Search the Community

I'm getting my first car, due to family needs. What are the pros and cons of a new car vs used car? and should i take into account the current COE prices?

https://www.sgcarmart.com/news/events_features.php?AID=4149 Firstly, I came across this article when I was trying to search on family cars so congrats to Julian Kho, Editor of SGCM for the third kid on the way! And congratulations for selling your car off at a favourable market situation for used car owners. Such a bittersweet feeling to have to part with one's car in the name of family and kids but this is really the inevitable. I'll never be able to understand what it means to sacrifice one's happiness for others because it's always been about me, myself and I. How can one go from sports car to family hauler MPVs? But that's exactly why you see Honda Streams and Odysseys with aggressive exterior styling, loud exhausts and erm... baby seats 🥶 Now back to my thread. And it so happened that a friend has been asking me for family car recommendations because I work at sgCarMart. I don't! A selfish younger me would say, just buy according to the number of seats you need or stop procreating. But the older me started surfing around sgCarMart for potential choices around the 170K budget for 5 + ad-hoc 2 pax lol. Other than the obvious MPV route, could one go for a wagon when planning for the family? I want to say the Skoda Octavia Combi looks really good but versus the traditional MPVs, you lose out on seating capacity and comfort. The next on my mind? The CX-8. Spacious, luxurious, seats either 6 or 7 pax in comfort. And then I continued searching and got carried away and came across so many other options especially from the Parallel Importers but they all kinda look the same. And of course we need to have articles like this one here telling us exactly what we need want to hear, that MPVs are not boring. I think the Volkswagen Group of cars have some interesting offerings that you don't come across aplenty in other car brands like the integrated child seats or booster seats in the SEATs and the Volkswagens; perhaps Volvos and Citroens. I've also wondered what are the folding tables for? Do parents let kids eat in your car? 🥶 So parents, what are your concerns when shopping for a family car other than what your wallet can afford? Do you actively look out for the driving assistance, or luxury features like built-in baby seats or even lots of cubby holes to store diapers? 😅

Wearnes provides those looking for a pre-loved vehicle a worry-free car buying experience, as well as instantaneous delivery. With more than 100 years of experience in the automotive industry, Wearnes' long-standing presence in the sector is your trusted go-to when purchasing pre-owned vehicles. Shop from a wide selection of vehicles Besides providing those looking for a pre-owned vehicle a worry-free car buying experience and instantaneous delivery, Wearnes Pre-Owned offers buyers the opportunity to choose from a wide range of marques, and to do so with the highest levels of assurance! Whether you are looking for a car from a prestigious marque, or one from a more mainstream brand, Wearnes has a car that will suit you! But more than just shopping from a reputable dealer, Wearnes' long-standing presence in the sector also means that you're sure to find what you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a car from a prestigious marque, or one from a more mainstream brand, Wearnes has a car that will suit you! Exchange your vehicle if you're unsatisfied* And talking about getting the right car, there's no need to worry about leaving with the wrong vehicle when you shop at Wearnes Pre-Owned. This is thanks to its seven-day exchange policy, allowing you to exchange your purchase with another of similar value, should you decide that the car you chose initially is not the best for you! Get your car the next day* Need a car urgently or don't want to be left waiting for your new ride? You can actually start driving right away when you shop at Wearnes Pre-Owned, thanks to its next day delivery option, allowing you to get behind the wheel of your next car, as long as receipt of payment and approval of insurance application is processed! Your one-stop-shop for everything you need For those looking for a hassle-free buying experience, Wearnes Pre-Owned's team of experienced valuers will be able to provide a competitive price for your trade-in vehicle so you can get the most out of your trade-in car, without the need to travel across different dealers looking for quotations! And if you're unfamiliar with the documentation necessary to register your selected car, don't fret, at Wearnes, all of it will be done for you, without additional administrative charge! Wearnes' experience in the industry also means it can source for the most competitive interest rates on your car loan as well as your vehicle insurance! And thanks to its long working relationship with established agencies like Liberty and AIG you'll always be getting the best price for your insurance coverage. And there's one more added bonus: Those that shop from its in-house makes will also stand to benefit from the Wearnes Workshop Plan, ensuring that your vehicle receives quality repairs with genuine parts! Looking for the best pre-owned car shopping experience there is? Head on over to Wearnes Pre-Owned now to see just what is on offer! *Terms apply

Looking for your next luxury car but want to skip the wait? Cars & Coffee Singapore has plenty of options ready for you. If you were buying a relatively affordable car simply for getting around, the process isn’t overly complicated. You head to the showroom, pick a standard specification, pick your preferred paint colour, and you’ll have your new car in next to no time. However, when it comes to the realm of luxury cars, it’s not as straightforward as that. Customers who are spending big sums of money on their cars, especially cars that are less commonplace and thus more unique, tend to be a more discerning and pickier bunch. For such buyers, they would have much more specific requirements when it comes to their cars. Can you blame them? When you’re spending hundreds of thousands on your car, you surely want exactly the specificiation that you are looking for. Just for you Such requirements can take many forms – engine, exterior equipment, interior equipment and design, as well as specific add-on options from the manufacturer. Understandably, when it comes to luxury cars, distributors aren’t going to carry ready stock of every possible configuration possible of these cars. Take for example a Porsche 911. On top of the 21 different variants already on offer, there are 17 exterior colour options, 32 interior colour and materials options, 6 rims choices, there are more than 150 other individual options available to you on the online car configurator. If you specifically choose to option such a car from the factory, it can take a long time before the car actually gets to you. And yes, maybe you can wait. But not everyone wants to wait 9 to 12 months for their new car. Cars & Coffee Singapore recognises this, and thus to fulfil its customers desires, it carries a wide range of ready stock luxury cars. On hand, the company boasts close to 100 ready stock luxury cars. You can have your pick of luxury models, including Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and even a Pagani Huayra. And as these cars are ready stock, you can secure your car and have it on the road quickly – no need to wait months just for your car to reach Singapore. And, if you are looking for something super limited and rare, like a McLaren 720S or a Maybach, or you want a particular colour/trim specification of a 911 or C63, Cars & Coffee is abl to quickly source for the specific specification that its customers want. Dedicated experience To better meet the demands of these discerning customers, Cars & Coffee is also revamping its commonwealth showroom. The showroom has been redesigned to offer a more dedicated and tailoured customer experience. On top of being home to many luxury models, the Commonwealth showroom also hosts a new coffee bar that serves up premium coffee. Alongside these luxury cars, you can also find Japanese models such as the latest Honda Fit and Honda Vezel. To further enhance the buying experience, Cars & Coffee Singapore is also now offering an in-house interest rate of 1.68% - the company has managed to secure this low interest rate with the bank due to its strong sales volume. To find out more, you can visit the Cars & Coffee Singapore showroom at 1 Commonwealth Lane, #01-01 One Commonwealth Singapore (149544). Additionally, you can also visit the Cars & Coffee Megastore located at 60 Jln Lam Huat, Level 6 Carros Centre, Singapore (737869), where you can find even more cars on sale.

If I have a budget of $80,000 and I would like to buy a used car still left 6 years and above. What would you guys recommend? I will travel quite a bit for my work so will prefer something that is fuel efficient. Preferably a Sedan or a SUV. Need to put a stroller inside the car. I am considering a Toyota prius, But I never driven a hybrid before so I dunno about the maintenance and the upkeeping. https://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=1004028&DL=2469 Anyone have a better recommendation?

For used cars, the situation is going to be a lot rosier, that's assuming you have no outstanding loans to service. Post the car on car portals like sgCarMart and Carousell and you await your next adventure. Is it gonna be that easy though? You're gonna incur a cancellation fee from the car insurance, for first-time car owners you're gonna have to restart on your NCD accumulation, which maybe isn't so bad considering you only got started months ago. So I bought my COE Swift about four months ago and I hate to admit it but I'm not the biggest fan of it. Maybe because it's a 1.5, maybe I should have gotten a ZC31, maybe it was an impulse buy. I got the Swift four days after selling off my motorcycle. The initial plan was to commute to work via public transport for a few months but come on, we all know that's never going to work out. Sold the bike on 2nd May, had a cooling-off period of fewer than four days, and I was back on the road by 6th or 7th May. The Swift was also the only car I viewed. I'm sure there are a few possibilities one may want to back out on a car deal, be it buyer's remorse, buying a lemon, realising you were ripped off after signing on the dotted line, etc. And then your only recourse would be to plead your case aka beg the dealer to rescind the purchase agreement. But I'm not referring to those. I'm referring to... finding myself uninterested with the car after three months. There's no major issue with the car. A bit of kink here and there (cheap interior plastics rattling) but nothing major. Every morning I get to my car knowing it's gonna start, no strange noises, no sudden death. The only problem is, it's hella boring. 😆 Who am I kidding right? I bought a 1.5 Swift (no gun pointed at my head) and here I am, complaining I'm bored of my workhorse. I say it's an impulse buy because I had a few simple criteria - has to be a hatchback, inexpensive to maintain, no issue with parts availability, and voila, Swift it is. I didn't look around the market, I narrowed in on the Swift and I bought it from a used car dealer I know I can trust. It was that simple. If you made it through my longwinded post, congratulations! Here's my hypothetical question to you. Facing similar scenarios, would you sell the car after just buying, or continue driving till the end of its COE which is slightly less than three years away? No guarantee I'll like my next car though, at least not those I can afford. I don't have a fantastic track record of keeping things around. The bottom line I think we can all come to a consensus is that, go ahead and sell it if you can take the loss. Do share if you've felt the same way before after purchasing a used car? I'm referring to used car here because selling a new car after just a few months is a financial suicide with the first-year depreciation, except for those that can afford it.

From being able to get behind the wheel of your dream car as soon as possible to enjoying a worry-free motoring experience, there are many reasons why you might opt to lease a car. We look at the benefits it can bring you! If you want to drive a car but don't want the hassle and uncertainty associated with ownership, leasing could be just the thing for you. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider leasing your next car! 1. Get in your dream car faster with zero downpayment For a start, you will be able to bring that dream car to your doorstep sooner than you expect. By opting to lease, you will get access to a brand-new car with zero cash downpayment. 2. You can put your money to better use Even if you have the cash on hand for a downpayment, there is always a better use for it. You might consider an investment in order to earn some spare income or, if you are not into investing, why not splurge on that well-deserved holiday, or that home renovation you always wanted. Think about all the ways you could spend your money on. 3. Bid farewell to unexpected increases in expenses Owning a car can lead to erratic and substantial repair and maintenance costs. However, when you lease, your motoring expenses are reduced to one simple monthly payment. Just add your parking and fuel costs, and you're ready to hit road! And here's one other little-known secret: With your insurance already covered by the leasing firm, you won't have to worry about changing insurance premiums after an accident, since your monthly leasing cost will remain the same. How's that for added predictability? 4. Have a concierge service at your disposal Of course, having all your budgeting planned out will be pointless if you don't have any free time to enjoy it. Get a full-service lease, inclusive of concierge service and 24h roadside assistance, to ensure that you have complete peace of mind. With the concierge service, a representative will arrive at a place of your choosing both to collect and to return the car whenever your vehicle is due for servicing or repairs, so the disruption to your schedule is kept to an absolute minimum. "I'm really happy with my leasing experience with Daimler Fleet Management. It's so easy; I just have to pick up the phone whenever I have issues with my car and the concierge takes care of it. I wouldn't see myself going back to buying a car without leasing again.", Dr. Govender, long time leasing customer. Don't know which workshop you can trust to keep your car best maintained? Why not leave it to the expertise of your leasing firm? This way, you not only leave the maintenance costs of your car to the firm, but all the related logistics and part sourcing as well. A full-service lease with Daimler Fleet Management additionally ensures that you only get original replacements on wear and tear items including tyres, batteries and wiper blades, so you can always count on a dependable and working car. Even if you are unfortunate enough to face a breakdown on the road, Daimler Fleet Managements' 24-hour roadside assistance teams are always on standby. 5. A replacement car is there when you need one A replacement vehicle is also provided via the 24h roadside assistance. When your vehicle is sent for repairs or routine servicing, you won't have to make alternative transport arrangements. 6. Gain insulation from resale value risk Finally, when it comes to that time when you have to part ways with your pre-loved car, you can likewise just leave it to the concierge to pick it up. Others would have to worry about how much their cars have depreciated, and to haggle over a price with a used car dealer. Meanwhile, you will be able to spend your time shopping for your next new love! 7. Leasing is more affordable than you think With so many services on offer, you'd naturally think that leasing is going to be expensive. But that's not necessarily true. With Daimler Fleet Management, you get to enjoy all the benefits listed above, from as little as $10 a day! 8. Enjoy flexibility on your lease term Afraid of getting locked into a fixed leasing contract? Have no fear. Your lifestyle and mobility needs can change, and Daimler Fleet Management understands the importance for flexibility when it comes to your motoring needs. That's exactly why it now offers a new Flexi lease option, which mirrors a pay-per-use model by allowing customers to alter their lease periods as and when the need may arise. So, should you feel like changing your car to the latest facelift model, upgrading to a bigger car for your growing family, or if you want to simply stop driving, the options are always open. If all these sound great to you, Daimler Fleet Management has an extensive fleet of vehicles available at competitive rates for you to consider. Find out more here, or call 6849 8118 for enquiries!

There's no denying that cars are expensive in Singapore - you'll often find Singapore atop lists on the most expensive places to own a car in the world. So, when it comes to buying a car, price is a key factor. There's no doubt that everyone loves a bargain. Being able to save even a small amount can go a long way to making you feel a little bit better about your purchase. However, when it comes to buying a car, there's a lot more that goes into the decision than simply a race to the bottom, price-wise. Cheaper isn't necessarily better. Beyond the price tag, here are four additional things that you should consider when buying a car. 1. Complimentary warranty with the option of purchasing extended warranty Buying from an Authorised Dealer (AD) is generally more expensive, but included in that higher price tag is a warranty package, usually anywhere between five to seven years, and that usually also includes a servicing package. Having that warranty is important - while no one plans for something serious to go wrong with their car, you definitely want to be comprehensively covered should an unfortunate situation arise. Knowing that you can return to the AD who has the necessary expertise and genuine parts, provides you a complete peace of mind. All Porsche cars come with a complimentary maintenance and servicing package that includes regular wear and tear. Additionally, all cars come with a comprehensive five year warranty, with the option of picking up an extended warranty of up to 15 years, only available at Porsche Centre Singapore. 2. Highly trained sales and after sales professionals When it comes to servicing your vehicle, quality comes at a price. Yes, you can find the cheapest option, but you're certainly comprising on quality. Proper maintenance of your car is important for safety, as well as ensuring the long-term longevity and reliability of the car, delivering driving pleasure for years to come. With an AD, you can be sure of highly qualified technicians that have the most modern and up-to-date equipment and software updates necessary for dealing with modern, high-tech cars. Porsche Centre Singapore has one of the first electric-ready workshops in Southeast Asia, with dedicated high-voltage certified technicians, specifically to handle the all-electric Porsche Taycan. All the technicians are also regularly recertified and trained to maintain vehicles in accordance to global quality and safety standards. And, when it comes to a high-performance vehicle like a Porsche, you want to be able to get the best out of the experience. With intensive training to be qualified to service customers and deliver a top-notch purchase experience, the Porsche Sales Consultants are capable of guiding you on how to best use your vehicle. 3. Exclusive benefits and experiences When buying a car, especially with a premium brand, you are also buying into a set of exclusive experiences and a particular lifestyle. Beyond just the car, you also gain access to unique experiences and opportunities you wouldn't be able to attain elsewhere. These experiences can range from exclusive invites to various events and drives, as well as exclusive benefits from the brand and its partners. 4. Higher resale value When you decide it's time to move on to your next car, having a vehicle with a comprehensive dealer-certified service history, backed by the trusted reputation of the brand, will undoubtedly raise its resale value. With a highly detailed servicing history, as well as the assurance of genuine replacement parts used, any potential buyer will have no doubts as to the integrity and reliability of your vehicle. And of course, you also have the option of upgrading to a newer model and trading in your current vehicle with the AD.

There is a previous discussion, but the individual situation is different so the advice could be different. 52 year old guy middle income owning a 2008 Sti purchased new in 2009 at $124,000. The COE was $12,901 at that time ... Last year, i "blew up" the engine [thats another story] at a cost of $22,000. So the entire block is new, rad, air con compressor .... I honestly don't think i can afford the same "kind" of car at todays prices and although i drive to work everyday, driving is a hobby to me rather than a necessity. So perhaps from an "approaching retirement" point of view, what do you guys think?

Hi fellow MCF-ers, Im going to commit to purchase of a 2nd hand car for my mum so i would like to know the procedures to it. First time buying a car without a loan so i would like to know the procedures for this. 1. Sign S&P with buyer after AAS Checks if car is ok 2. I will settle insurance myself with my own agent 3. He has outstanding loan with Maybank, so whats the procedure like? My agent told me, i will need to go down with him to Maybank to fully settle the loan on the spot? Whats the guarantee to me? What if i help him settle and he suddenly change face? say no deal etc? 4. After loan settlement, we have to go down to LTA to do transfer? what documents are needed? Certainly LTA will need bank documents to say that loan has been fully settled. Thanks alot! Rgds, Ray

With the spiralling COE now, i can think of a few things that the used car dealers will chut pattern. aLready they are bleeding, what is left is to bury them. Dun give them any lease of life... 1. If you are looking for a used car, mark down the cost based on the COE spiral. Dun be taken in with the reason that the COE value there, so your car value high. What you dun know is that they already buy the car in and said 'with low COEs, i give you less for your COE maybe 7-10% less' 2. If you are looking to sell your car, stick your guns and with the paper value and the body value. Ask around or search sgcarmart for any of the body values and price accordingly. Post here in MCF, maybe can get inputs Any one else, do give your inputs

Saw cars on auction in sgcarmart and some are pretty new with low mileage. Most probably repossessed. Felt tempted to send in a tender. Yep, typical questions like unknown history, warranty issues, etc? I bet dealers dig into these cars and sell as 'normal' used cars as well.. Hmm.. Tempted ..

When was the last time an affordable, mass market car that was launched managed to get you just that little bit hot under the collar with lust or desire? Personally, I can't recall so it must have been donkey years ago. And for good reason. It has been a long time since there has been a bread & butter car that could inspire even a teeniest bit of motoring soul or passion. In fact, I think it has or will get worse in the coming years. Take a look at the line up of affordable cars today and we would struggle to find one that could make car enthusiasts drool or go gaga over. We have a couple of pretenders to the throne (say the Kia Koup). But, really, it seems that this is as good as it gets for normal average Singaporean drivers. If you don't have more than 150 grand to dish out on a car, you can forget about motoring pleasure, soul, passion & what not. For this, I blame the eco-mentalists and green activists. Their constant badgering for improving emissions standards and fuel consumption have led car manufacturers to focus on chasing these boring old figures rather than focusing on horsepower & handling. For one of the biggest victims of this green focus, we don't have to look any further than Honda. For a car marque that used to be steep in racing heritage and made pretty dang good mass market cars just decades ago, it has now stooped to the level of advertising its technological advancements in hybrid technology! A far cry from its glory days I say! Well, this has gone too far and I had had enough of all these eco-silliness. It is, quite frankly, making the car enthusiast in me feel sick. So my first wish for 2011? For car manufacturers to recognize and acknowledge that we still need exciting cars and to stop sacrificing it all just for some emission figures.