Hi, i have a bad experience while buying the old car and decided
to get a new one instead.
I arrived late in the evening and didnt really compared to the rest
of the ohter used-car dealers in singapore with the intention of
getting one. I wanted to save time and i have looked at the
sgcarmart and most of their vechicles are sold and i thought they
must be a reputable dealer. They always write true price honest
deal etc on their ads. (Then i have realised that i have to pay
more actually if i were to really buy the old car)
The SE asked for my budget i said monthly 200++ can already.
and i selected a 1.6 car. I test drive the car and was really fond
of the car.
when i asked about the engine oil and oil filter is ok? a i was too
lazy to check, he briefly mentioned that dun worry coz they got
free 6 mths workshop warranty.
After i have decided on the car, he had never mentioned to me about
the insurance, the transfer fee, the road tax expiring in 2 weeks
time(Its only i mentioned whether i can get the 6 mths road tax
free and he propose that they pay half about $300 plus and i pay
$300 plus and i agreed) and never mentioned whether i need a
gurantor or not to approve the loan. When i ask if the loan is not
approved how ah? His reply was dun worry sure approved.
I handed him the $500 deposit and only came to realise that the
deposit is not refundable upon payment. When i asked whether the
monthly repayment can be deducted from my giro, he said no problem
but his customer always come every month to touch up their car!!
(oh oh, car servicing, that's why)
The next morning, i called the dealer and check whether my loan was
approved and they said they will get back to me. The next day,
their clerk called and said that the loan was not approved and i
need a gurantor. Then i dragged them in search of a gurantor but
failed. One week later they called me and ask me to go down to
their showroom instead and select a small car. But they only left
with 2 smaller cars that i dun like. The boss also mentioned that
they are doing business and can write what lawyer letter as i asked
whether i can have the deposit back or not since i didnt get the
car i want. (He also mentioned that he feel very pai sei not to
return my deposit and i didnt get the small car also) Since then
they never contacted me liao.
Anyway, i was too rash to signed the documents anyway and i didnt
blame the dealer. I am willingly to let go my $500 deposit and go
for a new car to take away the monthly service problem and resell
value.
So if you want to buy a old car, be very caution
and also leave the option of getting a new car as well
See which one is better.
Of coz just top up a merely of $200 more for the new car.
At least we know that if the old car engine breaks down after a
year ot 2, say bye bye to old car and still owe the bank $$ and for
the old car, for new car we know that there is guranteed warranty
and serviced by reputable workshop.
Of coz, buying an old car is that is reliable is difficult coz
mostly are on the road now and many are those with frequent
problems are left in the workshops. Anyway, be caution when buying
an old car. I am not telling you not to buy if you have decided to
buy one but choose carefully -make sure you visited all the dealers
in singapore and get the best deal. have no regrets. Delay in the
buying process and let the car price drop. Usually the dealer has a
road tax renewal problem coz they also renew the car for 6 mths so
they are forced to hard sell the car. Even if the car doesn't come
with free 6 mths road tax, be sure to ask for one coz for old cars
that aged 10 yrs or older there is a surcharge for the road tax and
you must send the car to LTA for inspection every year. A typical
1.6litre car aged 15 yrs will have a yearly road tax of $1400++
every year and this translated to $$120++ on top of the montly car
repayment if you were to break down the $1400 divided by 12 mths.
Oh yes, dun forget about the insurance as well, the clerk told me
it was $1700 third party one.
Therefore i breakdown the monthly repayment expenses of
Car repayment, insurance repayment and road tax repayment
Works up to $550 + every month!
What about getting a new 1.3L car instead??
So i really understand why the LTA is so much smart and we see new
car on the singapore expressway and small roads everytime.
I finally understand with the $500 dollar lesson.
So folks when buying old car choose carefully!!
