Do startups still offer a vehicle lease as sign on bonus/incentive?

Hi all -- I apologize for asking what may seem like a "1st world problem" question or seemingly frivolous issue among so many legitimate job hunters (of which I count myself).

I am lucky to have an offer from a Silicon Valley software startup that is maybe a year old, more than a few people now. Salary is mediocre, some options.

I remember that maybe at the height of the boom a long time ago, companies were offering people car leases on relatively nice vehicles as part of the sign on bonus. Like a BMW or Audi for your first couple years as long as you were still with the company.

Is that completely unheard of now? Would it make me seem wildly out of touch, or would I be laughed at, to even suggest the possibility that instead of an increase in the other factors, how about a car lease, that can be counted as a business expense for them?

I probably have a little bit of pull from top management, I am not just a resume they pulled out of the pile. And it's a management/strategy role, I am not an engineer or programmer.

Thanks for your honest advice!

5 Comments
 

No, unless your job specifically requires sales/traveling and you have a compelling reason for needing a vehicle. Relocation expenses, particularly housing (provided, realtor expenses, fronting first/last/security/more, etc) is what I've heard of most people trying to ask for more of.

 

I would ask for a Tesla. That thing is in vogue in Silicon Valley nowadays and maintenance wise it is so much less hassle than other vehicles.

Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep.
 

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Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep.

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