fredsmith

Can someone explain what this thread is about? What does it mean to "kangaroo"? I've test-driven a BMW 320d, Saab 93 and Lexus 220d over the past 3 weekends, and so far, the Lexus is in front by some distance. I know that Jamboo is a long-term Lexo-sceptic so forgive me if I dismiss your contribution, but I'm still curious to understand what the complaint is here. I'd appreciate some comments from the other side of the argument. I've found all 3 cars very enjoyable to drive incidentally, but the attention to detail with the Lexus, and the way I've been treated by the sales and service people has made a really positive impression on me. There's a sense of fundamental commitment to quality about Lexus that isn't quite matched by Saab and BMW, even though their cars have a lot going for them. An example: Both the BMW and Saab delivered to me were chock-full of extras like sat-nav, top hi-fi, leather seats etc. Nothing was said about this when the cars were delivered (I just happen to know what the basic models come with). The guy who delivered the Lexus apologised for delivering the basic spec but explained that they didn't want to mislead potential customers. There's a kind of dignity about that attitude that I liked. But what's this kangaroo thing? I've read reams of stuff about these 3 cars (and others in this bracket) but not come across this expression before. Thanks. fred PS Re the last post, my 2 full days of driving on motorway and country lanes, and deliberately not like an OAP for testing purposes, have given me 44mpg in the 220d. Not as good as the 49 mpg the BMW 320d gave me, but not different enough to worry about.

It just says something rather vague, along the lines of "a car commensurate with your position"

I'm not sure if your maths are correct, Vyker. The £233 a month is the top-up. The P11D value is £18,200 according to the figures I've been given, which I presume is the list priced less the £5K. This is the calculation they've given me: Car: LEXUS IS DIESEL SALOON 220d 4dr (LX929) P11D Value (A): £18,200.00 Monthly Instalment (Incl maintenance, & VAT): £474.88 Low CO2 Emission payment: No Interest Free Loan Amount: £5,000.00 2. Employee Contribution -- Employee Car Contribution Rate (B): 25% Marginal Tax Rate ©: 40% Mthly Employee Car Contribution (D): ( A x B x C ) / 12 £151.67 3. Deductions Car Trade Up or Trade Down Payment (E): £81.50 Total Monthly Salary Deduction: (D + E) £233.17 I'll probably have to go back for clarification of a couple of things. I feel this must be an instinctive no-brainer but can't work out in which direction! Thanks for the contribution. fred.

Thanks for the reply Tango. I have to ask why you would change to a BMW under the company purchase scheme?

Hi All First post. Great forum. I started a job recently that makes me eligible to join the car ownership scheme. It's doing my head in, trying to work out whether to take the money or the car. I wondered if anyone had bene through a similar choice themeselves, or if there were any comments that might help me make a decision. I need a new car, however I get it, and after test driving a few, including a BMW 320d and a Saab 93, I've decided to go with the Lexus 220d. I've just sold my previous car, and have £7K in the bank from that sale. If I stay out of the scheme, I will get paid £400 a month (before tax) which I can put towards payment of a Lexus 220d. The advantage here is that I can go for a used car with the cost benefit. I could use my £7K as a deposit and use the monthly £400 (pre-tax) to pay it off on HP. I claim 14p per mile for business mileage + presumably the annual top up through my tax return. All other costs are borne by me. Alternatively, I could use the company car scheme which means the company 'loans' me £5K deposit and I pay £233 a month towards paying off the car over 4 years. At the end of the 4 years I can hand the car back, get another, and that's that. Or I can pay for the rest of the car and resell if I want. It's not a taxable benefit as I theoretically own the car. Under this scheme, I don't get the monthly cash allowance BUT I do get all my business mileage paid via a fuel card. I also get paid the car insurance, all servicing costs, road tax etc. I can only go for a new car under this scheme, so would have to pay the full value of the Lexus. On the other hand, I still have my £7K cash in the bank. I alternate between thinking choice A is a no brainer, then choice B is a no-brainer. I can't make up my mind. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. fred.