What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Company car or cash allowance?

I have just started a new job that is offering a company car with a £330 monthly lease, or £385 cash allowance. Whether I take the car or the cash, I am tied in for four years.

I have four children and drive a 2003 Vauxhall Zafira. I need a seven-seater because of the children. I am quite happy to continue driving my car, but will it be economical to keep driving it for another four years? Would I be better off running the Zafira to its death, and taking the cash allowance, or taking a company car?

Asked on 25 February 2011 by Yummy Mummy

Answered by Honest John
Take the cash allowance, save it month by month in a separate account, see how the job goes. In three months you will have £1,155; in 6 months £2,310; in 9 months £3,465 to put down as a deposit on a newer or new car.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
My daughter-in-law will very shortly be choosing another company car. Her current car is a Ford Focus 1.8 diesel (I think). However, she is now considering a hybrid because of VED band A zero tax. Her...
I am looking to change my Land Rover Freelander diesel company car for a more tax-friendly 4x4. Budget around £12,000, with a requirement for a generous boot size to carry medical supplies. Suggestions...
Can you explain what '100% write down' means in real terms on company cars that emit less than 110g/km CO2?
Related models
Compact yet can house seven people. Rearmost seats fold into floor. More versatile mid-row seating than previous model. Excellent diesel auto.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer