Advice on leasing a car

[soundmeister]

I need some help on a reliable (and legal!) auto leasing agency for a long-term lease.

My office (currently within walking distance of my apartment) is moving to a place not that accessible by public transport (closest MRT is a 15 min walk, and getting there from my home is a pain anyway). Plus my child starts kindergarten and am a little cagey about how she will react to a schoolbus- she's very young and I prefer driving her myself if I can help it.

Problem is am not sure buying a car is something I can afford- certainly not the down payment, and a rough calculation on the instalment seemed to indicate that it's just not worth it. Given that leased cars come with a package that the lessor will take care of maintenance, it sounds like a sweet deal. Around $1000 a month will work out fine.

Any recommendations?

[bluenose]

Fiona
Prime Car Rental & Taxi Services Pte Ltd
Mobile: +65 98319293

I use this lady, very pleasant and very fair and could sort you something out..

[mak003]

you're right about owning a car here being a hassle. Especially in the event of relocation, one has to worry about disposing off the car... and finding buyers can be a challenge.

I myself am looking in to the leasing option. Haven't found a reasonable, fair vendor, who's not trying to skin me alive as yet.

Will try the recommendation posted here. Do share with us how your experience fairs.

Good luck!

[soundmeister]

Thanks bn and mak. On second thoughts, the lil one took to the bus and I can probably take a cab to work everyday and still spend less than I would on a car, so the plan is off for now

I got an offer for $1000 plus GST for an Aveo 1.4 hatchback (not from the dealer bn recommended) so figured it's just not worth it. Maybe when times are not so tough, can indulge my fancies a little.

Cheers!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Another option you may want to think about is doing the 1 to 2 years left on the PARF purchase. This is especially so if you look at continental cars. Their resale values often are very, very low (compared to the more numerous Japanese/Korean cars) and because they cannot get much on a trade it's often a good buy depending on the vehicle. What you do is find a dealer who will take the car back for some figure between the actual scrap value (Parf) and the cost you paid for it. Often you can get a decent car for a cheap rate for a year or two. Then just scrap it through the guy and look for another one.

[mak003]

hi Sundaymorn!

could you please elaborate on this approach?

Also, (pardon the ignorance) but, what is PARF?
Secondly, what kind of cars are we talking about here? 10yrs, 20yrs old?

Appreciate if you could shed some light on this...

[sundaymorningstaple]

Mak003,

Have a read of this thread, it's almost a whole tutorial on buying a used car depending on your projected stay here:

http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic44366.html

As for the costs of driving and all the various other bits, This site is a good primer:

http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/o ... ng/en.html

PARF vrs COE & definitions plus lots of other stuff:

http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/writeup.php?AID=12

Good Luck

SMS

[mak003]

THANKS !

This should keep me occupied

Although quite a damper, if one's looking for logic/reason to buy and own a car in singapore hahha... i guess passion is the only motivator

[soundmeister]

Thanks SMS. Christay's and your tips are really helpful