There are numerous tax benefits available for company car drivers who opt for double cab pickups like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, instead of more conventional choices such as the Ford Transit Custom, Peugeot Partner, Renault Trafic, and Citroen Relay. When considering the best option for a specific business, there are advantages and disadvantages to both pickup trucks and vans.
Pickup as a Company Car
While pickups may not be the typical choice for a new company car, they offer advantages, particularly in terms of tax savings. Most pickups are classified as light commercial vehicles (LCVs) for tax purposes. Unlike conventional company cars, LCVs are subject to a flat-rate Benefit In Kind (BIK) tax, which is not based on CO2 emissions or price.
Additionally, using a pickup for private purposes can lead to fuel savings, as LCVs are subject to lower tax rates compared to conventional company cars.
There’s also the appeal of looking good when arriving at a customer’s location for a quote, as well as the option to use the pickup for personal activities, including outings with the family. This flexibility is not available with a company van, especially when it comes to double cab pickups. Moreover, pickups often offer a higher level of luxury compared to vans, although van manufacturers have started incorporating more luxury and technology features into their models.
Pickup trucks provide a spacious load area and excellent towing capacity. Furthermore, many pickups come equipped with four-wheel drive as a standard feature.
Crusader Vans
When considering van leasing options, Crusader Vans offers a wide range of choices. Although pickups are considered viable alternatives, most van leasers typically opt for vans. The suitability of a van depends on the nature of the work and its specific requirements. If the business involves frequent transportation of equipment, a van is more suitable despite the advantages of a pickup. Vans also offer better security for overnight or long-term equipment storage, and they can be protected with van ply lining to prevent interior damage, which is not a feasible option for pickups.
Vans remain the preferred choice for many trades that rely on them, and they are deeply ingrained in the working culture. However, the rise of pickups in the context of van leasing should not be disregarded.
Vans for Business
Vans are the preferred choice for many businesses that require the transportation of tools, equipment, and goods. They offer several advantages over pickups, including better security, protection from weather conditions, and a more spacious load area. Additionally, they provide better protection for tools and equipment with the availability of van ply lining and shelving, making them ideal for tradespeople who require a mobile workshop.
Vans also provide a great option for companies looking to advertise their business through custom graphics and branding. This is not typically an option with pickups, which have limited space for branding.
Choice of Vans to Lease
Vans come in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Smaller vans, such as the Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo, are ideal for city driving and smaller jobs, while larger models like the Renault Trafic and Ford Transit offer higher payloads and more significant cargo space.
In terms of cost, vans typically have a lower purchase price and offer better value for money compared to pickups, making them an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses.
When it comes to leasing, the maintenance and running costs of vans are often lower than those of pickups, making them a more cost-effective option in the long term. Furthermore, van leasing often includes regular servicing and maintenance, which can help prevent unexpected repair costs.
In conclusion, while pickups offer several advantages over vans in terms of tax savings, flexibility, and luxury, the suitability of either option depends on the nature of the business and its specific requirements. Vans offer several advantages, including better security, weather protection, and a more spacious load area, making them the preferred choice for many businesses. Additionally, vans offer a more cost-effective option, particularly when it comes to leasing and long-term running costs.
