:26:06
Much jealous.

It does mean that Kitty has to go
all that work washing out the exhaust gone to waste  ;D
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 04 January 2019, 19:55:27
Much jealous.

It does mean that Kitty has to go
all that work washing out the exhaust gone to waste  ;D

The neighbour might be buying it in which case it won't be going far
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 January 2019, 21:51:18
Much jealous.

It does mean that Kitty has to go
all that work washing out the exhaust gone to waste  ;D

The neighbour might be buying it in which case it won't be going far
Have you told him the space on the driveway will come in handy for another boat? :y
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 04 January 2019, 22:03:19
Much jealous.

It does mean that Kitty has to go
all that work washing out the exhaust gone to waste  ;D

The neighbour might be buying it in which case it won't be going far
Have you told him the space on the driveway will come in handy for another boat? :y

Shhhh Mrs G might read this!
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 05 January 2019, 19:33:03
Much jealous.

It does mean that Kitty has to go
all that work washing out the exhaust gone to waste  ;D

The neighbour might be buying it in which case it won't be going far
Have you told him the space on the driveway will come in handy for another boat? :y

Shhhh Mrs G might read this!
Oh, sorry. Of course, you've already got boats a boat. Why on earth would you need another? ::)
Title: Re: Company car advice
Post by: Gaffers on 06 January 2019, 09:35:26
Much jealous.

It does mean that Kitty has to go
all that work washing out the exhaust gone to waste  ;D

The neighbour might be buying it in which case it won't be going far
Have you told him the space on the driveway will come in handy for another boat? :y

Shhhh Mrs G might read this!
Oh, sorry. Of course, you've already got boats a boat. Why on earth would you need another? ::)

Bigger, faster, etc.  You should know, you have a second skateboard car  ;)