It is reported that last weekend saw 5 to 20% more new cars sold in the showrooms here as COE premiums declined for the first time in months.
We probably have friends and family members who are looking to buy a car for a host of reasons. Although some might think that cars are not necessary in Singapore, many would beg to differ.
Finance manager Lionel Ng, 58, and his wife, 53, a homemaker, own a MPV vehicle which will be 10 years old in October. Yesterday, they took advantage of the lower COEs to purchase a Toyota Altis which will replace their current car.
Mr. Ng said: "The COE is still very expensive but we cannot wait anymore - I feel a car is a necessity in Singapore but right now, it's priced like a luxury item."
Ms. Evelyn Tan, 36, self-employed, upgraded her vehicle from a 3 year old Toyota Vios to a Mercedes Benz C-Class. She said: "With the trade-in and lower COE, I'm getting a very good deal on my new car." (The Straits Times, August 27, 2012).
I bought my current car about two years ago and I have not really been looking at cars or tracking their prices. A quick check online revealed the following:
1. New Toyota Altis 1.6 Classic (A) @ S$ 123,988
2. New Mercedes Benz C180 (A) @ S$ 214,888
Wow! WOW! WOW!!!!!!
I am used to driving around and would find it hard to adapt to a carless lifestyle. However, to pay so much even for a new Toyota Altis is simply mind-boggling.
If I were to buy a car now, I would look at pre-owned cars.
A 2006 registered Mercedes Benz C180 would, for example, set us back by S$60,000. This means saving S$154,888 for losing 6 years of use. This is rather simplistic, of course, as we would be buying an older car with older technology which would probably cost more to maintain with the wear and tear accumulated over 6 years. However, we would be saving ourselves some hefty depreciation.
Although I would always argue it is not a matter of affordability but a matter of value for money, consumption is always more of an emotive activity for most. So, happy, buy lor! ;)
Related posts:
1. Tea with AK71: A new car for $75,000?
2. Tea with AK71: The price of my car now.