Singapore Used Car Checklist
Discussion
Off to do some car shopping in Singapore this weekend. I have a pretty good idea of how to calculate the depreciation (Car Price – OMV*50% / months until COE runs out), but have a few other questions.
• How much does a statutory inspection cost? Is it comparable to an MOT (more or less strict?).
• What protection does buying from a used car dealer give (e.g. in the UK if you discover the car is cat D, cloned, owing finance or stolen, you get your money back at any time)
• Is there a standard warranty period? What should I expect for any minor defects I discover later?
• Can you get inspections/guarantees here? (Edit – just found the AA do it for $90-$120, are their others?)
• Is there a database of smashed cars that can be checked?
• Ditto, how can I check if finance is owing on a car?
• Are there any big auction places in Singapore?
• Anything else to think about?
Oh, any tips on expat friendly insurance companies appreciated too.
• How much does a statutory inspection cost? Is it comparable to an MOT (more or less strict?).
• What protection does buying from a used car dealer give (e.g. in the UK if you discover the car is cat D, cloned, owing finance or stolen, you get your money back at any time)
• Is there a standard warranty period? What should I expect for any minor defects I discover later?
• Can you get inspections/guarantees here? (Edit – just found the AA do it for $90-$120, are their others?)
• Is there a database of smashed cars that can be checked?
• Ditto, how can I check if finance is owing on a car?
• Are there any big auction places in Singapore?
• Anything else to think about?
Oh, any tips on expat friendly insurance companies appreciated too.
Edited by noumenon on Friday 7th October 06:20
The answer on service books is I've never seen one, I don't actually believe that many modern cars can be serviced in Asia, which is why I tend to by things without all the electroncs, If you go into the big dealers for BMW and merc they do not appear to have the modern diagnostics for the latestr cars.
A mate of mine who owned a bike service garage in Bankok once told me that the BMW dealer used to come over and boorrow his torque wrench if thye had an expat in who asked to see one.
So assuming that the case, and remembering that you could get one printed and stamped up in Kl for 20Rm whats the point in asking, I wouldn't trust one if it was given to me.
A mate of mine who owned a bike service garage in Bankok once told me that the BMW dealer used to come over and boorrow his torque wrench if thye had an expat in who asked to see one.
So assuming that the case, and remembering that you could get one printed and stamped up in Kl for 20Rm whats the point in asking, I wouldn't trust one if it was given to me.
Based on my very limited experience I tend to agree. I saw a Meriva at the weekend which had the engine management light on and which was kangaroo'ing down the road with very hesitant auto changes. Chances are it's a simple coil pack needing replaced, yet the dealer's attitude was "what do you exect from a 2006 car?" rather than the "no problem, we'll get that fixed".
What's the general feeling about servicing in Sing? Do people tend to get it done when they're due? Or at least once a year? I know you shouldn't generalise, but I'm curious as to why it's given little importance.
I also got the impression that cars are "sold as seen" as each dealer looked confused when I asked about warrenty. What am I paying a dealer premiun for if that is the case?
Also getting some insurance quotes today:
- Jazz of 2005/6 vintage is around 1800
- Meriva of similar age is 2600
I was surprised at the difference. Any ideas why the meriva is so loaded? On the flip side, are there particuar cars that are cheaper to insure?
What's the general feeling about servicing in Sing? Do people tend to get it done when they're due? Or at least once a year? I know you shouldn't generalise, but I'm curious as to why it's given little importance.
I also got the impression that cars are "sold as seen" as each dealer looked confused when I asked about warrenty. What am I paying a dealer premiun for if that is the case?
Also getting some insurance quotes today:
- Jazz of 2005/6 vintage is around 1800
- Meriva of similar age is 2600
I was surprised at the difference. Any ideas why the meriva is so loaded? On the flip side, are there particuar cars that are cheaper to insure?
When Istoo came to S E Asia i told him about the lack of servicing, and to only look at condition, he didn't believe me, unti he saw a car at his work around two years old that had overheated because the female owner had not only never had it serviced but she had never checked the water or oil.
They say there is no word in Malaysian (chinese etc) for maintainence, Look at condition, oil colour anti freez density, things like that.
I'd buy from the owner or try to make an assumption as to what the owner was like, e.g. my mate bought an MGB a few years back, the thing that impressed us was that the owner had left aproper thor hide hammer in the car to take of the wire wheels.
Try looking for the tool kit, you'd be amazed at the people who throw them away or leave them at the garage, now that says a lot about the owner,
My wife is well trained and she checks the oil, water, tyres on her Porshce reguler, all (and I mean all) her friends think she is nuts, they just run cars until they stop.
amazing thing is cars are so expensive and maintainence is so cheap you would think they would look after them, but its just not the case.
Every car I've bought has been from an expat, except the Porshce which had a titled owner, and the driver looked after it.
They say there is no word in Malaysian (chinese etc) for maintainence, Look at condition, oil colour anti freez density, things like that.
I'd buy from the owner or try to make an assumption as to what the owner was like, e.g. my mate bought an MGB a few years back, the thing that impressed us was that the owner had left aproper thor hide hammer in the car to take of the wire wheels.
Try looking for the tool kit, you'd be amazed at the people who throw them away or leave them at the garage, now that says a lot about the owner,
My wife is well trained and she checks the oil, water, tyres on her Porshce reguler, all (and I mean all) her friends think she is nuts, they just run cars until they stop.
amazing thing is cars are so expensive and maintainence is so cheap you would think they would look after them, but its just not the case.
Every car I've bought has been from an expat, except the Porshce which had a titled owner, and the driver looked after it.
Berw said:
amazing thing is cars are so expensive and maintainence is so cheap you would think they would look after them, but its just not the case.
Jackpot! That's the bit I just can't get my head around.I'm thinking a direct owner sale may indeed be the way to go. More chance of actually finding out if it has ever seen a mechanic or not!
My mum drives a '95 Honda Accord that is about to crack 250k miles any time now on its original engine. The car still runs just fine, and the condition is pretty good, considering the mileage. She is also not the most mechanically sympathetic of drivers (very reactive and jerky driving), but she does not rev the engine hard and drives sedately once she hits highway cruising speeds.
It's amazing what a modern car will do if you just service it regularly.
Of course the best thing about the Malaysian climate is the lack of tinworm.
It's amazing what a modern car will do if you just service it regularly.
Of course the best thing about the Malaysian climate is the lack of tinworm.
halogen said:
Guess labour is cheap which means cheap repair costs?
Labour is cheap (except for high-end supercar main dealers, which typically run to higher than in the UK). Parts can be expensive, depending on the car.If you run an Asian econobox, it is cheap as chips to service and repair. The more esoteric your choice of vehicle, the more prices of spares go up (and they can be significantly more expensive than in the UK, simply due to limited availability).
I did go to look at a 307, but one look at the windscreen with its special sun reflective coating, rain and light sensors and I thought mmmmmmmm, that's not going to be easy to get in Sing.
The insurance on the Meriva kills its advantage of low depreciation. So an economy jap mobile does indeed seem the way to go.
I do like the jazz (just don't ask about the performance). I tried the local owners club, but it would appear to be the default choice for 18 year old chavs (or whatever they are called here). So the local forums are of limited help.
I saw one Jazz that appeared to have been lowered, but on reflection it was just the amount of diamante it was carrying! *snigger*
Sorry, been stuck running around the third world and my bloody phone and iPad would not roam! Just got the wifi working in the hotel .... Dear old UK, get me out of here!
The main agents, cycle &carriage, tan Chong etc while hold service histories of all cars that they look after.
If the car has been looked after by a reputable independent they should be able to give you a good history too.
Have you had a look at the AML building in Ubi yet?
Unfortunately your average local would rather spend money on wheels, body kit, interior tat and stickers before servicing and parts. I have seen people look like a stunned mullet when they discover that brakes and tires actually wear!
Edit - your origional q's
There is no such thing as cat a, b, c, d just fix it or scrap it for parts. To be fair, when someone properly stuffs a car here, they really stuff it!
Dealer warenty for 2nd hand, 5years but cannot garuntee they will be there in 5 minutes guv ;-)
Outstanding finance, never an issue, this is on the records so when you do the transfer with LTA they will check that outstanding finance is clear, and that the person selling does actually own the car.
Insurers, know a few, depends on what you are after as to who I recomend.
The main agents, cycle &carriage, tan Chong etc while hold service histories of all cars that they look after.
If the car has been looked after by a reputable independent they should be able to give you a good history too.
Have you had a look at the AML building in Ubi yet?
Unfortunately your average local would rather spend money on wheels, body kit, interior tat and stickers before servicing and parts. I have seen people look like a stunned mullet when they discover that brakes and tires actually wear!
Edit - your origional q's
There is no such thing as cat a, b, c, d just fix it or scrap it for parts. To be fair, when someone properly stuffs a car here, they really stuff it!
Dealer warenty for 2nd hand, 5years but cannot garuntee they will be there in 5 minutes guv ;-)
Outstanding finance, never an issue, this is on the records so when you do the transfer with LTA they will check that outstanding finance is clear, and that the person selling does actually own the car.
Insurers, know a few, depends on what you are after as to who I recomend.
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 10th October 18:12
Beer. =) When are you back in Sing?
We want to pay cash and are really more interested in depreciation than up front cost. I've been looking at 30k cars with depreciation around $6k/yr for the most part. Actual budget is 20-40k. In my head 20-25k can be a bit rough, 25-30k should be nice and 30k+ should be pristine.
SWMBO hasn't driven for a while and so is looking for a small hatchback. Based on previous cars we've owned, her rule of thumb is that it must be "smaller than a boxster" but with space for one kid, four adults and some luggage. Honda Jazz is the current favourite (if only there was a Type R!). Though I've spotted a couple of nice Mazda 2's that might fit the bill.
We want to pay cash and are really more interested in depreciation than up front cost. I've been looking at 30k cars with depreciation around $6k/yr for the most part. Actual budget is 20-40k. In my head 20-25k can be a bit rough, 25-30k should be nice and 30k+ should be pristine.
SWMBO hasn't driven for a while and so is looking for a small hatchback. Based on previous cars we've owned, her rule of thumb is that it must be "smaller than a boxster" but with space for one kid, four adults and some luggage. Honda Jazz is the current favourite (if only there was a Type R!). Though I've spotted a couple of nice Mazda 2's that might fit the bill.
Sitting in the Serviceair lounge, one step removed from Dante's 9th gate to hell (Heathrow T3) right now, so tomorrow Afternoon!!
Just self medicating ready for the flight!!!
to be fair, those kind of cars at that sort of money, the depreciation is neither here nor there ... they will have 3 or 4 years COE left which means after 2 years ownership they will be concidered only worth shell value for export - as if COE stay's high noone will reniew a COE at 45k on a Jazz or a Kia Catpoo.
TBH i would look at a new car, you will get 1.8% finance, so something like the Jazz will be about $600 a month, and you will either have the tax rebate on export or a much more sellable car (high paper value) after 24 months.
(depending on how long you expect to be here!)
You will also be able to haggle some good deals as the car industry is hurting currently.
What about a Nissan Juke
Just self medicating ready for the flight!!!
to be fair, those kind of cars at that sort of money, the depreciation is neither here nor there ... they will have 3 or 4 years COE left which means after 2 years ownership they will be concidered only worth shell value for export - as if COE stay's high noone will reniew a COE at 45k on a Jazz or a Kia Catpoo.
TBH i would look at a new car, you will get 1.8% finance, so something like the Jazz will be about $600 a month, and you will either have the tax rebate on export or a much more sellable car (high paper value) after 24 months.
(depending on how long you expect to be here!)
You will also be able to haggle some good deals as the car industry is hurting currently.
What about a Nissan Juke
Ah, that would explain why there are so few cars with 1-2 years COE left to run. I’d have expected them to be cheap/popular as it’s easy to calculate the cost to COE expiry and thus the cost of motoring!
I do like the look of the Juke. At 113k (inc COE?) it looks well priced for Singapore. We’ll probably be in Sing for 2 more years. I’m not overly keen to commit to a new car if there is a risk of COE falling (along with used values). Isn’t there a lot of tie in/expense to break the finance?
I guess what I am really asking is – what’s the cheapest way to get the use of a small car for a period of 1-2 years? Preferably with a way to opt out after 6 months if we’re really not using it that much.
I do like the look of the Juke. At 113k (inc COE?) it looks well priced for Singapore. We’ll probably be in Sing for 2 more years. I’m not overly keen to commit to a new car if there is a risk of COE falling (along with used values). Isn’t there a lot of tie in/expense to break the finance?
I guess what I am really asking is – what’s the cheapest way to get the use of a small car for a period of 1-2 years? Preferably with a way to opt out after 6 months if we’re really not using it that much.
There is no penalties for breaking a finance deal on a car, you can pay the full amount the week after you buy if you want, with no penalty, and interest is calculated daily / monthly.
There is little likelihood of COE's diving in the next few years as they are actively reducing the number of cars on the road.
If you do have to chop and run after 6 months, you will get 90% of your COE back, plus (i think) 90% of the ARF as well as the shell value if you sell the car to an export agent.
Strangely, unless you are looking at a properly old car, or something exotic it does make more sense to buy new.
Also you will be able to haggle good discounts ... i got $30k off my 370Z, if you are taking an existing stock car.
in short, new or close to new and on the never never is probably the way to go.
There is little likelihood of COE's diving in the next few years as they are actively reducing the number of cars on the road.
If you do have to chop and run after 6 months, you will get 90% of your COE back, plus (i think) 90% of the ARF as well as the shell value if you sell the car to an export agent.
Strangely, unless you are looking at a properly old car, or something exotic it does make more sense to buy new.
Also you will be able to haggle good discounts ... i got $30k off my 370Z, if you are taking an existing stock car.
in short, new or close to new and on the never never is probably the way to go.
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