New company car, no idea what to choose!

Wyrdo · 7 Jun 2011 at 11:57

So, don't think I've ever posted in motors though I do read a lot, be gentle! I start a new job next week and have just been sent a spreadsheet listing the cars I can choose from.

After my interview I'd been led to believe I'd be getting a new 1 series BMW, not this

Any thoughts on any of these as I don't really know much about any of them? I'm also not sure what that trade up value is, I pay that amount to get a car from that section?

Ideally I wanted a 5 door car but as the biggest engine on there is a 1600 and that is only available on the 3 door cars then I'm leaning towards the Audi A1.

Your comments would be appreciated!

Oh, I've also been told I can contact them to get a previously used car that is available for reallocation, might do that to see if there's anything better available albeit used.

VOLKSWAGEN POLO NEW D SE TDI 11 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2006

Trade up £15

MINI ONE D 1.6 ONE BASE 1600 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2011
SEAT IBIZA D TDI CR S AC 11 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2007
VOLKSWAGEN POLO NEW D SE TDI 11 1200 5dr HATCHBACK MAN 2006
VOLKSWAGEN POLO NEW D TDI BLUEMOTION 11 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2006
VOLKSWAGEN POLO NEW D TDI BLUEMOTION 11 1200 5dr HATCHBACK MAN 2006

Trade up £30

AUDI A1 TFSI SE 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2010
AUDI A1 D TDI SE 1600 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2010
MINI COOPER D COOPER BASE 1600 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2011
SEAT IBIZA SE TSI 11 1200 5dr HATCHBACK MAN 2007
SEAT IBIZA SE TSI 11 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2007
SEAT IBIZA D CR S AC TDI 1200 5dr ESTATE MAN 2007
SEAT IBIZA D TDI CR ECOMTV S AC11 1200 5dr HATCHBACK MAN 2007
SEAT IBIZA D TDI CR S AC 11 1200 5dr HATCHBACK MAN 2007
SEAT IBIZA D TDICR ECOMOTIVE SE11 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2007
SEAT IBIZA D TDICR ECOMTV S AC11 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2007

Brookert · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:01

thats a very eco minded list, nothing remotely sporty on there

I've used a new polo a lot, and the 1.6 diesel engine in them is fantastic, great cars (excellent speakers too)

andicole0 · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:01

As these are not new I would suspect they are already returned cars for re-use. Unless you particularly like one of them I'd go for the oldest as it likely to be the first to be replaced.

Andi.

[TW]Fox · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:02

What a horrendous list. Can you opt out, get an allowance and buy your own?

[TW]Fox · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:03

andicole0 said:
As these are not new I would suspect they are already returned cars for re-use. Unless you particularly like one of them I'd go for the oldest as it likely to be the first to be replaced.

Andi.

I dont think the year refers to the age of the car.

Wyrdo · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:04

[TW]Fox;19315684 said:
What a horrendous list. Can you opt out, get an allowance and buy your own?

I'm going to try and get hold of someone now as I've literally just been emailed all this info. I just don't understand that list given the potential miles I've been told I'll be doing.

andicole0 said:
As these are not new I would suspect they are already returned cars for re-use. Unless you particularly like one of them I'd go for the oldest as it likely to be the first to be replaced.

Andi.

As Fox said that year isn't the age of the car, these are new cars I can choose from.

Vince · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:04

[TW]Fox;19315684 said:
What a horrendous list. Can you opt out, get an allowance and buy your own?

I think I would be trying to do this!

lordrobs · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:19

Wyrdo said:
As Fox said that year isn't the age of the car, these are new cars I can choose from.

So the VW Polo is a stock piled 2006 model not the current one?

I must admit, I was impressed with the new Polo that I had as a rental.

[TW]Fox · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:19

I dont know what the years are, I'd ignore them, pretty sure the Ibiza Ecomotive wasnt out in 2007 for example so it cannot be an 07 car.

OpenToSuggestions · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:22

Wow that is a crap list.

It is a sorry state when someone gets a company car and its a 1200cc TDi Polo.

Rotty · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:27

Wyrdo said:
New company car, no idea what to choose!
.

A new employer ? :eek:

Participant · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:29

If you were told you'd be getting a 1 series level car, there's nothing wrong with questioning in a polite manner whether or not they've sent you the correct list. They'll probably tell you they've revised lease car policy or something, but it's got to be worth a try.

Hagar · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:34

Are these company cars where you pay through taxation, sounds like they are a company lease where you top up (contribute to) the lease payment? In which case the extra payment would be nett per month from salary.

Allowances are good if you already own a car which is within their age limits etc. generally you pay for everything from that including servicing, insurance, tax and purchase costs, they are not usually that good and are taxable.

OpenToSuggestions · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:36

OP: You could take the view of get a crap company car then get yourself something decent for the weekend.

lordrobs · 7 Jun 2011 at 12:40

mglover070588 said:
OP: You could take the view of get a crap company car then get yourself something decent for the weekend.

I don't get the impression that the OP is particularly into cars TBH.

Peerzy · 7 Jun 2011 at 13:08

If I had to choose I'd get:

AUDI A1 TFSI SE 1200 3dr HATCHBACK MAN 2010

Suppose to be a good engine, 'premium car', but very small and you've hinted you'll be doing a fair wack of miles.

Would much rather take a 2-3 year old Mondeo if they've got older stuff they can give you.

Robbo · 7 Jun 2011 at 13:27

If it has to be one of those, the A1.

balls · 7 Jun 2011 at 13:34

I'd go with the cooper D, but as said above opt out if possible

Hagar · 7 Jun 2011 at 13:37

The year is the year of model introduction (not necessarily the engine) for example mine is the Honda Civic (2008) whether it was sold in 2008, 2009, or 2010.

GravyMonster · 7 Jun 2011 at 13:38

Either of the A1s or Cooper D of that list.

Although if you're doing more than 10k a year, I'd not even bother.