A "car allowance" is just that, a car allowance - a cash payment or
additional income directed towards the cost of owning/leasing a car.

If an employer wants to go beyond the concept of an allowance, which is,
after all, a no strings attached "you take care of it" payment then that
employer ought to lease whatever car(s) that employer feels is
appropriate. One can't be "hands off" by paying an allowance but then
set conditions or standards.

However, also think of it from the employer's viewpoint - we pay a car
allowance so an employee can drive a decent and reliable (and insured)
car and then someone pockets the cash and drives (i.e. represents US) a
junker that's embarrassing, breaks down etc. etc. That wasn't the idea.

Such compensation arrangements require a certain level of good faith and
fair dealing - from both sides. Your post implies that's missing.

Well, I worked as an IT/IS manager for 3 rehab centers on the East coast
for about 11 years.  From my second year I was given what they called a
"car allowance" which consisted of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a gas card,
they paid registration/tax/insurance/fuel/maint. I did it for 3 years
getting a new one every year.  When I opted out of the car allowance
instead I received $23K more in my pay per year!  Guess what I am saying
is that it is really the SOP for each company whether you get a certain
amount to buy what you want, or they dictate what you will drive. Being
based out of NH the Jeep was a good enough snow vehicle, but not my
first choice :)

If you are just griping to vent, okay.  I have been in the very
uncomfortable position of not getting pay raises because I saved my
money, "had too nice of a car" (translation= newer than my boss's),
had a larger home than my boss's, didn't have wife and children to
support, had rental properties, so on and so forth.  I left those
clowns after I established myself and had earned my credentials in my
industry.  If you are looking for answer(s), the previous replies were
really good.  If I may add to those replies to further the discussion:

1.  Is the agreement in writing anywhere?  If it is, please read it.
The responsibilities most likely will be spelled out for both
parties.  "If you don't care to put it in writing, then you really
don't care."

2. Have you talked with your immediate boss about this?  Meaning that
both people act as adults, no arguing, just ask for facts from each
other.  If you work for a car manufacturer or other company where
specific brand loyalty is an issue, then you need to find that out.
If there is another issue, then find out the specifics.  Demonstrate
your leadership and negotiation skills - if you allow people to walk
all over you without saying anything, they will.

3. Is the money received being spent as it should be?  Have receipts.
A clean (means interior as well as exterior - you don't want the
inside of the car looking like you need to rent a leaf blower to clean
it out),  well maintained older vehicle should not present a
problem.

4. If it is an issue of affordability, then be up front about it.  Do
your homework about how much a newer car (that fits your employer's
standards) would set you back and the ensuing insurance, upkeep, et
cetera, would not be offset by the vehicle allowance.  Ask your
employer if there is a discount rate for company employees at any
dealerships.

5. All things being the same (except rules for vehicle allowance) -
find another employer.

Hope this helps.

On Feb 28, 2:17 pm, mizu...@gmail.com wrote:

iNTERESTING YOU KNOW YOUR LUCKY BUT I UNDERSTAND A HUMAN HAS RIGHTS
UNLESS YOU SIGHNED A CONTRACT. THEN YOUR LEIAGATION HAS NO GROUNDS