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I think we have read enough articles from financial bloggers on why we should not be buying cars in Singapore.
Although I am generally in agreement, I have also said that, for some people, a car is a need and not a want.
Generally?
Yes, if having a car would make a person economically more productive, then, the car is actually an investment similar to a capital expenditure in a business.
Of course, add the fact that a car would probably improve our quality of life, it becomes an even more sensible proposition. (See related post #1.)
So, whether something is a need or a want depends on a person's circumstances.
Like with many things in life, it isn't as clear cut as some people might make it out to be.
We must not be too dogmatic about things. There will always be exceptions.
Of course, for many people, I believe, who own cars in Singapore, it is really more a want than a need. All I have is anecdotal evidence, of course. Correct me, if you like.
If we want to have a car simply because it improves our quality of life, because we don't want to squeeze ourselves into crowded trains or buses (if we are lucky enough to actually get into one during rush hours), because we don't want to join long queues for taxis when we go shopping for grocery or bulky items, because we have children and old folks at home, for examples, and if we have the resources, then, go ahead.
What do I mean by having the resources?
Well, it could be a bit extreme but, to me, it is not just having enough money for 50% of the price tag and taking a loan for the rest.
To me, it is about having enough money to pay for the car in full without having to take a loan.
A car loan is actually more expensive than it seems and I have blogged about this before. (See related post #2.)
So, when a friend told me that he is thinking of taking a 60% loan to buy a car because he has enough cash to pay 40% of the asking price, I told him he shouldn't and, of course, went on to explain why.
Then, he said that his parents are willing to give him $60K to buy the car (the car's price tag being $100K) because it is spare money to them and not making much by way of interest income but he feels bad about taking their money.
I told him he should consider it and that surprised him.
I told him that if he has set his mind on buying a car, then, nothing anyone says is going to stop him.
Rather than taking a loan from a bank and paying interest, he should consider taking the money from his parents and paying them interest instead.
That way, more money stays in the family.
Yes, take it as a loan and not a gift.
A loan to buy a car now attracts about 2.8% in interest cost per annum.
A $60,000 loan would attract an interest payment of $1,680 a year.
Over a 5 year period, this amounts to $8,400.
So, if he were to pay his parents on a monthly basis over a 5 year period, it would mean paying them $1,140 a month.
In a way, it would be like a short term annuity plan for his parents too.
Mind you, I am not saying that I support my friend's decision to buy a car when he doesn't need one.
I am just trying to make the best of a bad situation, if you will.
The way I look at it, my suggestion would help his family save $8,400 in interest payments to an external lender.
This is enough to pay for 56 months of petrol, assuming an average of $150 a month.
Related post:
1. Money management: Needs and wants.
2. A car loan is different from a home loan.
3. First time car buyer? Get a Mercedes Benz!
4. Tea with AK: A new car for $75,000!
5. Tea with AK: Bought a new car.
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