where do you work? thats what i want to know.... lol

 

I could use a hummer

 

I am not sure on the lease options, I am just starting this job so this was kind of all laid out to me quickly along with other info. I was trying to pick up as much as I could while paying attention to other stuff also. I wasnt about to stop the meeting to make sure I understood the car allowance inside and out. I will have to ask about leasing and see. As for travel, I will be doing quite a bit of it (sales position) so I would probably need more than the 12k normal allowance for the lease. I dont think I could get a used RS4 as someone mentioned because they said it had to be bought new. I will get more specifics on the leasing options and see.

People recommending SUV's, I would rather not drive an SUV. I dont need one and dont need the poor gas mileage that comes with them. Not that it really matters because gas is paid for also but I would like to think I am doing my part to not kill the world in too much of a hurry. I realize that the Evo is not phenomenal on gas but its no SRT8 Jeep or H2. The guy who recommended the SRT8 Jeep I dont think i could afford that, right around 30k is probably my cap. I havent looked into them but Im just guessing they are probably too expensive.

I think I have it narrowed down to 2 cars I am very seriously considering:Evo, 3 series(Likely a 325i), I dont really want a C-class (Never really liked Merc). I would also like a manual which is tougher to find in a MB. I have one now and its my first one in like 3 years, I absolutely hate it. Call me a control freak but I would prefer a manual trans car. I know thats not as Lux for clients either but its my car more than its theirs so I have to love it, they just have to be able to stand being in it while we go to lunch.

 

I have to agree with most of everyone on here saying that the EVO would definitely be the wrong way to go if you are to represent your company. That is why you see most companies that give pre-picked cars to their employees, rather than have the employee pick them, give them luxury sedan/economy cars. Yes, obviously it saves them money to order a Malibu or Taurus in bulk, but at the same time it is viewed as conservative. That is why you don't see a marketing/sales/insurance/ect. firm giving up EVOs. (Otherwise, Id definitely be working there ) Personally I would be looking at some nice entry-level luxury cars, since you wont even be able to mod your car you might as well go for comfort. Just look around see what falls into that price range. A TSX, A4, 335i are all good cars for comfort and luxury, and would be very nice to transport potential clients in. Obviously, in the end it is your decision, so let us know what you end up going with. Happy hunting.

 

So I have lived in the car allowance world for quite a while and here's my two cents-

Questions-

Is the $600 taxable as ordinary income?

The company gives you 5 years with car, but is there a mileage limit as well? I have some reps that drive 40,000 miles a year and with an 85,000 mile limit, they turn cars constantly (not wise....better off with a company car)

Did you factor tires, maintainence, insurance etc. into your allowance? Most companies do not include this...just gas. Also, most companies require 250/500K liability and property damage insurance..be sure to check.

Most important question...what percentage are you actually "transporting customers" versus driving on your own or with your conterparts or managers?

To me this is the biggest question becuase if you are spending 90% of your time driving yourself-get an Evo hands down.

If you are spending 50% of your time transporting customers, then you may want to think of something more conservative..

Beware, depending on your industry pulling up in a BMW, MB, or Audi can have a leave negative impression on your clients if they are not "well paid" (especially if you are in a sales environment)

My Evo X is an fantastic company car.

 

Wait, so your company is completely or partially helping pay off your EVO? Man, who do you work for, I gotta get on that train.

 

h2

 

If you can locate a 335i in that price range, grab that! That would be the perfect car for meeting clients.

Thanks,

Michael

 

hey, thats my wifes car. just wait till i tell her what u said !!

that being said, the bigger problem with an IS is that its tiny inside (and btw, its $399/month, so he can do much better with a $600/m budget)

 

Honda civic and a Sega Dreamcast.

 

^^ +1 ahhh the days of dreamcast, i remember seeing a 95 civic hatchback with a glove box mounted dreamcast years back at a car show, i thought it was awesome!

 

1. EVO
2. bmw 335xi sedan (superior to audi a4 in so many ways)

 

Hyundai Genesis V8 sedan

 

Well, its just something to look into. Most of those luxury car leases are going to want cash up front, so if you see some "nice" luxury car like a Lexus or M-B or BMW for 399 month chances are at the end in the fine print when the guy starts talking real fast you'll see something like 3-4K due at signing. 0 down is possible but if they do let you roll your up fronts back into the lease the monthly payment will rise considerably.