Originally Posted by Tassie

I have been offered either a company car or have mileage paid on my personal vehicle. The problem is that the company car would be a new Ford minivan (which I loathe) and minimally equipped (not even cruise control!).

On the other hand, my car is an 18 year old 300E with 120,000 miles. The car is in excellent condition and I really enjoy driving it as it has all the features I enjoy (quiet, solid, safe).

The company mileage would be extensive at about 25,000 miles per year, in all seasons. Travel is typically long distance paved highways with minor distances of gravel and industrial road surfaces. I am reimbursed about $0.60/mile but I absorb all the costs and risks. As I see it these costs would barely cover the fully loaded cost of running my own car although it looks good if there are no big repair bills and you ignore the depreciation. The car has 120,000 miles on it now and it will have 200,000 miles on it in 3 years time. I expect that the car will have minimal resale value at that point.

I would appreciate your comments in this decision. Is the 300E generally reliable at this point in its age and mileage? What would be the probable repair items that may occur with this kind of driving? Would it be better to just suckup the deficiencies of the minivan and leave the ownership risks with someone else? Others who have used their own vehicle have generally stated that they are out a couple of hundred dollars each month but they are leasing new vehicles and paying for dealership maintenance and excess mileage charges.

I would appreciate your point of view as I would like to make an informed decision and balance the cost risks with my own personal enjoyment and safety while driving.

Appreciate your responses!

Paul