The young timer scheme is popular among business drivers in the Netherlands. When cars are 15 years old, they are eligible for the favorable addition rate. Every year, therefore, ‘new’ models are added that can be driven at a profitable price. We list a bunch of ‘interesting debutants’, this time the sedans that can bear the ‘young timer’ stamp from next year.
First, a quick refresher on the young timer scheme for those who are less at home in addition land. If you drive more than 500 private kilometers with your business car, you add 35 percent of the current value of the car to your taxable income annually. This addition percentage only applies if your car has the young timer status, i.e. when the vehicle is at least 15 years old. The current market value is in most cases quite favorable, so that you pay relatively little addition and at the same time can deduct all car costs from the operating profit. The favorable addition rate starts from the day the car turns 15 years old, measured from the first international registration. So you have to keep a close eye on that. You cannot buy the car earlier and only then decide to add. While you are driving for business, you can choose whether or not to add, but that means that you may not drive your car privately until January 1, 2022, if you initially decide not to add.
Looking for a sedan of 15 years or older that is fiscally attractive to drive from next year? You might see something interesting here:
1. Cadillac BLS
With the BLS, Cadillac hoped to gain a foothold in the European market in 2006. The middle class was therefore exclusively intended for us and was not in the Cadillac range in the States. The basis for the BLS was the platform on which the Saab 9-3 and the Opel Vectra stood at the time. In fact, the BLS rolled off the production line at the Saab factory in Trollhättan, Sweden. You don’t see that immediately: seen from the outside, the BLS is clearly recognizable as a Cadillac. The interior has a bit more resemblance to its brothers, especially when it comes to the controls, but the design of the dashboard and the clocks is unique to the BLS. At its market launch in 2006, it was available with three powertrains that were also available among its peers: a 175 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder with turbo, a 2.8-liter V6 with 255 hp and a 150 hp 1.9 -liter four-cylinder diesel. The BLS has never really been a popular car, so if you want to drive it fiscally attractive from next year, you will have to look carefully.
2. Citroën C6
In 2005 Citroën announced a new flagship. The C6 had to follow in the footsteps of the DS and the CX. The predecessor of the C6, the XM, has not been able to achieve the same status as the two previously mentioned models. In terms of design, the C6 clearly harks back to the CX, with the hollow rear window being one standout style feature that made a reappearance. Citroën has also incorporated style elements from the DS and SM in the C6. At the end of 2005, the large Frenchman already went into production, but the numbers did not really materialize until 2006. Naturally, the C6 is equipped with all kinds of conceivable luxury on the inside. With the Pack Lounge, two individual, individually adjustable rear seats could even be ordered. In addition, the Citroën had a digital instrumentation with a head-up display. 15 years ago that was by no means self-evident. Thanks to the hydropneumatic suspension system, a ride in a C6 is a very comfortable experience. Initially, the C6 was only available with two six-cylinder engines: a 3.0-liter with 215 hp on petrol and a 2.7-liter diesel with 208 hp. Such a fiscally attractive large Frenchman will certainly be enjoyable, but in any case keep some budget free for unforeseen costs.
3. Lexus LS 460
The Lexus LS 460 has a somewhat more reliable reputation. In 2006, the fourth generation of the LS was launched. Lexus focused more than ever on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and that meant that the Japanese packed their top model up to the roof with modern technology for that time. Various active safety systems and adaptive cruise control are available. Just like an eight-speed automatic, with which Lexus the then 7G-Tronic van Das Haus to the crown. The V8 of the LS 460 delivers a healthy 380 hp, more than enough to propel the battleship comfortably and smoothly. Despite its refinement, the LS has never really been able to make it difficult for the S-Class, A8 and 7-Series in Europe in terms of sales figures. In terms of residual value, then again, because an LS today yields much more on the used car market than the German competition of that time. Later there was also an LS 600h with hybrid technology, but to be able to drive this version fiscally attractive, you will have to have an extra year of patience.
4. Volvo S80
If he’s good enough for royalty, he’ll be good enough for you too. The Volvo S80 is a car with which you will not easily evoke negative associations about yourself. The second generation of the Volvo S80 entered the market in 2006 and made a considerable modernization compared to its predecessor. Today, you can still drive an S80 just fine, without it immediately making a very dated impression. The interior also suddenly looked a lot tighter and tidier, with the ‘floating’ center console being one of the highlights. It is now clear that the systems on board are getting older, but that applies in principle to all 15-year-old cars. At its introduction, the S80 was available with Volvo’s well-known five-cylinder engine, but also with a straight-six and even a real V8. The choice is huge and if you do not need the space of a V70, the S80 is a great alternative to put yourself in a large, comfortable and fiscally attractive Swede.