Hybrid Company Cars

[Gaz2405]

Or daily hybrids for that matter.

Time has come that my Q7 has to go back, so I've gone hybrid this time for the tax break.

The bigger hybrid SUV's were too much money for the mileage I do.

So I'm plumbed for a Volvo V60 R Design T6.

I've done as I always do with company cars and ordered it without a test drive.

So anyone had one before? Anyone else on the hybrid band wagon until the tax bubble bursts?

[1979scotte]

Or daily hybrids for that matter.

Time has come that my Q7 has to go back, so I've gone hybrid this time for the tax break.

The bigger hybrid SUV's were too much money for the mileage I do.

So I'm plumbed for a Volvo V60 R Design T6.

I've done as I always do with company cars and ordered it without a test drive.

So anyone had one before? Anyone else on the hybrid band wagon until the tax bubble bursts?

I just don't get SUVs

[ucb]

Our work car park has had an explosion of electric pseudoSUVs and other electric cars in the past couple of months.

[Gaz2405]

I didn't until I had the Q7, just felt safer on the road from others. Tonnes of safety features too, and has been a real mile muncher. 2 years old and 80k on the clock.

It fairly moves a long for a big old bus as well.

[1979scotte]

I didn't until I had the Q7, just felt safer on the road from others. Tonnes of safety features too, and has been a real mile muncher. 2 years old and 80k on the clock.

It fairly moves a long for a big old bus as well.

My dads had them. And range rovers and discos just don't get it. Maybe if I had 4 kids and 2 dogs.

If you feel safer in a 2.5 ton suv so be it.

[s12vea]

I didn't get them till I drove one, we had a Ford kuga for just over four years and was a great family car, most practical car we've owned.
40000 miles other than serving and tyres no other cost.

[Ardent]

@Gaz2405 @s12vea

I ended up in mine by circumstance. Never had a desire for one. Never saw the appeal. Now I've owned one for a year. I have to say I have really enjoyed the driving experience.

I can only afford stuff at the bottom end of the market, so no company car calculations to do. But going with a posh Toyota (Lexus) Alexa has never missed a beat. 156,000 miles and everything works as it should. Does everything in a simple no fuss n nonsense way. Motorway or B road. Just works.
Having never wanted one. I can see me getting another when the time comes. Might have to wait a while longer till I can get an RX450H. That comes with a 2gr variation. (atkinson cycle for economy?) Might be the closest I get to one. Then again. Maybe a GS450h, 2 seconds quicker to 60 according to spec tables. Is a barge somehow more acceptable than an SUV?

[paulj]

I get the "fun" of a company car refresh in the summer so will be looking after Christmas.  Tempted to go full electric. Perhaps Ford Mustang or Polestar. Not a real suv fan but those appear to be first out of the blocks.....

[Gaz2405]

I primarily went for suv for the 4 wheel drive, as we live out in the hills and weather can get bad in the winter.

Then saw the Volvo hybrids came in awd in both saloon and estate.

Plus I do quite like the Volvo interiors plus I've never had one, so thoughtful why not. Nearly went BMW X3, but glad I didn't.

[1979scotte]

@Gaz2405

X3 oh the shame 🙄

[Alex Knight]

Me. I have.

I work for Mercedes, and have been driving hybrid company cars exclusively for about 3 years now.

Started with a series of C300h, then moved on to some E300de, and am currently on a series of A250e.

I really can't recommend them enough.
I'm fortunate to be able to charge at work. My round trip commune is 27 miles, all of which is done on electric. Due to COVID restrictions, I haven't put any pump fuel in a car for months now. No long drives.

The BIK on the current A250e is 6%, which costs me the equivalent of £36 per month P11d. Hybrids are an absolute no-brainer if you are in a company car scheme.

I'm hoping to go to an EQC for my next car. 0% BIK in this tax year. It's literally free. Bonkers.

[ucb]

I can see why our work is full of 0% tax company cars and I'd agree it's an obvious answer if:
a) you want a company car and the lack of 'responsibility' that comes from buying outright.
B) you aren't concerned by salary reduction
C) you don't do too many miles
D) there's an efficient easy place to charge it
E) you somehow think they are a green option for personal transport

I don't any of those categories!!

[Alex Knight]

I can see why our work is full of 0% tax company cars and I'd agree it's an obvious answer if:
a) you want a company car and the lack of 'responsibility' that comes from buying outright.
B) you aren't concerned by salary reduction
C) you don't do too many miles
D) there's an efficient easy place to charge it
E) you somehow think they are a green option for personal transport

I don't any of those categories!!

You do understand how BIK works I take it?

If so, your point 'B' above is incorrect.

[ucb]

For the purposes of the NHS lease scheme, then car pre-tax payments loses you pensionable pay

[Zxrob]

I've been in a company car scheme for over 25 years, just pulled out and purchased the car, it will hopefully last me until I retire

Rob

[Chilli Girl]

I think the Honda e is a cute little runabout - not the fastest thing on earth but small and compact for city life.  These SUV's look so big to me but then driving 1695mm width cars and 3995mm length for nearly all my driving years, they would look big.  I do 80 miles a week for work so a Honda e would work for me except when I travel to Mums in Somerset, 120 mile round journey.  Now, I think I would get anxiety range on that journey with the little Honda e

[LeRich]

Good choice with the V60. My sister in law has one, albeit a lowly D3 but it's very lovely thing.