Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Company car dilemma

Page: 1 2

SamandRose

05/7/2018 at 6:22pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: 2019 VW Arteon + 2002 Avondale Dart

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/5/2016

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 557

Site Reviews Total:	27

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	3
Site Reviews 2020:	3
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	16
Site Nights 2020:	16
Site Nights 2019:	13
Site Nights 2018:	3

The contract hire on my Passat estate 2.0 TDI company car is due to end in October and I have been asked to start giving some thought as to a replacement.

I pay both tax and fuel benefit in kind on it at the higher (40%) rate and use it mostly for longer journeys (rarely shorter than 10 miles, typically 100 miles+ at least twice a week and with a caravan behind it for between 2000 and 3000 miles a year).

Now I know that another diesel-engine car, probably an estate is still the answer for my needs but the taxman doesn't seem to agree. By my calculations the tax payable on the car and the fuel combined for another similar car will be about £5.5k each year.

A plug-in hybrid such as the Mitsubishi PHEV can only be driven for a maximum of 30 miles on the battery and so would have to be driven a LOT on petrol power alone, thus costing the company significantly more in fuel and pumping out more CO2, but saving me almost £2.5k a year.

So my question, after a very long time - sorry about that - is does anyone have any experience of towing and/or driving long distances with a plug-in hybrid, and is it an option that's really worth exploring?

I also looked at kombi vans such as the VW Transporter T6, but understand that HMRC ruled last year that these were "multi-purpose vehicles" and not "vans, designed primarily to transport goods" and thus should be classified as cars for the purpose of company tax. Has anyone had any experience of this?

Thanks in anticipation ...

Edit - licence restrictions are not an issue!

-------------
"Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."

yozza64

05/7/2018 at 6:45pm
Location: Runcorn Cheshire
Outfit: Ford Grand C-Max and Pennine Fiesta

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/10/2012

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 44

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

In relation to your question about Plug in Hybrids. When I bought my current car I asked the dealer about tow bars and towing with a hybrid. They told me that nobody makes towbars for a hybrid and that Hybrids can not be used for towing as it would damage the Hybrid battery.

-------------
2002 Pennine Fiesta 2+2 Folding Camper

Derbian

05/7/2018 at 6:57pm
Location: derbyshire
Outfit: Seat Exeo Opus Camper

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/2/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 99

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Might also be worth asking on one of the "Caravan" forums. "Caravan Chat" is a good one and I've seen lots of discussions on there about using hybrids etc

ST1100

05/7/2018 at 7:21pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 01/8/2011

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 568
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by yozza64 on 05/7/2018
In relation to your question about Plug in Hybrids. When I bought my current car I asked the dealer about tow bars and towing with a hybrid. They told me that nobody makes towbars for a hybrid and that Hybrids can not be used for towing as it would damage the Hybrid battery.

Don't know which manufacturer that dealer was from but he is talking complete ball0cks...they sell tow bars for the Lexus i have and the Mitsubishi PHEV.. both capable of towing.

I think the tow limit for the Mitsi is around 1500kg ... the Lexus i have its 2000kg.

daveyjp

05/7/2018 at 10:13pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/6/2010

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 596
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	2
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Swap the company car for an allowance and buy another diesel.

bessie500

06/7/2018 at 7:21am
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Volvo X60 Coachman

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2094

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	11
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I was talking to a guy at the Wirral Caravan club site at Easter, he actually has his phev plugged into the electric charging it up.
His van was a large 1500 swift he said it was fine towing perhaps a little slower on hills but overall he said the running cost wasn’t to bad.
If I was in your position I wouldn’t hesitate to get the phev, my company cars are for 4 years so that would be a 10k saving to me.
Do you not have the option to come out of the fuel card and charge back your business mileage? That would save you a fortune on a diesel car, I never had the option for a fuel card I know if I did I would of turned it down as the tax far outways ther personal benefit, 14p a mile works out that I cover must of my personal weekly running

Bessie

the black fox

06/7/2018 at 9:22am
Location: flint north wales
Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2011

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1615

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Surely the logical answer taking tax and fuel into account would be to go for the highest possible savings on your company car ,and just buy a cheap tow car .i.e old mondeo etc that will tow the van when needed . Plenty of old tugs around with towbars fitted for around 1.5k

salmong

06/7/2018 at 10:53am
Location: East Yorkshire
Outfit: Unicorn Cartagena Nissan X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/5/2011

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 93

Site Reviews Total:	20

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

My previous company car was an Outlander PHEV, to be honest I couldn't wait for the lease to end.
30 miles on electric is wishful thinking, I was usually luck to get 25 miles on electric only.
I had a towbar fitted and used it to tow a 1450kg caravan, it was fine on flat routes, but the slightest incline would result in the engine screaming, and although I always got to the top of a hill it was never a pleasant experience.
Fuel economy was woeful (around 35mpg) fuel tank very small, so usually had a range of around 275 miles after filling up (and that was solo) - expect to get around 180 miles from a tank if towing.
Changed the car in March for a Skoda Superb 2.0 Diesel, SEL executive - 113 CO emissions, OTR price 26K - my honest opinion is diesel every time, and the Skoda is a great all round car

Post last edited on 06/07/2018 11:23:48

-------------
Garry

Skoda Bob

06/7/2018 at 12:13pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1837

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Changed the car in March for a Skoda Superb 2.0 Diesel, SEL executive - 113 CO emissions, OTR price 26K - my honest opinion is diesel every time, and the Skoda is a great all round car, quote, Even better with DSG

SamandRose

06/7/2018 at 1:56pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: 2019 VW Arteon + 2002 Avondale Dart

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/5/2016

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 557

Site Reviews Total:	27

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	3
Site Reviews 2020:	3
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	16
Site Nights 2020:	16
Site Nights 2019:	13
Site Nights 2018:	3

Thanks everyone

Garry and Bob, you have confirmed what I suspected. My current Passat has the same diesel engine as the Skoda and I'd have another like a shot if the costs weren't such an issue.

Bessie - I like your thinking but that's not an option unfortunately.

Might need to spend some more time with the calculator out

-------------
"Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."

checkley1973

06/7/2018 at 7:58pm
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1698

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We had the same dilemma recently as we towed with my company Audi A4. We too don’t have an opt out scheme we have to choose a car. Our company have added hybrids but the outlander wasn’t an option as we are only allowed Mercedes, Audi or BMW.

Do check re towing as the car we went for in the end cannot tow anything. In fact you can’t even fit a tow bar to it as the battery pack is in the way of the fixing points.

Our conclusion in the end?

Sell the caravan. When we added up the cost of servicing, insurance, ongoing maintenance, insurance, new tow bar every 3 years and then the additional tax for a diesel tow car it no longer made financial sense.

So off it went and we now use pods which have proved a hit with the kids.

Skoda Bob

07/7/2018 at 1:55am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1837

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by SamandRose on 06/7/2018
Thanks everyone

Garry and Bob, you have confirmed what I suspected. My current Passat has the same diesel engine as the Skoda and I'd have another like a shot if the costs weren't such an issue.

Bessie - I like your thinking but that's not an option unfortunately.

Might need to spend some more time with the calculator out

only £30 PA rfl for the 2ltr 150 tdi

checkley1973

07/7/2018 at 8:47am
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1698

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Skoda Bob on 07/7/2018

Quote: Originally posted by SamandRose on 06/7/2018
Thanks everyone

Garry and Bob, you have confirmed what I suspected. My current Passat has the same diesel engine as the Skoda and I'd have another like a shot if the costs weren't such an issue.

Bessie - I like your thinking but that's not an option unfortunately.

Might need to spend some more time with the calculator out

only £30 PA rfl for the 2ltr 150 tdi

BIK rather than RFL

salmong

08/7/2018 at 7:54pm
Location: East Yorkshire
Outfit: Unicorn Cartagena Nissan X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/5/2011

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 93

Site Reviews Total:	20

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

Totally agree Bob

-------------
Garry

HighSlayer

10/7/2018 at 12:50pm
Location: Durham
Outfit: Caravan and tents

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/5/2004

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 457
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	16

Site Reviews 2024:	2
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	5
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	6
Site Nights 2023:	3
Site Nights 2022:	15
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	2

Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 06/7/2018
new tow bar every 3 years

???

-------------
A slightly younger Victor Meldrew

Decto

10/7/2018 at 7:08pm
Location: Cheshire
Outfit: Kampa Croyde 6 Air Classic

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/8/2017

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 179
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

Quote: Originally posted by HighSlayer on 10/7/2018

Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 06/7/2018
new tow bar every 3 years

???

If you get a new company car every 3 years, you have to buy the towbar and electrics, usually at dealer prices to preserve warranty. This can easily be £600+

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

5487 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder