Car Tips
Buying your first car in Singapore is exciting, but making the wrong purchase can lead to a nightmarish outcome.
Here are the top mistakes that you should be avoiding as a first-time car buyer (for used cars).
Finally. You’ve accumulated a sizable income to buy the car of your dreams. But beware of overspending and overcommitting right from the start.
Plan your finances and keep to your budget.
You definitely don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re not able to afford your car down the road.
How to avoid it:
On top of the existing cost of your car, you should estimate an additional expense of $800 per month to cover your petrol, parking, road tax and insurance.
Many first-time buyers underestimated their costs, setting aside just $200 for petrol and parking — only to realise that owning and maintaining a car costs way more than that.
Two pieces of advice.
Number one, never take an in-house loan (a loan given by a dealer), unless you absolutely need a car and can’t get a bank loan.
Number two, never take a 100% car loan. As great as $0 downpayment sounds (you can walk away without paying anything upfront), dealers and finance companies aren’t charities.
They make money by charging very high interest rates, carefully hidden into their quoted car price. Don’t fall for these traps.
How to avoid it:
Only consider in-house loans if you genuinely can't qualify for a bank loan — such as having unstable income or poor credit. Otherwise, the convenience isn’t worth the inflated costs.
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a thorough check that helps you identify if there’s any hidden issues or car damage.
You’ll have a better idea of what condition your car is in, and it’s your first line of defense against buying a lemon before you sign anything.
So do get your PPI done. Or risk owning a lemon.
How to avoid it:
Book a PPI with a trusted workshop or mechanic before you pay or sign anything. This $150–$200 step can save you thousands later.
Need help? Book a PPI under our noto’s Certified Pre-Owned Programme (CPO), where we help you send it for a PPI, get your car repaired and backed by a 12-month warranty!
Even if you’ve passed your PPI checks, used cars may require continued upkeep.
You might encounter potential problems like aircon not being cold enough, suspension problems, rattling parts while you drive, or faulty spark plug or battery that require replacing.
These costs add up fast, and may easily go over $10k.
How to avoid it:
Ask the seller for the most recent service records. Gaps in records often predict costly upcoming maintenance.
When buying a used car, there’s always a risk that you’ll get an accident piece.
Cosmetic wear and tear are usually considered minor issues, but keep an eye for cars that have been involved in major car accidents as not only it poses as a safety issue, the value of your car would be significantly lower if you were to resale it.
How to avoid it:
Before you make your purchase, make sure to verify with your dealer that it is not an accident piece. Do a quick check online for your car’s history on online platforms or SGRV as well.
Your first car is a big step — and in Singapore, a big investment. Don’t rush. Take your time to research, ask questions, and do proper checks. If in doubt, bring someone experienced or get professional help from us today!
We’re here to make sure your first car is the right one — without the regrets.
Need help fast? Chat with us on WhatsApp — we reply quick!
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