Which 2nd hand car dealer is good?

[Benade]

Hi,

 

Anyone has experience buying from vincar?

Saw alot cars on the road with their names on the license plate holder.

[Bismarck]

Just thought I wanna share my pleasant experience. Please note that I am in no way related to the company or the sales person. I have produced my sales invoice just in case anyone wanna cast aspersion or jump straight to character assasination. 

 

I was looking to replace my 6 seater as someone bought it with 7 months left. So I started hunting for an MPV. Went to WCEGA and many of the shops are fronted by young or old bengs who couldnt give a shit about service. Went to AML and didnt see anything I liked. Finally, with abated breadth, decided to go to Turf City. If u ask anyone, most people dislike Turf City because its frigging hot there and its bengs and lians galore. Went to a shop called ST Auto. Spoke to a chap called Raymond. During the conversation, he appears honest and knowledgeable about the car. The car I saw had a high mileage of 30K kms per year but it was serviced at Tan Chong its entire life. Took the car for a test drive and thereafter, we sat down and talked about pricing. Took a while to conclude. Throughout the negotiations, he showed no signs of impatience or gave any farked up attitude. I was a bit chuak cause I low balled him a fair bit so that we can come to an optimum price within my threshold. Met him on Tuesday, payment on Thursday, collected car on Friday (today) before CNY. Damn steady. Kept to his words. Highly recommended.

 

ps. ST Auto has a wide range of Nissans that are only serviced by TC. They do have other cars too.

 

Not true, I like going to Turf City for used cars. If anyone think Turf City is worse, maybe they should try going to Thomson. 

[Achtung]

Not true, I like going to Turf City for used cars. If anyone think Turf City is worse, maybe they should try going to Thomson.

Thomson as in Targore?

[Bismarck]

Thomson as in Targore?

Yes. Or maybe it's just my own experience.

[JCSL]

Thomson as in Targore?

 

Thats HISTORY already....

[ernest14]

Nissan Latio Premium Blue

Register Nov 2006

OMV ~$14k+

Any1 interested?

[ER-3682]

Talk about 2nd hand car dealers,depends on the car you buying,if the car you bought is problemfree all is good,if the car yiou bought is a Lemon,all most likely will be Nasty...  

[Kenneve888]

Sometimes we are in such conundrum.

 

We keep asking around which 2nd hand car dealer is reliable. 

 

Yet when we sell our cars, they are either due for major repair or met with serious accidents that render the cars not-so-safe. Very rarely we sell our cars when they are in tip-top condition (yes there are, but I would optimistically put the figure at 50% at most) . However, we nevertheless seek out the highest price for our lemons, and boasted when dealers come abound and paid us good prices.

 

We then expect car dealers to dig beep into their pockets to repair and make good all defects when we in turn want to buy 2nd hand cars.

 

So who are the angels and who, the devils in this market?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Am I a 2nd hand car dealer? Nnnnnnnneh......NO!

[Jaymz21]

I was about to post a similar comment like what Kenneve888 posted above.  My first car, a 1.6 Civic FD was traded in with 6 months left for another car for my wife as we were upgrading, not because of any problems.  We would have extended COE for the Civic as it was well taken care of.

 

My current Legacy GT, which I bought from Johnny of Henly 2.5 years ago with 3.5 years remaining then, has about 11 months left.  The car has no real problems except the CD function isnt working.  I am not renewing the COE so thinking of scrapping it.  Why did I not think of selling it?  Because it has that problem.  Am I 'kum gong'?  Probably, but I do not want to sell lemons on to other buyers.  In this case, it is not really a lemon as its just the HU issue and can be cheaply solved but its along the same principle, no?  

 

Let's see the some of the possible types of owners selling cars to dealers / direct buyers out there:

1)  Majority will not even bother to service their car, do any repairs, change tyres, batteries if they plan to sell their cars within the next 3 - 4 months.  In fact, majority of them are selling due to problems with the cars, like owners of BMWs, VWs, Audis, etc.  These are the lemon contributors.  If these people just choose to scrap, the number of lemons will be greatly reduced, no?  But common mentality is sell high for higher downpayment of next car.  Who cares about their lemon moving on to the next person?

 

2)  Some will touch up paintwork, remove dents and deformed bumpers, clean interior and exterior, before selling to dealer / buyer in order to fetch a higher price.

 

3)  Some will choose to scrap to reduce hassle of dealing with low-ballers but that would mean cash tied up for the next 2 months until scrapyard pays out.

 

Anyway, I'm looking for another car now but quite undecided what to get.  MX-5?  IS250?  MarkX? Evo?  Hahahaa

 

 

[Kenneve888]

I was about to post a similar comment like what Kenneve888 posted above. My first car, a 1.6 Civic FD was traded in with 6 months left for another car for my wife as we were upgrading, not because of any problems. We would have extended COE for the Civic as it was well taken care of.

 

My current Legacy GT, which I bought from Johnny of Henly 2.5 years ago with 3.5 years remaining then, has about 11 months left. The car has no real problems except the CD function isnt working. I am not renewing the COE so thinking of scrapping it. Why did I not think of selling it? Because it has that problem. Am I 'kum gong'? Probably, but I do not want to sell lemons on to other buyers. In this case, it is not really a lemon as its just the HU issue and can be cheaply solved but its along the same principle, no?

 

Let's see the some of the possible types of owners selling cars to dealers / direct buyers out there:

1) Majority will not even bother to service their car, do any repairs, change tyres, batteries if they plan to sell their cars within the next 3 - 4 months. In fact, majority of them are selling due to problems with the cars, like owners of BMWs, VWs, Audis, etc. These are the lemon contributors. If these people just choose to scrap, the number of lemons will be greatly reduced, no? But common mentality is sell high for higher downpayment of next car. Who cares about their lemon moving on to the next person?

 

2) Some will touch up paintwork, remove dents and deformed bumpers, clean interior and exterior, before selling to dealer / buyer in order to fetch a higher price.

 

3) Some will choose to scrap to reduce hassle of dealing with low-ballers but that would mean cash tied up for the next 2 months until scrapyard pays out.

 

Anyway, I'm looking for another car now but quite undecided what to get. MX-5? IS250? MarkX? Evo? Hahahaa

Good for you.

My point is: if we want to buy second hand cars, then caveat emptor. Be smart enough to pick the best but whatever the outcome, we should not blame car dealers entirely.

We can talk about their level of services though.

[SGCMVassago]

Yup. Buyers beware. Not all owners will ensure cars are in good condition before they sell.

 

Like the previous 2 posts wrote, fact is lots of ppl

Use refurbished or did not even repair/ service before selling, but want all 2nd hand car they bought to be in good condition.

 

For 2nd hand car, must always set a side some

Funds for repairs. If u r lucky to get a good car, great and bless the previous owner, but if you are unlucky, at least you are prepared.

 

2 Aspects I buying 2nd hand car

 

1. Do homework on dealers, to minimise problems with processes, cheating case, overcharging and over promising on cars condition etc.

 

2. Do homework on car brand and model known problems, be prepare for it if u still want to buy. And set aside fund for wear and tear replacement. If you buy a 6 years old car, there will be possible wear and tear repairs.

Must be realistic, and not to blame dealers.

[AHBA]

Yup. Buyers beware. Not all owners will ensure cars are in good condition before they sell.

 

Like the previous 2 posts wrote, fact is lots of ppl

Use refurbished or did not even repair/ service before selling, but want all 2nd hand car they bought to be in good condition.

 

For 2nd hand car, must always set a side some

Funds for repairs. If u r lucky to get a good car, great and bless the previous owner, but if you are unlucky, at least you are prepared.

 

2 Aspects I buying 2nd hand car

 

1. Do homework on dealers, to minimise problems with processes, cheating case, overcharging and over promising on cars condition etc.

 

2. Do homework on car brand and model known problems, be prepare for it if u still want to buy. And set aside fund for wear and tear replacement. If you buy a 6 years old car, there will be possible wear and tear repairs.

Must be realistic, and not to blame dealers.

Hi bro can elaborate how you do homework on dealers & car models' problem? Maybe you would like share with us about the reviews you have had gained?

[SGCMVassago]

Hi bro can elaborate how you do homework on dealers & car models' problem? Maybe you would like share with us about the reviews you have had gained?

Bro,

 

This is what I did. Haha. Like preparing for exam.

 

1. Define your needs and budget

- Do not stretch your budget ( Economy not good )

- Focus on need not want ( but you must love the design and look )

This is what I did, because cars are expensive (initial outlay/maintenance) and it helps me narrow down my search focus.

- set aside some funds for repairs and replacement ( be realistic, old car sure have problems. Unless you are very lucky )

 

2. Research on Dealers and Cars

- Please do homework on dealers reputation and cars issues

( just search by : dealer name problems/review/feedback/blacklist or car name problems or go car forum to find ) btw, no bad review online is good, but it does not guarantee there are no issues.

- Shortlist types of car that meet your need and budget

- Shortlist dealers that you can gamble your trust on ( if possible select those that are members of SVTA and Case Trust )

This will shorten the list of cars available.

Do search frequently on the cars as there might be more cars listed as time goes by. Start search early.

 

- Things to note

Cars - batch problems, specific issues ( gearbox and such )

 

Dealers - List price on sgcarmart and ST cars may not be "real" , some tricks are -

- U called and enquired on a cheap car listed, they said available , but told you sold and recommend you another car when you went down to see the cheap car.

- Car Dealers posting as direct owners to avoid lemon law

- Claim to be 1 owner but infact is 2 or more.

 

Check car condition

- test drive if possible ( i did when we agreed on the price, but before I pay any deposit yet )

 

- Tire condition must check ( immediate cost for u, so u know what to expect and not surprise u , can nego abit too )

- interior ( really depends on your expectation )

- exterior ( really depends on your expectation )

- call authorized service center to check on warranty and last service date ( if you are buying less than 5yrs old car )

- Ask for STA Report or Do STA/VIA or AA Test

 

3. Pricing / payment

- Deposit usually they ask for 2k ( Usually put SGD500 or max 1k )

 

- Neg full refund of deposit if STA/Viacom test indicate possible

Accident ( chassis alignment ) ( but STA / Viacom test you pay lah )

 

- Neg price of car to the price you want ( here depends on car types, cheaper car maybe 3k down from list price, more expensive car is 5k down? This is just indicative, maybe forum old birds can advise )

To be sure, do home work to check market price for similar model.

 

- Admin fee - don't pay

 

- STA or Viacom - I paid for mine, some said can neg free with dealer

 

- insurance ( usually they prefer to use theirs ) you can don't use theirs but must pay them Sgd200 plus.

( I used theirs as only 200sgd more than my current insurance )

 

- Usually need to pay downpayment by cashier order or internet transfer ( I did internet transfer at their shop and they did transfer immediately )

 

That is all i have now.

 

Summary of my experience

- The dealer i went to did not have website, only facebook and details on Sgcarmart.

- I can't find any reviews or complaint online about the dealer

- The dealer is SVTA member

- It is at AML

- Price listed on Sgcarmart is Genuine

- I checked similar car at other dealers to have a feel of price and car condition

- I neg price and secure a test drive before placing Deposit

- Salesman not pushy

- They ask for Admin Fee - I did not pay. Just neg agreed on Final price of Car

- STA report is Grade B - Accepted and Collected car happily ( now i know AA test is known to be more detail , will go for AA next time )

- All done in 5 working days, can be shorter but i was busy

 

It was a long process, finally it is done.

 

Sorry for the WOT.

 

Hope it is useful

Reply

[Webbercarb]

Bro,

 

This is what I did. Haha. Like preparing for exam.

 

1. Define your needs and budget

- Do not stretch your budget ( Economy not good )

- Focus on need not want ( but you must love the design and look )

This is what I did, because cars are expensive (initial outlay/maintenance) and it helps me narrow down my search focus.

- set aside some funds for repairs and replacement ( be realistic, old car sure have problems. Unless you are very lucky )

 

2. Research on Dealers and Cars

- Please do homework on dealers reputation and cars issues

( just search by : dealer name problems/review/feedback/blacklist or car name problems or go car forum to find ) btw, no bad review online is good, but it does not guarantee there are no issues.

- Shortlist types of car that meet your need and budget

- Shortlist dealers that you can gamble your trust on ( if possible select those that are members of SVTA and Case Trust )

This will shorten the list of cars available.

Do search frequently on the cars as there might be more cars listed as time goes by. Start search early.

 

- Things to note

Cars - batch problems, specific issues ( gearbox and such )

 

Dealers - List price on sgcarmart and ST cars may not be "real" , some tricks are -

- U called and enquired on a cheap car listed, they said available , but told you sold and recommend you another car when you went down to see the cheap car.

- Car Dealers posting as direct owners to avoid lemon law

- Claim to be 1 owner but infact is 2 or more.

 

Check car condition

- test drive if possible ( i did when we agreed on the price, but before I pay any deposit yet )

 

- Tire condition must check ( immediate cost for u, so u know what to expect and not surprise u , can nego abit too )

- interior ( really depends on your expectation )

- exterior ( really depends on your expectation )

- call authorized service center to check on warranty and last service date ( if you are buying less than 5yrs old car )

- Ask for STA Report or Do STA/VIA or AA Test

 

3. Pricing / payment

- Deposit usually they ask for 2k ( Usually put SGD500 or max 1k )

 

- Neg full refund of deposit if STA/Viacom test indicate possible

Accident ( chassis alignment ) ( but STA / Viacom test you pay lah )

 

- Neg price of car to the price you want ( here depends on car types, cheaper car maybe 3k down from list price, more expensive car is 5k down? This is just indicative, maybe forum old birds can advise )

To be sure, do home work to check market price for similar model.

 

- Admin fee - don't pay

 

- STA or Viacom - I paid for mine, some said can neg free with dealer

 

- insurance ( usually they prefer to use theirs ) you can don't use theirs but must pay them Sgd200 plus.

( I used theirs as only 200sgd more than my current insurance )

 

- Usually need to pay downpayment by cashier order or internet transfer ( I did internet transfer at their shop and they did transfer immediately )

 

That is all i have now.

 

Summary of my experience

- The dealer i went to did not have website, only facebook and details on Sgcarmart.

- I can't find any reviews or complaint online about the dealer

- The dealer is SVTA member

- It is at AML

- Price listed on Sgcarmart is Genuine

- I checked similar car at other dealers to have a feel of price and car condition

- I neg price and secure a test drive before placing Deposit

- Salesman not pushy

- They ask for Admin Fee - I did not pay. Just neg agreed on Final price of Car

- STA report is Grade B - Accepted and Collected car happily ( now i know AA test is known to be more detail , will go for AA next time )

- All done in 5 working days, can be shorter but i was busy

 

It was a long process, finally it is done.

 

Sorry for the WOT.

 

Hope it is useful

Reply

 

Hi Bro

 

Just to clarify that when you did the internet transfer, was it partial payment or in full of the car price, and the dealer did the transfer of ownership on the spot?

Thanks in advance as I am trying to find out industry norms and not get jerked around as some dealers seem to take their time to transfer ownership.

[SGCMVassago]

Hi Bro

 

Just to clarify that when you did the internet transfer, was it partial payment or in full of the car price, and the dealer did the transfer of ownership on the spot?

Thanks in advance as I am trying to find out industry norms and not get jerked around as some dealers seem to take their time to transfer ownership.

We did full payment ( less deposit ) on collection day by Internet transfer in their showroom and They did the transfer online immediately and print a copy to show me. Now a day quite fast.

 

This is done after all necessary paperwork is done, such as bank loan approval and insurance purchase.

[Webbercarb]

Thanks very much.

[AHBA]

Bro,

 

This is what I did. Haha. Like preparing for exam.

 

1. Define your needs and budget

- Do not stretch your budget ( Economy not good )

- Focus on need not want ( but you must love the design and look )

This is what I did, because cars are expensive (initial outlay/maintenance) and it helps me narrow down my search focus.

- set aside some funds for repairs and replacement ( be realistic, old car sure have problems. Unless you are very lucky )

 

2. Research on Dealers and Cars

- Please do homework on dealers reputation and cars issues

( just search by : dealer name problems/review/feedback/blacklist or car name problems or go car forum to find ) btw, no bad review online is good, but it does not guarantee there are no issues.

- Shortlist types of car that meet your need and budget

- Shortlist dealers that you can gamble your trust on ( if possible select those that are members of SVTA and Case Trust )

This will shorten the list of cars available.

Do search frequently on the cars as there might be more cars listed as time goes by. Start search early.

 

- Things to note

Cars - batch problems, specific issues ( gearbox and such )

 

Dealers - List price on sgcarmart and ST cars may not be "real" , some tricks are -

- U called and enquired on a cheap car listed, they said available , but told you sold and recommend you another car when you went down to see the cheap car.

- Car Dealers posting as direct owners to avoid lemon law

- Claim to be 1 owner but infact is 2 or more.

 

Check car condition

- test drive if possible ( i did when we agreed on the price, but before I pay any deposit yet )

 

- Tire condition must check ( immediate cost for u, so u know what to expect and not surprise u , can nego abit too )

- interior ( really depends on your expectation )

- exterior ( really depends on your expectation )

- call authorized service center to check on warranty and last service date ( if you are buying less than 5yrs old car )

- Ask for STA Report or Do STA/VIA or AA Test

 

3. Pricing / payment

- Deposit usually they ask for 2k ( Usually put SGD500 or max 1k )

 

- Neg full refund of deposit if STA/Viacom test indicate possible

Accident ( chassis alignment ) ( but STA / Viacom test you pay lah )

 

- Neg price of car to the price you want ( here depends on car types, cheaper car maybe 3k down from list price, more expensive car is 5k down? This is just indicative, maybe forum old birds can advise )

To be sure, do home work to check market price for similar model.

 

- Admin fee - don't pay

 

- STA or Viacom - I paid for mine, some said can neg free with dealer

 

- insurance ( usually they prefer to use theirs ) you can don't use theirs but must pay them Sgd200 plus.

( I used theirs as only 200sgd more than my current insurance )

 

- Usually need to pay downpayment by cashier order or internet transfer ( I did internet transfer at their shop and they did transfer immediately )

 

That is all i have now.

 

Summary of my experience

- The dealer i went to did not have website, only facebook and details on Sgcarmart.

- I can't find any reviews or complaint online about the dealer

- The dealer is SVTA member

- It is at AML

- Price listed on Sgcarmart is Genuine

- I checked similar car at other dealers to have a feel of price and car condition

- I neg price and secure a test drive before placing Deposit

- Salesman not pushy

- They ask for Admin Fee - I did not pay. Just neg agreed on Final price of Car

- STA report is Grade B - Accepted and Collected car happily ( now i know AA test is known to be more detail , will go for AA next time )

- All done in 5 working days, can be shorter but i was busy

 

It was a long process, finally it is done.

 

Sorry for the WOT.

 

Hope it is useful

Reply

Hi bro thanks for the info

[glyeo84]

Hi,

 

I would like to compliment David Gan for his professionalism and outstanding service from Choon Bee Motor and credit Pte Ltd.Please note that i am not related to them in any way.

 

Recently, I bought a Volkswagen from his good company under consignment purchase. And because it is my first car, i had tonnes of questions and doubts about buying a used car, especially after having read through umpteen horror stories from all the forums in mycarforum and hardwarezone about unscrupulous dealers. Hence, I was very cautious in my purchase and compared the services from at least 7-8 Agent Dealers. Some had very high admin fee from $1000 to $1500 and high deposits ie $2000-$3000. David was able to work out a reasonable all in price for the car. I was satisfied.

 

In my opinion, David is honest in answering all my questions promptly, provided useful suggestions and positive feedback. So much so till i felt bad about even bothering him via whatsapp at night after his working hours. He settled all the paperwork quickly and i bought the car with a peace of mind in about 2-3 weeks time. 

 

The quality of the car was good and he delivered what he promised (ie, agreeing to rectify the cosmetic parts of the car such as dents and scratches). I trusted his words and i took the risk of not sending the car for inspection. ( please do this at your own peril as i have done and verified my servicing checks with Volkswagen singapore, hence this decision).

 

I would recommend his service to friends who are looking for a used car. 

 

Look for David Gan from Choon Bee Motor & credit Pte Ltd.

 

Regards,

Ignatius

Happy owner of Passat cc Volkswagen