What do you subbies all drive for work ?

[Tony Soprano]

Hello it’s long time since being here. Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on vans and cars for work? Is it a good idea to go down the finance route? Is it ok to drive a banger around and keep replacing and repairing? Everything is going up Isn’t it so I’m not sure what to do because I’m not normally one for finance. I like to save up and buy something. Finding it harder to put money aside with the increase in everything.
I’m a Subby CIS.

 

[johnb2713]

For business it's tax efficient to lease I believe.

 

[Murdoch]

Have you asked your accountant (if you have one)

 

[Tony Soprano]

No. I’m not the most stable of people in terms of finances so finance isn’t something I’m comfortable with incase work dries up

 

[Sharpend]

I purchased a Vw caddy 4 year ago and will be looking to change in next year I suspect.
I believe the Vw has the best lock system as don’t see any broken into and when mine was tried they still didn’t get in.

 

[Sharpend]

No. I’m not the most stable of people in terms of finances so finance isn’t something I’m comfortable with incase work dries up

Are you a negative outlook type person? What make you think the work will dry up?

 

[Murdoch]

Thing is if you turn up in a car then do you think it’s ok or would turning up in a van be better?

What do you currently use ?

 

[Tony Soprano]

Are you a negative outlook type person? What make you think the work will dry up?

Just trying to have a plan that’s all mate. My car is pretty old.

Thing is if you turn up in a car then do you think it’s ok or would turning up in a van be better?

What do you currently use ?

A car with roof bars and steps on top

 

[Murdoch]

Just trying to have a plan that’s all mate. My car is pretty old.

A car with roof bars and steps on top

Do you claim much for the vehicle on your tax return?

 

[Tony Soprano]

Do you claim much for the vehicle on your tax return?

Just the usual mileage / fuel expenses. Do about 16,000 miles a year

 

[Murdoch]

Why are you asking the question and where in the UK are you ?

 

[Tony Soprano]

Why are you asking the question and where in the UK are you ?

I’m just curious about what sort of costs I should be expecting for van/car because I have used my old car up until now so all I’ve had to pay is fuel. But it’s coming to the end of its life so I’m trying to plan ahead. And see if it’s viable for me financially to stay self employed and have all the expenses. Or look for something PAYE. I’m West Midlands

 

[Tony Soprano]

Thing is if you turn up in a car then do you think it’s ok or would turning up in a van be better?

What do you currently use ?

100% better. It looks better.

 

[Sharpend]

Questions are:
1) do you have a budget to spend on a replacement vehicle?
2) do you decide your day rate or is it decided for you? What type of CIS work are you doing?

 

[Pops]

I’m using a fairly old (2010) Ford Transit Connect (the old escort size) which just keeps going and going. It’s signwritten so still looks relatively smart when I turn up at customers houses and easily carries all my cr4p.
Second hand van prices have sky rocketed in the last couple of years but if you’re happy to have one that’s not sparkly and new it is still a relatively cheap option.

 

[Tony Soprano]

Questions are:
1) do you have a budget to spend on a replacement vehicle?
2) do you decide your day rate or is it decided for you? What type of CIS work are you doing?

Ok bud so basically answer to 1 is No.
No savings.
Answer to 2 is I just sub to firms and turn up and get my tools out. Either direct or on agencies. I’ve worked for same firm this year but local work finished now. I do both. See an agency rate and negotiate or I ask for what I want from a firm. But it’s pretty standard rates. Nothing exotic. Been on £23 an hour this year

 

[Sharpend]

Have you asked those you’re working with if they have an old van you could use/buy?

 

[Tony Soprano]

Have you asked those you’re working with if they have an old van you could use/buy?

No they don’t have vans. Get payed mileage and expenses and use cars. All on books. Going direct for them is an option but the travel is like 2 hours to a job and do your 8 or 9 hours then 2 or 3 hours back in some cases. Not always. I was an hour away all last year. But local work is finished

 

[Tony Soprano]

Just weighing up all options

 

[Tony Soprano]

I’m using a fairly old (2010) Ford Transit Connect (the old escort size) which just keeps going and going. It’s signwritten so still looks relatively smart when I turn up at customers houses and easily carries all my cr4p.
Second hand van prices have sky rocketed in the last couple of years but if you’re happy to have one that’s not sparkly and new it is still a relatively cheap option.

Are you doing low miles? I’m the transit connect? Easier to keep on road ain’t it if miles are low per week. My car is 2009