SMART as a company car

SMART as a company car

Author
Discussion

groomi

Original Poster:

9,323 posts

250 months

Saturday 4th December 2004
quotequote all
Following on from somebodys comments in the corporation tax thread, I have started thinking about a SMART as a company car.

Now I've never even looked into company cars before because I like Jags and Mr Brown doesn't, so I knew it best to run one privately.

But what are the pros and cons of running a SMART? I own a small company, cover about 12-18k business miles a year (Mostly in dense traffic) and would want to keep the Jag privately.

Is it worth it and if so what is the best way to insure it?

Many thanks,

Iain

shirepro

11,827 posts

242 months

Saturday 4th December 2004
quotequote all
I had problems finding insurance on our first company car, but eventualy my brokers found a company that would let me insure it myself knowing it was a company vehicle, so using my non claims bonus.

IR have a tax calculator on heir site, you just need to know the CO2 emmissions and the list price. As I recall the company car tax is less than £50 a month without private fuel and of course the excise licence is peanuts compared to a Jag.

Not sure how SMART would cope with the mileage or how comfortable it would be but they have hammered past me at 80 on the motorway so they can clearly manage higher speeds. They have a really high safety rating because it is essentially a safty cab with panels bolted on. I am told they have a new diesel version just out? Auto, so good in trafic.

I was tempted myslf, but not much room for the dog and shopping, and I think the new SMART 4 4 has higher CO2 emmissions. Worth checking before you go ahead.

Toyota Priss has just won car of the year, but pricey and I was concerned about the gurantee on the 'alternative technology' being shorter than the usual Toyota guarantee as I recall.

Frik

13,554 posts

250 months

Sunday 5th December 2004
quotequote all
My sis has had quite a few (due to her other half working for DC) and has found them all to be bomb-proof in the build-quality department. She has also managed to scare me enough times to confirm that they ain't slow.

She does a daily commute into London on the A3 of about 60 miles round with no problems. Insurance is cheap too.

They seem to make very good mobile advertising boards as well, judging by the amount of (mostly design) companies that use them. Go for it!

benmc

537 posts

255 months

Monday 6th December 2004
quotequote all
Might also be worth looking at a Lotus Elise as I think they are in the lowest emissions bracket so company car tax is cheap

ben

mustard

6,992 posts

252 months

Monday 6th December 2004
quotequote all
benmc said:
Might also be worth looking at a Lotus Elise as I think they are in the lowest emissions bracket so company car tax is cheap

ben


Yep, a 111S is what you need (much lower emmisions than the 111R) not sure of the Company car tax liabilty % on it but the fact road fund license is £125 a year gives you a clue!

Jinx

11,611 posts

267 months

Tuesday 7th December 2004
quotequote all
If the car is being bought by the company then the link may swing you decision somewhat...

www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/capital_allowances/cars.htm#2

Enjoy your Smart......

groomi

Original Poster:

9,323 posts

250 months

Tuesday 7th December 2004
quotequote all
Thanks Jinx, looking very tempting.

However, what exactly is classed as 'expenditure'?

Presumably it includes...

Purchase of car
Servicing & Repairs

But would it also include...

Road Tax?
Insurance?
Anything else?

Just trying to get a full understanding before making the decision.