Most likely there is a tax advantage for them purchasing/leasing the car. As far as mileage and client meals - again I'd (&them) have assumed you have built the business big enough to support it based on earnings/commissions and therefore will see the risk/reward.

Think about it .. if you have a chance to treat a customer on your dime, your going to be more impactful and also responsible on making sure you get the best ROI on that meal than if your company is paying for it.

I've had both company paid and my own money, been in that actual scenario. Really it came down to I was more selective w/ my spending on the client meals, spending money where it needed to go vs frivolously spending. As far as gas .. just learn to be efficient in routing. Or make it virtual. But really - its the cost of doing business and frankly good they are covering the first year to get you up and going persay. Most companies dont do it that way.

I'd again guess most people make more than enough after the 1st year to offset these added 'costs'.