BMW limousine purchase "appalling value for money" – car expert

Claims by the prime minister that the purchase of 34 new BMW luxury limousines is a good deal for the taxpayer are laughable, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.

Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says the government could have saved millions by simply buying mainstream models for the majority of the ministerial vehicle fleet.

“Ministers used to ride around in mainstream Australian cars, and did just fine.”

“Upmarket versions of the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon or a Toyota Camry would have been perfectly adequate for most ministerial journeys.”

“The majority of trips in these cars will be simple taxi duties. To buy 34 BMW luxury limousines for taxi duties is an appalling waste of taxpayers’ money.”

“However cheaply the government purchased these vehicles, the fact remains that perfectly suitable mass-market vehicles like the hybrid Toyota Camry could have been purchased for a fraction of the price,”

“I don’t have a problem with the purchase of a few luxury models for visiting overseas guests, but to use luxury BMW 7-Series limousines for the entire ministerial fleet is simply madness.”

Matthew-Wilson adds:

“The government is refusing to state just how many taxpayer dollars have been thrown at these cars. This is unacceptable. The evidence to date suggests the taxpayers have been taken for a ride.”