Why Choose A Used Toyota Instead

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Why Choose A Used Toyota Instead

Why Choose A Used Toyota Instead

By

Haziq Asyraf

Ah, Toyota—a beacon of assurance in the car realm. A promise that your trusty steed is a car that means business and will bring you to places, worry-free. Toyota has always had a reputable record for offering reliability and durability—regardless whether you choose a new or an used Toyota.

New or used?

This age-old question narrows down to this: understanding your financial capability, and choosing a quality-assured car for the long haul.

Imagine you want to buy a new car that costs roughly RM80,000 and you earn about RM100,000 a year. Ideally, you need to put at most a down payment of RM20,000 (~20% of the cost) and take up a five year loan to repay the rest. You’d have to spend no more than RM1,500 a month (which should be about 20% of your salary) on expenses for it.

Now, this should be a realistic and comfortable scenario for you and your wallet – but that’s not always the case. Incomes and spending can fluctuate, so it’s always best to keep commitments the lowest possible. A RM1,500 commitment might seem okay in the beginning, and sure you can opt not to have your 15 cups of cappuccinos anymore. But remember: you have to pay that amount on a monthly-basis for the next five years.

This is where the solution of buying used cars come in.

Used Cars Plus Points

Used cars offer you the option of an attractive and more affordable price point, which means a more relieved and happier wallet.

Just take a look at this scenario:

The same Toyota model you’re eyeing has reduced in value and depreciated over, let’s say, three years. The used car then becomes approximately 30% cheaper, making it RM56,000. That’s more than RM20,000 in savings, and reduces your monthly repayment to RM1,000 if you still go for a five year loan to finance the purchase. Or you can even shorten the timeline.

Buying a used car also gives lower car insurance rates as well as registry renewals. And if you’ve saved a lot on your overall value with your used car, you can even consider moving up to a higher class.

The result: You get to own and drive that amazing Toyota you want, while also doing the things you love. Like having those cups of coffee, without feeling guilty. Choose your favourite used Toyota
here
.


Looking for a Used SUV for Your Growing Family? Here Are 5 Best SUVs for Less Than RM100K

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Looking for a Used SUV for Your Growing Family? Here Are 5...

By

Devan S

The SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) segment has been dominating the market for some time now. Whether you’re at a traffic light stop, a parking lot or on the highway, SUVs are everywhere. In fact, there are
over 70 SUV models
 sold in Malaysia currently, so finding the
best SUV
 for you would be a piece of cake.

SUVs are practical, comfortable, and the taller ride height gives people a commanding view unlike hatchbacks and sedans. Gone are the days when people only
buy SUVs
 because they are starting a family – SUVs are now suitable for everyone.

However, a quick search online will show that new SUVs will cost RM80,000 and above, except for our local brands. In fact, the options are limited for a new SUV below the RM100,000 price point.

Thus, here are five best used
SUVs for less than RM100,000
.

Read more:

Crossover vs SUV: Are There Actually Any Differences Between the Two?

1. Honda CR-V – The Best Daily SUV in Malaysia

A CARSOME Certified Honda CR-V listing.

The Honda CR-V is a reliable and spacious SUV that offers a comfortable ride and ample storage space. With its family-friendly design and dependable performance, the CR-V is a popular choice for those seeking practicality and versatility.

Check out our CARSOME Certified Honda CR-V inventory
here
.

Here’s a brief summary of the key pros and cons of the Honda CR-V to provide you with an overview of its strengths and weaknesses:

PROS

CONS

Reliable (regular service and maintenance will keep the car problem-free)

Poor handling (cannot go through a curve or a twisty road at a high speed as it will loose grip or control of the car)

Comfortable ride as it absorbs uneven road surfaces well

Four airbags only for 2.0-liter variant

Spacious cabin for a family of five with plenty of legroom, headroom and storage compartments for a road trip

Lack of touchscreen display on 2.0-liter 2WD variant

Large boot capacity at 589-liters, expandable up to 1,146-liters with the rear seats folded – it’s enough to fit a whole family’s luggage

Fabric seats on 2.0-liter 2WD variant

Honda LaneWatch
(Honda’s version of blind spot monitor system)

2.0-liter variant is underpowered in certain scenarios

Mature looks for someone starting a family

Fuel efficient for its size

2. Honda HR-V – The Best Low Maintenance SUV in Malaysia

A CARSOME Certified Honda HR-V listing.

If you’re someone who prioritizes functionality and is seeking a practical and spacious SUV, the Honda HR-V should be your priority. With its clever interior packaging and stylish exterior, the HR-V offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Check out our CARSOME Certified Honda HR-V inventory
here
.

Here’s a brief summary of the key pros and cons of the Honda HR-V to provide you with an overview of its strengths and weaknesses:

PROS

CONS

Reliable (regular service and maintenance will keep the car problem-free)

Not the most comfortable as going over potholes isn’t well-sorted

Most spacious and practical in its segment – cabin feels airy and not claustrophobic

Poor handling (cannot go through a curve or a twisty road at a high speed as it will loose grip or control of the car)

Largest boot capacity in its segment at 437-liters, expandable up to 1,032-liters with the rear seats folded – for comparison, Mazda CX-3 only has 350-liters

Infotainment system is outdated

Looks sharp with design cues like hidden rear door handles making it look like a coupe

Poor placement of air-cond vents, hard to cool cabin

Smart interior packaging (
Honda’s Ultra Seats
)

3. Nissan X-Trail – The Best Budget SUV in Malaysia

A CARSOME Certified Nissan X-Trail listing.

The Nissan X-Trail combines comfort and capability, providing a comfortable ride and the ability to handle uneven road surfaces with ease. With its comfortable seating and responsive transmission, the X-Trail offers a reliable driving experience through the roughest terrains.

Check out our CARSOME Certified Nissan X-Trail inventory
here
.

Here’s a brief summary of the key pros and cons of the Nissan X-Trail to provide you with an overview of its strengths and weaknesses:

PROS

CONS

Comfortable ride as it absorbs uneven road surfaces well

Two airbags only

Comfortable seats with good thigh support

Unrefined touchscreen display as it has a slow response time between each click

Responsive transmission (gearbox) – eager to get you up to speed

Engine and transmission sounds unrefined with a whining sound

Poor handling (cannot go through a curve or  a twisty road at a high speed without losing grip or control of the car)

4. Proton X70 – The Best Affordable SUV

A CARSOME Certified Proton X70 listing.

With its comfortable ride, well-sorted handling, and spacious interior, the X70 offers a premium driving experience that impresses with its refined performance, luxurious features, and advanced technology at such an affordable price.

Check out our CARSOME Certified Proton X70 inventory
here
.

Here’s a brief summary of the key pros and cons of the Proton X70 to provide you with an overview of its strengths and weaknesses:

PROS

CONS

Comfortable ride as it absorbs potholes with ease

Poor Bluetooth hands-free telephone quality

Well-sorted handling (can go through a curve or a twisty road at a high speed without losing grip or control of the car)

Side view mirrors are so big that it creates a blind spot when turning into a junction

Stable at high speeds

Sluggish transmission

Refined engine and transmission setup

Not fuel efficient but 2020 models with the dual-clutch transmission improves on this

Large boot capacity at 519-liters, powered tailgate with hands-free operation (great for when your hands are full)

Premium materials used all round (soft touch leather)

Excellent sound insulation

360-degree camera, which provides a better view for the driver when parking or going through tight spaces such as a narrow pathway

Has a mature look for someone starting a family while having creative designs like the
“infinite weave” grille
 inspired by
‘batik’
and traditional Malaysian wood carvings

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
 such as Blind Spot Information System, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, etc.

5. Proton X50 – Best Five Seater SUV in Malaysia

A CARSOME Certified Proton X50 listing.

A compact SUV that combines sporty styling with practicality. With its comfortable ride, agile handling, and premium interior, the X50 offers a delightful driving experience for those who seek a compact yet capable SUV.

Check out our CARSOME Certified Proton X50 inventory
here
.

Here’s a brief summary of the key pros and cons of the Proton X50 to provide you with an overview of its strengths and weaknesses:

PROS

CONS

Comfortable ride as it absorbs uneven road surfaces well

Seats lack of thigh support

Powered tailgate

Small boot capacity at 330-liters

Engine is reasonably responsive (gets you up to speed with ease)

High fuel consumption, potentially due to the smaller 1.5-liter engine and its not calibrated for fuel efficiency, more for sporty driving

Well-sorted handling (can go through a curve or a twisty road at a high speed without losing grip or control of the car)

Not spacious and practical (can’t even fit big bottle in the side door compartment)

Dual-clutch transmission does not jerk during low speeds

Responsive engine can lead to jerky feel during stop and go traffic

Premium materials used all round (soft touch leather)

Excellent sound insulation

360-degree camera, which provides a better view for the driver when parking or going through tight spaces such as a narrow pathway

Looks sharp with design cues like quad exhaust pipes (consisting of four exhaust pipes) making it look like a sports car

Updated Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes
Intelligence Cruise Control
 (Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities)

CARSOME Certified: The Trusted Way to Buy Quality Pre-owned SUVs

Here at CARSOME, we believe in creating an end-to-end buying journey to eliminate the concerns of traditional used car buying experience.
CARSOME Certified
 is the new standard of buying pre-owned cars backed up by our
175-point Inspection
 together with our
CARSOME Certified Refurbishment Process
.

By creating a trusted used car ecosystem, CARSOME Certified guarantees trust, transparency, and choice. Check out our CARSOME Certified Cars
here
.

Read more:
5 Reasons Why SUVs or Crossovers are Better for Malaysians Compared to Sedans

Devan S
Devan believes written content is here to stay despite our depleting attention span and the rise of short videos. He loves four and two-wheeled vehicles, and movies of all makes and models.


Why Aren’t Station Wagons Popular in Malaysia?

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Why Aren't Station Wagons Popular in Malaysia?

By

Brian Wong

The station wagon is dead. Let’s face it. The only way for station wagons to survive is if
they look like SUVs
. For example, the US Market 2023 Subaru Outback outsold the 2022 Mercedes Benz E-Class E450 All-Terrain Wagon by 181,178 units compared to the German Estate that only had 8000 units to boot. Over in Europe and the UK, station wagons that were once popular are
hanging by a thread
.
Automotive Europe News reports
 that wagons are slowly phasing out by manufacturers in favor of Sedans and SUVs due to declining sales.

The sales of station wagons barely even exist as a footnote in Malaysia; a bygone segment dying in the country. As more SUVs and Sedans begin to dominate the road, this begets the question: Why aren’t wagons popular in Malaysia?

Read More:
Station Wagons Sell in the U.S. Mainly When They’re Disguised as SUVs

Read More:
Wagons Forecasted to Struggle in Sales

Social Stigma Towards Station Wagons

Source: Nirvana Malaysia

Funeral hearses started off as a simple need to transport the deceased from the parlor to the graveyard. Over time, people started off adding more decorations to the horse carriage to send off a loved one as lavishly as possible before phasing out motor carriages. In the United States, Cadillacs, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Jaguar or any luxury brand you can think of have been converted into luxurious hearses to send off a loved one.

Wait, this is an article about station wagons, why are we talking about funeral hearses? Well, station wagons are a preferred choice by funeral parlors to be modified into hearses. This, in turn, has shaped the entire segment to be a cultural taboo in some countries. In Malaysia, lavish funerals are also held to show how much love and respect the living had for the deceased just like the rest of the world.

In Malaysia, our vehicle options are limited. If anyone grew up in the early 2000s, it’s uncommon to find old Mercedes Benz Wagons, or Estate as they are officially called, to be used as a hearse. I recall when I first laid my eyes on a Mercedes Benz W124 Estate parked at a roadside, I got reprimanded by my parents for paying any attention to a car that is only used for funerals.

In the olden days, the very few times you see a station wagon used is for funerals. Growing up in a mainly Mandarin-speaking community, station wagons became synonymous with funerals and death. Let’s face it, older wagons do look like coffins. From the boxy W124 Estate to a battered Toyota Corolla KE70 Wagon. That, however, did not stop them from becoming cult classics among car enthusiasts worldwide.

Read More:
Shinzo Abe’s Hearse Is A Reminder That Toyota Can Make An Impressive Last Ride

Watch Here:
The History of Funeral Hearses

The Appraisal Value Used of Station Wagons

For sake of simplicity and readability, I’ll only be referring to the prices of Station Wagons in Malaysia. As of today, there are only four types of wagons that you can get a brand new from a Malaysian dealership as of 2022. These models include the Mini Cooper Clubman, Subaru Outback, Mazda 6 Wagon, and Volvo V60. Yes, only four models. For a Malaysian car enthusiast, that is depressing. You could, however, opt for gray and recond imports for models not available to the local market albeit for a hefty cost and tedious process.

Read More:
Wagons for Available for Sale in Malaysia

Here’s where things take a weird turn. There
are
 genuine buyers in Malaysia looking for station wagons; but they’ll only buy them second-hand, sometimes for an even higher price. Some wagons are able to retain a higher appraisal value than their sedan counterparts in the used market. Take a pre-owned Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG for example. A lengthy search led me to find two rare listings; one in sedan and one in wagon model. The sedan has a price tag of RM255,500 while the station wagon is going for RM380,000.

Even as a cheap beater, the Toyota Corolla KE70 model isn’t spared from this fate either. A used, unmodified sedan can go for around RM8,000 – RM12,000. On the other hand, the Station Wagon variant can go for RM15,000! Station Wagon isn’t used for family-oriented business anymore, rather they serve as gratification for car enthusiasts who seek out the extraordinary.

Competition with SUVs and Vans

Prior to the arrival of SUVs, station wagons were indeed once popular. They were the go-to models for small families in suburban environments. However, as time goes by, the once jungle-ready 4×4 vehicles have evolved into modern SUVs as we know them today. Modern SUVs have a higher ground clearance and sometimes bigger boot space to suit all the needs of a family-oriented buyer.

Performance-wise, you can expect it to perform just like how a sedan handles. Take the Mazda 6 Grand Tourer and the Mazda CX-5 for example. While the CX-5 has a smaller interior to boot, it has a higher elevated view for the driver and a much more rugged chassis to protect occupants than the Grand Tourer. One cannot deny that the Mazda CX-5 fetches a better bargain here in spite of having similar engine and safety features.

Read More:
Used Mazda CX-5 Buying Guide

In spite of its good handling, excellent fuel economy, and boot space compared to an SUV, it still falls short of the competition. Furthermore, when set against the likes of Minivans, MPV, and Vans, it’s hard for an expensive Station Wagon to find a foothold in the market.

Lack of proper marketing for Wagons

Another contributing factor to the popularity of wagons is the lack of marketing and publicity for the segment. It’s no doubt auto manufacturers had done their best to market the wagon but a station wagon still cannot find the right position in the public eye. A sedan, SUV, or a Coupe is seen as a luxury vice.

Source: Desiinger- Panda

When was the last time we saw station wagons being featured in entertainment media today? Well, except for Stranger Things which has plenty of wagons in the background, there is no spotlight for these family-oriented wagons. Have you seen a rapper talking about owning an Audi RS4 or a Volvo Estate in their music videos? Nope, they prefer SUVs too. An Audi Q7 seems to have more spotlight than its wagon counterparts. Heck, we even had a whole song dedicated to the BMW X6 itself!

Product placement in entertainment has been an
 effective marketing tactic
 proven to drive sales of certain products. From the eponymous Yellow Camaro in Transformers, which every kid on the block calls Bumblebee, to the titular AE86 that delivered tofu up the mountains that kickstarted a whole culture among car enthusiasts that drove up the resale value. So, what about wagons? Aside from minor or background roles, station wagons aren’t really well positioned to be cool enough in pop culture. Perhaps if a cheap KE70 Toyota Corolla Wagon starred in the next Fast and Furious installment, we may see its prices skyrocket due to demand.

If you are keen on selling your station wagon to
CARSOME
, contact us today!
CARSOME
 guarantees trust and transparency toward our customers and we offer the best value for used cars. It’s easy to sell! All you need to do is book an inspection
here
, attend it and sell it off in just 24 hours! (T&C apply)

Tags
Cars
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Tips

Brian Wong


Hybrid Cars Might Be the Only Way Petrol Engines Can Survive in the Future.

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Hybrid Cars Might Be the Only Way Petrol Engines Can Survive in...

By

Brian Wong

In a world without petrol engines, where would our beloved exhaust notes go? Stringent and tighter emission laws in developed countries in the West and Europe are slowly forcing their way, pressuring auto manufacturers to either go hybrid or fully electric on their vehicles. Eventually, pure petrol-powered cars might soon be phased out or only available to the super-rich in the form of super and hypercars. We might not see more pops and bangs made by sports cars in the future.

For the common masses, we only have two choices – Hybrid or Electric. But what if there is a small community that wants to keep petrol-powered cars alive while having auto manufacturers
comply with strict emission regulations? This is where Hybrid Cars and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (P-HEV) cars come in to fill the gap. But first, we need to understand why pure petrol-powered cars may be phased out in the future.

Strict and Harsher Regulations on Emissions Output by Petrol Engines

Last year, the
European Parliament
 voted to ban the sale of new petrol-powered vehicles by 2035 with the aim of reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change. The continent also aims to achieve
carbon neutrality
 by 2050. Over in the United Kingdom, the country has decided to pull the deadline for the sale of petrol cars by 2030 while hybrid cars get a five-year extension. Across the ocean to the largest auto industry in the world, China has no plans as of to date but one province,
Hainan Island
 plans to follow suit with a deadline of 2030 and we can expect the country to eventually follow up.

With all these regulations in play, the future of pure petrol-powered cars seems bleak. Hybrid cars and Plug-in Hybrid Engine Vehicles (PHEV) were once the solutions back then as fully electric vehicles were not ready to be commercialized yet. However, one still cannot deny hybrid cars and PHEVs still have
some form of tailpipe emission
 due to the usage of fossil fuels. Some
car brands
 have plans to phase out petrol-powered cars. Volvo pledges to go
fully electric
 by 2030, and Volkswagen will stop selling
fossil-fuel-powered vehicles
 by 2026. What about other auto manufacturers? Will they be phasing out hybrid cars in favor of electric ones to follow suit? Only time will tell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMgxmSnuS4Y

Surprise, Surprise. PHEV and Hybrid Cars Are Not As Environmentally Friendly As We Think They Are.

The goal of having a close-to-zero-emission future may soon be a reality. There was a time when the poor rode horses and the rich owned motor carriages. Now, the poor own a car to get stuck in traffic while the bourgeois rich own horses for playing polo. EVs and hybrid cars are expensive toys for the rich too but given enough time, auto manufacturers will begin to introduce affordable EVs and hybrid cars for the masses to comply with strict laws on greenhouse emissions around the world. While EVs get special protection, hybrid cars, which were once the middle-ground solution for petrol cars and early electric cars, are not as eco-friendly as we think they are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GXYCUMe9N4

EVs are going to dominate the streets, while PHEVs and hybrid cars are still closely monitored for their greenhouse emissions despite running much cleaner than pure petrol-powered cars. According to
BBC News
, a PHEV car produces an average of 28 tons of CO2, while a hybrid car would emit an average of 33 tons. In comparison, an average petrol and diesel car are estimated to produce somewhere between 30 and 41 tons of CO2 from fossil fuel combustion during its lifetime. For a zero-emission future, PHEVs and hybrid cars might just get the axe too, as
various legislations in Europe
 still allow PHEVs and hybrid cars to be sold in the country past 2035. If hybrid cars too are caught up in the ban, will this be the last time we might see hybrid cars offered in the market?

Read More:
Hybrid or Petrol? Make Your Choice with This Quick Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G67i_Z8ukD4

Would People Bounce Back to PHEV and Hybrids?

The competition between PHEVs and hybrid cars versus EVs is a tough battle. However, there might be a glimmer of hope where petrol-powered PHEVs and hybrids can shine in the auto industry. For this quick benchmark, let’s take the Hyundai Kona for example as it is being offered both Hybrid and Electric in Malaysia.

Prices for the hybrid model start at
RM124,800
 while the EV model starts at
RM156,538
. With a close to RM32,000 difference, first-time buyers in Malaysia would prefer to opt for the hybrid car rather than the electric one due to familiarity with its use. In addition, while the electric model may be cheaper to refill and recharge at (39.2kWh) = RM25.96 as
Carput
 reports, it’s the recharging times that will put most potential customers off. Officially, Hyundai claims fast charging – with a 100kW DC charging station requires approximately 47 minutes from 10% to 80% state of charge (SOC). The hybrid variant? Just a few minutes at the petrol pump.

Onto maintenance, there is not much on the internet that allows us to compare the maintenance cost of both models but we have a rough estimate on the wheels. Electric vehicles tend to have 19’ to 21’ diameter tires. Furthermore, these tires are special because they mostly run on run-flat tires.
According to DSF
, one is expected to fork out RM8,000 on average for one set! The Hyundai Kona aside, a Tesla is not
cheap to repair
 either. Sources state that a replacement battery for a Tesla would set you aside
around RM95,000
. A hybrid car would arguably go for much less in comparison.

Read More:
Hybrid Cars in Malaysia: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

What About Malaysia? Would Malaysia Phase Out Petrol Engines One Day?

As of to date, there is no news about Malaysia planning to phase out petrol engines yet. But some efforts have been made to reduce our carbon footprint on our environment. As of to date, Malaysia strictly follows Euro 4 standards when it comes to fuel emissions,
Petronas
 and our
government
 have pledged to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, and according to the
United Nations Development Programme’s
 (UNDP) Climate Promise, Malaysia agrees to reduce carbon intensity against our country’s GDP by 45% by 2030.

For the newer cars that are to be released in the country, it’s safe to say post-2030, there will be
no pure petrol-powered cars
 sold brand new at dealerships anymore due to the auto industry shifting towards PHEVs, hybrid cars, and EVs as their golden goose. A fully electrical future is not far off the table.

Closer to home,
Perodua plans
 to make a hybrid car by 2025 and a fully electric one by 2030, and just recently,
Proton announced
 that the brand aims to introduce hybrid vehicles and an EV brand of their own by 2027. Furthermore, the national carmaker has an outline to industrialize Malaysia as a manufacturing hub for right-hand drive-oriented EVs.

The Future is Electric. But Are We Ready For It?

The answer is both
yes and no
. On one hand, the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and moving towards sustainable transportation is commendable. The adoption of EVs would help the country reduce its carbon footprint, provide a cleaner and more efficient mode of transportation and boost the local economy with locally assembled Complete Knockdown (CKD) EVs.

On the other hand, the infrastructure and support system required to make the transition to EVs successful are still lacking in Malaysia. Charging stations are only available in developed cities. Rural areas are not so fortunate unless a home charger is installed at home. It would take time before Malaysians can fully embrace an electrical future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWhY5yaeGMs

Would you be buying a PHEV, hybrid car, or EV, or still sticking to ICE engines? Let us know what you think!

Tags
Buying a Car
Cars
Driving
Electric Cars
EV
Hybrid cars

Brian Wong


What is It Like Working as a Woman in the Car Industry? Stories from Women Carsomers

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What is It Like Working as a Woman in the Car Industry?...

By

Devan S

The car industry is commonly perceived as male-dominated. Think of car mechanics, car dealers, even the technicians that carry out vehicle inspections – you would automatically picture a man.

Yet
half of all licensed drivers on the road in Malaysia are female
. As gender equality is increasingly becoming a norm,
more women are also joining the automotive sector workforce
 as mechanics, dealers, and inspectors.

Today, we have 30% representation of women in Carsome HQ (Malaysia), 15% in Indonesia and 51% in Thailand. There is more to be done as we strive to build an inclusive workplace to address gender disparity and promote equal opportunities for all.

So, in celebration of International Women’s Day, let’s hear from some of the women of Carsome about working in the automotive world.

Juliet Zhu, Group President and Chief Financial Officer

Being in a male-dominated industry and with our massive expansion, our gender demographics are fast changing. Today, our female colleagues contribute close to 30% of the total workforce in Carsome as compared to 20% of the industry. We have adopted best practices to use inclusive and sustainable language to appeal to a more diverse talent base, and to bring more women into the talent funnel. We’ve set a very strong tone at the top that the company supports the career development of Carsomers, male or female. My recent appointment and promotion is an example of that.

But we need to do more. We need to listen more to the struggles and challenges from conscious to unconscious bias in our workplace. My message to everyone today is change takes time, but change is compounding. With more women joining our company, and more women succeeding in our company, we would like to encourage more talent to consider joining our industry and drive more change.

Ivy Foo Wai Sem, Carsome Consultant

Even though Carsome is in a male-dominated industry, I don’t feel like I’m being treated differently as a woman. The opportunity or treatment given to me is equal to others. It’s surprising how some customers react initially when they know I will be assisting them throughout the whole process of buying a car at Carsome, but over time, they feel confident with me and my ability to assist them. I try to build a relationship with my customers by being honest and transparent, so they will trust me in my advice and recommendations. Ultimately, I want them to feel comfortable and happy to deal with me.

Fatin Farhanah Binti Mohd Rizal Yeow, Carsome Consultant

To be honest, I never once imagined I could join the automotive industry or sell cars because I was not really into cars and knew nothing about the process. Initially, I applied as a receptionist, but I was given an opportunity to be on the team as a Carsome Consultant. At first, I was worried that I couldn’t do well when I first started because I was the only female consultant at Carsome Setiawangsa. But my team was very supportive and taught me a lot of skills. They treated me equally with no double standards, and I gained so much knowledge. From zero experience in the first month, I am now given the trust and responsibility to lead seven other male consultants in Carsome Juru Autocity Penang. Now I can even change a car battery by myself!

Anna Kim Bo Kyung,
Regional Head of Creative Labs, Experiential and Partnerships

When I joined Carsome, it was more than just looking at it as an automotive business as I believed in how this is a service that will change the way of buying and selling pre-owned cars. It was the thinking behind it all that intrigued me. The only tough time I had was when a lot of people around me told me that I won’t make it far because it’s a male-dominated industry. But what we do here is a service that benefits everyone and I felt that instantly when I started working here. I feel that Carsome’s transparency and the open-door policy that has been nurtured as a culture gave me the support to keep moving forward, knowing that the response would always be to find a solution together. Most importantly, my colleagues regardless of gender have been my biggest support to do better.

Celebrating Women to Drive Change

At Carsome, our vision to drive Southeast Asia’s automotive industry forward in the used car ecosystem cannot be done without the support and expertise of everyone in the team regardless of gender. Thus, our goal of building an inclusive workplace is also part of our commitment to empower women to drive change in the automotive industry.

Happy International Women’s Day, from all of us at Carsome!


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2021 World Car Awards: Volkswagen ID.4 Wins World Car of the Year

By

Carsome Author

Content Uploaded : 3 March 2020 | Last Update : 21 April 2021, 4.00pm

The wait is now over, and electric cars came up on top! The new Volkswagen ID.4 is crowned as the World Car of the Year 2021, defeating the famous Honda e and Toyota Yaris, which came in second and third place respectively.

The Volkswagen ID.4 was voted as the winner by 93 distinguished international journalists from 28 countries that make up the World Car Awards jury panel. The votes were tabulated by KPMG and it is the fifth World Car of the Year (WCOTY) win for Volkswagen AG. The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV car that was praised by the jury for being environmentally friendly as it does not produce any direct Co2 emissions and for its technological advances like the IQ.DRIVE  (the car’s Advanced Drivers Assistance Technology) which enables hand-on-semi-autonomous capability.

The Honda e, which came in second place, is also the winner of the World Urban Car category in this year’s edition of the awards. This electric compact hatchback received 754 points, 17 points more than the Yaris (second) and 35 points more than Honda Jazz (third).

For the World Luxury Car Category, the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class bagged this year’s award (853 points), defeating the Polestar 2 (815 points) which came in second, and the Land Rover Defender (774 points) which came in third.

Meanwhile, the Porsche 911 Turbo won the World Performance Car category with 822 points, outpacing the Audi RS Q8 that came in second with 792 points and the Toyota GR Yaris that came in third with 773 points.

For the final category, the World Car Design of the Year award, the Land Rover Defender emerged as champion with 299 points. Every model that competed in this year’s World Car Awards was eligible for this title, but the second and third place was given to Honda e (239 points) and Mazda MX-30 (197 points) respectively.

For more information on the World Car of the Year award winners, you can visit the
official website
. Inspired and looking for a car of your own? Check out
Carsome
’s pre-owned selection of cars which have all gone through a 175 point inspection!

Carsome Author


You Can Rent A Car Today For The Price Of A Nasi Lemak!

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You Can Rent A Car Today For The Price Of A Nasi...

By

carsomeadministrator

    In conjunction with the expansion of their existing car fleet, SOCAR has announced a celebratory driving week on their car-sharing app. Members can choose to book selected cars at the special price of RM 3 – 6/ hour with 30km of petrol included for each hour booked.

    The car-sharing platform has also introduced several new car models since their launch, and this includes the Volkswagen Polo, new Perodua Myvi, Alza, Toyota Vios and Corolla-Altis along with their luxe Mini Cooper range.

    Yes, we all felt the pain of owning the car and paying for petrol with steeply increasing prices and global inflation. What can you buy with RM 3 these days? With SOCAR, you can have the chance to drive in possibly your dream car for the price of a bottle of mineral water or maybe a packet of Nasi Lemak! “Did you hear that right? Pretty sure, you did!"

    The car-sharing app has 45,000 registered members. “SOCAR is for everyone, just like
Nasi Lemak,
 and we will continue to expand out fleet to cover more areas and to make the multiplex lifestyle more accessible for our community, says Leon Foong, CEO of SOCAR Malaysia.

The celebratory week runs from 7
th
– 13
th
 May with the following price ranges:

                Cars Available

                Perodua Axia

                Perodua Myvi

                Honda City

                Toyota Vios

                Volkswagen Polo

                Perodua Alza

                Honda HR-V

                Price

RM 3

RM 4

RM 5

RM 5

RM 4

RM 4

RM 6

All bookings are inclusive of petrol and comprehensive insurance. The SOCAR app is available for download from Google Play and the Apple Store.

Start your car rental experience with SOCAR and never worry again!
Click here

to read more about the app and how it works!

If you ever need to sell your car, we are here to save your time, money and trouble!

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Your Simple Checklist Before You Head Home for Raya

By

carsomeadministrator

Hari Raya is next week! To ensure you have a smooth ride back home, this simple checklist is just in case you’ve forgotten something! The basics for your vehicle in tyres, fluids and more. Bookmark and check back for up updates as we also will let you know the places to stop for a coffee at the petrol stations.

Tyres

Your tyres are the most important aspect of the vehicle you simply cannot ignore. They are the only contact you have with the road. Without enough grooves, grip and properly inflated tyres, you run the chance of losing traction and things could get ugly. It is a pretty common sight to witness under-inflated tyres on the road – the main cause for higher fuel consumption due to the increased rolling resistance.

Credit:
PakWheels

Remember to check air pressure of the tyres, and respect load capacity. Cramming everyone and everything together on this ‘Balik Kampung’ trip but tyres loaded beyond their maximum loads can build up excessive heat that could result in sudden bursts. Your brakes won’t work as effectively, and maneuvering from sudden emergencies could spin your vehicle out of proper control. We certainly do not wish for that to happen. Also ensure that you have the tools to change your tyres should there be a flat, and have your spare tyre inflated too!

Oh yes, don’t forget about your brakes as well. You need them to stop the car at the shortest possible time during an emergency.

Engine Oil and Other Fluids

There is a reason why car brands offer up their services before the long Raya journey. Ensuring that your vehicle is serviced with new fluids including engine oil, transmission, power steering, brakes and washers. Make sure that oil levels are at an optimum via the dip stick or through your car’s onboard computer. To save the trouble, bringing your car to a service centre and let them do the job for you. Not too hard is it?

Credit:
turbomad.com

Also, make sure to check and service your radiator and to top it up with actual coolant, and try not to use tap water. That being said, it would be wise to keep at least two 1.5-litre bottles of distilled water to refill the radiator in the event that it overheats.

Headlamps & Signal

Credit:
Giphy

See that stalk coming out of your steering column? One of them represents the car’s indicator. Depending on the layout, it’s either up for right and down for left. Also check your head and tail lamps and make sure they are in working order before you go on that long road trip. That’s for night driving when you need visibility to see ahead. If your lamp units are clouded, you could use toothpaste to clean them out or send it to a detailer to get them looking brand new.

Gadgets to Keep You on Track

It’s modern times! Maps are digital now, and in our mobile phones! Whether you use Garmin, TomTom, Waze or Google Maps, ensure that your devices are charged! This ensures that you know where you’re heading when it comes to rerouting to B-roads or to avoid the crazy traffic. Don’t forget to carry along power banks and phone cable to charge your phones along the way.

Food and Snacks

Credit:
Feed Them Wisely

Be sure to stock up on snacks, finger food and drinking water. It’s not a must to prepare your own food but do remember that you could be stuck in a jam that lasts hours. At the same time, you enjoy the luxury and flexibility of eating whenever you want and save the cost of buying from rest stops as well.

Be Ready for an Emergency

You never know when you would encounter an emergency on the road, knock on wood. It’s never be too late to be prepared for the inevitable. Make sure you have a first aid kit, basic emergency tools, road assistance numbers ready with you.

Checklist for Family

Music makes the world go round! Entertainment not only for yourself, but your children at the back seat as well! Make sure they’re occupied so the drive won’t be too long. Of course your children needs to be in child seats for safety. This gets the mood going and helps everyone to be in the best of moods. Karaoke it out on the road!

Stay calm and
click here
 to find out what to do after getting into a car accident.

Want to know how you can improve your visibility on the road?
Click here
 for 7 simple ways!

Sell your car fast, with the best price, and have the whole process done at no cost! That’s what Carsome does! Fill in the form below to begin!

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Cars According to Your Chinese Zodiac

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Cars According to Your Chinese Zodiac

Cars According to Your Chinese Zodiac

By

Haziq Asyraf

Your Sign As Cars

This year’s Chinese New Year will definitely be a different one compared to the ones that you have celebrated before due to the
recent MCO
 and the strict SOPs. But, don’t let that stop you from making this celebration a memorable one. We’ve come up with a fun and exciting list of cars that would best fit your Chinese Zodiac which might help make your CNY a fulfilling one this year.

A little fact – The Chinese zodiac is a big part of Chinese culture, and their signs have been used for over 2000 years as a way of calculating years in a 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. These animals play a huge role in Chinese stories and folklore and have different personality traits. It’s such an important factor that many people dictate their choices and plans based on the predictions and superstitions described in the Chinese Zodiac.

So, based on these animals’ personality and traits, here is the list of cars that would suit your zodiac sign.

Cars Based on Your Zodiac

The Ox

Kind, stubborn, patient, and conservative. The Ox is huge in size but is also known to be a good leader with a strong devotion to work. It is also one of the most straightforward animals compared to all the others. A perfect midsize pickup like the Nissan Frontier is perfect to represent the Ox. Nissan Frontier has led the pickup industry thanks to its affordable pricing, quality, and reliability. This truck is built to last with components that are proven to work for a long time. Though it has not seen a facelift in some time, this truck has all the essential features that you will want in a truck. This 4WD that is perfect for seasonal road conditions is as reliable as it can get. You do not need a car to be the best, but you need a car to do what you want it to do. The Nissan Frontier is exactly that, though it might not be the best, it’s reliable enough to do what you want.

The Rat

Quick-witted, charming, smart, and persuasive. This animal is adaptable and popular in social circles and also can make the most out of bad situations. The perfect car that should represent the Rat is the Perodua Myvi. The Perodua Myvi is Malaysia’s best selling car. Nearly every household owns at least one Myvi and everyone in Malaysia (with a driver’s license) would have driven one. Ever since its launch in 2005, the Perodua Myvi has evolved and adapted to the needs of many. The third generation Myvi features a cabin with ample space, Advanced Safety Assist System, 6 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Front Corner Senses among many others. Not forgetting the affordability of this car, it does not come as a surprise that the Myvi is the perfect representation of the Rat.

The Tiger

Authoritative, emotional, courageous, and intense. Tigers are often very independent and powerful, winning over the trust of others easily. Tigers are also known to think highly of their own accomplishments. A supercar like the Audi R8 is befitting of the Tiger. Three words that best describe the Audi R8 is sharp, fast, and exotic. This supercar stands out from the rest because it can also be used as an everyday car. Most supercars are built for everyday usage, but that is not the case for the Audi R8 thanks to its V10 engine and the slick 7-speed S tronic gearbox. From the outside, this car is just beautiful. The R8 features a more aggressive front grille that is very fitting for such a powerful supercar. No matter where you drive it, it will surely get the attention it deserves.

The Rabbit

Popular, compassionate, and sincere. The Rabbit represents tenderness and grace, avoiding confrontation and it would rather make friends than enemies. Rabbits work quickly, efficiently, and do not anger easily. A subcompact sedan like the Toyota Yaris best represents this animal. The Toyota Yaris is the perfect combination of everyday use and excitement. This 5-seater vehicle is powered by a pintsized engine that provides excellent fuel efficiency, and the nimble chassis makes this car look and feel sportier. This car also features a low-speed pre-collision system that
monitors the road directly in front of you to help prevent a collision with another vehicle. While only active at low speeds, this system provides an audio/visual alert and braking assistance when it detects a potential collision. Just like the rabbit, this car is one of the most popular sedans among the younger generations.

The Dragon

Energetic, fearless, warm-hearted, and charismatic. Dragons appreciate a challenge and hate hypocrisy and gossip. These animals are generally excitable, intellectual, and very lively. They also have strict morals and can easily tell right from wrong. The perfect type of car that would suitably suit a dragon is a crossover like the Honda BR-V. This car is Honda’s very first seven-seater crossover that stands for Bold Runabout-Vehicle. It is powered by a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine and is available in two variants. This car offers a safe, economic, and versatile vehicle that is perfect for growing families and individuals who prefer driving big, powerful, dragon like cars.

The Snake

Charming, introverted, generous, and smart. Despite most thinking that the snake is deceiving, it is also a symbol of wisdom and wit. The Snake is humorous, and also gifted with creativity. A MPV like the Toyota Avanza would be the perfect representation of this animal. Since it represents the snake, this MPV is generous in a way that it is able to accommodate up to 7 people inside. This car is powered by either a 1.3L VVT-i engine, with the 5-speed manual transmission as its only option, or a 1.5L VVT-i engine, which is paired to a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission. This car is also known for its fuel efficiency and advanced safety features.

The Horse

Energetic, independent, impatient, and enjoy traveling. The Horse is usually warm-hearted and easy-going. They also usually have a lot of friends and take on difficulties head-on with a positive attitude.A GT car like the Mercedes Benz S Class Coupe is the perfect representation of the horse. This car combines comfort, style, and performance to create a swift, opulent driving experience. This car leads the way with innovative OLED taillights and glides along perfectly with the intelligent AIRMATIC suspension. The sporty elegance of this car adds the finishing touch to this modern luxury.

The Sheep

Mild-mannered, shy, kind, and peace-loving. They also have a fondness for quiet living. Being gentle, wide, and compassionate are key traits of the Sheep. They are willing to take good care of others and are economical in their daily lives. A subcompact hatchback like the Kia Rio would definitely make the sheep proud. Kia Rio takes simplicity to a whole new level with their smart layout and pleasing materials yet, it does not affect the performance of the car. Where it lacks in space, it makes up in the infotainment system by offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This car is made for those who are not into the added extras but would just like a mode of transportation that can take them from point A to point B safely.

The Monkey

Fun, energetic, and active. Monkeys are usually intelligent in their career and wealth. They also possess a degree of flexibility and are full of life. They usually enjoy their success and sometimes look down upon others. A two-seater sports car like the Mercedes Benz SLC would make the Monkey proud. This two-seat convertible is the best combo of a luxury car and a sports car. It delivers a controlled ride, strong engine range, world-class cabin materials and is powered by a 241-horsepower turbo-four that delivers surprisingly strong fuel economy.

The Rooster

Independent, practical, hard-working, and observant. Roosters are known to be honest, communicative, and ambitious. They are also regarded to be born pretty or handsome and prefer to dress up. A midsize sedan like the Honda City embodies the Rooster completely.

The Honda City is Malaysia’s most popular used sedans thanks to its dynamic interior goodies and the strong performance from its 1.5L engine. The most popular variant is surely the City RS e: HEV that is manufactured with a hybrid engine with a fuel consumption of around 3.77L/100km, Honda SENSING safety features and with a sportier exterior and interior design.

This car is also popular among the younger generation because of its fine, handsome build.

The Dog

Patient, diligent, generous, faithful, and kind. The Dog is independent, sincere, and decisive, and is not afraid of difficulties in daily life. They usually create harmonious relationships with everyone around. A minivan like the Honda Odyssey would be the best pair for the Dog. This faithful minivan is powered by a 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 173 hp and 225 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and is mated to a CVT automatic. The Honda Odyssey takes comfort of its passengers seriously with a bigger armrest for the driver’s seat, 4-way passenger power seat, added storage and enhanced utility and bigger headrests for the Premium Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman on the second row. Not only that, but the Ultra-Low Floor Platform also makes it easy for passengers to enter and exit.

The Pig

Loving, tolerant, honest, and appreciative of luxury. The Pig always shows generosity and mercy to endure other people’s mistakes. They are incredibly open to the shortcomings of people and will work to create lasting and strong
relationships with others. A full-size SUV like the Ford Expedition is the perfect comparison to the Pig. One of the largest SUVs on the market, the Ford Expedition caters to those wanting maximum passenger space in a practical package. A truck-based platform provides rugged utility, while the eight-passenger cabin is comfortable and includes many tech amenities.

From all of us at Carsome, we would like to wish everyone of you the most auspicious Chinese New Year this year. We hope you get to make the most out of this celebration with your loved  ones but do remember to always adhere to the given SOPs.

For any other used car services and news, do check Carsome out!
Carsome is an online platform that sells and
buys used cars
, hassle free! Covering 175 inspection points, used cars sold by Carsome are definitely Carsome Certified, with no major accidents, frame or flood damage. In fact, if you get your car through Carsome, you will enjoy a one year extended warranty and 5 days money back guarantee under the Carsome Promise.  Check out the website to know more.

Haziq Asyraf
A self-proclaimed foodie and gamer whose passion for food and games has recently extended to cars.


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Your Car Based on Your Chinese Zodiac Sign in 2023

By

Devan S

The Chinese Lunar New Year is upon us and that means it’s time for celebration! It’s also the time to welcome new things into your life for an excellent start to the year, so if you’ve been thinking of upgrading your car, now is the perfect time. We’ve come up with a fun list of cars for your Chinese zodiac sign in 2023 to help make your celebrations more joyous. And who knows, it might just help you find the right car.

A little fact – the Chinese zodiac signs are a big part of Chinese culture and have been used for over 2000 years to calculate and represent the years in a 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. The animals of the zodiac with their unique personalities have significant roles in Chinese stories and folklore. The zodiac is so important that many people use it as a guide in various aspects of their lives from health to career.

Feng Shui experts believe that overall, 2023 will be an auspicious year for most people. However, some zodiac signs may face some financial risks which may influence their choice of car. When choosing your car, also pay attention to the color. Auspicious colors for the Year of the Rabbit include azure blue, apple green, red, and yellow. If you’re worried about choosing the right car, don’t fret, here’s a list of cars that complement your Chinese zodiac sign.

The Rat

Birth Years:
1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

The first animal of the Chinese zodiac, the Rat is quick-witted, charming, resourceful, persuasive, and kind. It’s adaptable and popular in social circles and can make the most out of bad situations. The Rat may face financial stress in 2023 so it’s best to get an affordable, easy-to-maintain car. And the perfect car to represent the Rat is the
Perodua Myvi
. Consistently clinching the title of Malaysia’s best-selling car, the Myvi is versatile and agile in the city, just like the Rat.

Since its launch in 2005, the Myvi has continually been favored for its ample space, affordability, and versatile seating arrangement that fits items of various sizes. The third-generation Myvi even boasts
Perodua’s
 Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A.) system with adaptive cruise control (ACC), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and pre-collision braking, just to name a few. That said, with how versatile and affordable the Myvi is, it’s actually a great car for all zodiac signs.

The Ox

Birth Years:
1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Kind, patient, stubborn, with a strong sense of responsibility, the Ox is a good leader. They calmly work through whatever life throws at them but they also enjoy making an impact. Like the Rat, the Ox may also face financial stress this year and should be careful how they spend their money.

The right car for the Ox should be affordable and reliable, being able to do whatever is needed of it, like the
Honda HR-V
. The HR-V is large enough for the average family and has Honda’s Magic Seats that allow for multiple seating configurations. It also has ample creature comfort and
safety features
 like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, six airbags, and the Honda SENSING advanced safety suite.

Read More:
6 Levels of Autonomous Driving Explained

The Tiger

Birth Years:
1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

The Tiger is authoritative, courageous, intense, and independent. Tigers are known for always looking for excitement, so they need an eye-catching, sporty car like the Porche 718 Cayman. Masterfully built with German technology, the Cayman can be had with a 2.0 or 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 4.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine promising performance that never fails to put a grin on your face.

Porsche’s sports suspension, coupled with a six-speed manual or an automatic PDK transmission provides not only comfort but also an engaging drive when you want it. There’s also no shortage of colors on the Cayman with colors like Guards Red, Racing Yellow, and Miami Blue being some colors that can be auspicious this year.

The Rabbit

Birth Years:
1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

The Rabbit is sincere, compassionate, and elegant. It represents tenderness and grace, preferring to avoid confrontations and make friends instead of enemies. The Rabbit is also quick, efficient, and slow to anger. Hence, a suitable car for this Chinese zodiac sign would be the Ora Good Cat, an
electric vehicle
 (EV) manufactured by Great Wall Motors (GWM).

Launched in Malaysia just in November 2022, the Ora Good Cat is available with two battery capacities. The 400 Pro gets a 47.8 kWh battery capable of a 400km range while the 500 Ultra gets a larger 63.1 kWh battery for up to 500 km of range. It has all the features you’d want in a car including a 10.25-inch infotainment unit, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, and a 360-degree camera. Plus, its elegant curves, modern lighting design, and colorful interior should make the stylish Rabbit perfectly happy.

The Dragon

Birth Years:
1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Energetic, charismatic, fearless, and warm-hearted, Dragons are intellectual and lively people. They have a wide circle of friends and enjoy an adventure. For the charismatic Dragon, the BMW 3 Series offers a good balance of power, style, comfort, and practicality to ensure the Dragon can arrive wherever they’re going to in understated style.

The 3-Series is available in three variants – the naturally aspirated
320i
 and
330i
 as well as the plug-in hybrid
330e
. All variants are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with different tuning, each promising enough power for spirited driving, especially when coupled with
BMW’s
 rear-wheel drive. Additionally, the plush interior and advanced features such as BMW OS infotainment system and Live Cockpit multi-info display create an upscale driving experience indeed.

Read More:
Hydrogen Cars: Pros, Cons, & Everything You Need to Know

The Snake

Birth Years:
 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Charming, introverted, generous, and smart, Snakes always follow their instincts and strive for perfection. Snakes are also funny, witty, and creative. This zodiac sign appreciates a balanced car that’s reliable, practical, and still enjoyable to drive. And the
Toyota
 Corolla Cross Hybrid could be perfect for them.

It has a sufficiently punchy yet economical powertrain, ample space for the family, and handles like a smaller car thanks to its Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. It also has the necessary creature comfort features like rear air conditioning vents and reclining rear seats, along with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) making it a great
SUV
.

The Horse

Birth Years:
1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

The Horse is energetic, ambitious, independent, and enjoys traveling. They are usually warm-hearted and easy-going which explains their positive attitude in the face of difficulties. Arguably the most adventurous on this Chinese zodiac list, the Horse deserves a car like the
Subaru XV
.

This SUV comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder flat boxer engine and a symmetrical all-wheel drive for performance both on and off the road. The boxer engine also allows the Subaru XV to be sleeker, with a lower center of gravity than other SUVs giving it a more dynamic driving prowess. Like most modern cars, the XV also has ADAS in the form of Subaru Eyesight, making it a great car for trips with family and friends.

The Sheep

Birth Years:
1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Mild-mannered, shy, kind, and peace-loving, the Sheep also values quiet living and dependability. They are artistic and good at managing time and resources, so a refined, economical car like the
Honda City
 Hybrid makes a good match for them. The City Hybrid has a 1.5-liter engine paired with a torquey electric motor giving it excellent acceleration in all conditions.

And being a
hybrid
, it sips fuel at a claimed combined fuel economy of 3.6 L/100 km. Although it’s a B-segment
sedan
, the City Hybrid is packed with upscale features such as leather upholstery, ‘Sport’ pedals, Honda SENSING, and Honda CONNECT which allows you to monitor your car’s information on your mobile device.

Read More:

Turn Your Car Into a Feng Shui Machine This Year of the Rabbit!

The Monkey

Birth Years:
1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Out of all the Chinese Zodiac signs on this list, the Monkey is the most energetic, fun, and active. They’re also intelligent in their career, and are adaptable. That’s why they need a dynamic and flexible car like the
Proton X50
. As the Monkey may face challenges at work this year, getting an affordable vehicle like the X50 can also help them keep costs down.

The X50 provides heaps of fun on the road with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with Proton’s ride and handling. It’s also eye-catching coming in multiple colors including blue and red, which are auspicious in this Year of the Rabbit. Other features that make the X50 excellent to live with include the six-way adjustable power driver seat, multiple drive modes, and on the range-topping variant, a 10.25-inch infotainment display.

The Rooster

Birth Years:
1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Independent, practical, hard-working, and observant, roosters are known to be honest, communicative, and ambitious. They also have an innate sense of style and take pride in their appearance. The Rooster may not have the best money-making luck in 2023 but as they might need to travel more for work, they still need a good car.

The
Perodua Ativa
 makes sense for the Rooster as it’s economical, comfortable, and stands out on the road. Although it’s a compact SUV, it has ample legroom, cup holders, a nine-inch infotainment display, and rear seats that can fold fully flat to easily accommodate large luggage. Its 1.0-liter turbocharged engine also means it’s very economical with a fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km.

Read More:
Can Your Car Tires Expire?

The Dog

Birth Years:
1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Patient, kind, generous, diligent, and faithful, the Dog has the attributes to face life’s daily challenges head-on. They’re also sincere, decisive, and value relationships which leads them to create harmonious connections with other people. As the dog values family and friends, the perfect car for this zodiac sign would be the
Perodua Alza
.

The 2022 Alza, based on the Toyota Veloz has ample space for seven adults to travel in comfort. It also has multiple USB ports and 12V power sockets, as well as ceiling-mounted rear aircon vents for the rear passengers’ comfort. It doesn’t compromise on safety either thanks to the onboard A.S.A system.

The Pig

Birth Years:
1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

The Pig is loving, tolerant, honest, and appreciates the finer things in life. They tend to show generosity and mercy towards the shortcomings of others and like to work to create strong, lasting relationships. Since money is no issue for the Pig this year, they will undoubtedly enjoy owning a sophisticated sedan like the
Toyota Camry
.

No longer an uncle’s car, the 2022 Toyota Camry’s 2.5-liter engine and TNGA platform provide a planted and sporty drive. Inside, it has a luxurious design with a 10-inch color head-up display (HUD), power-adjustable steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and power reclining rear seats. With these features, the Camry is a car that any ‘boss’ will appreciate.

We hope this list can help you find the right car for your Chinese zodiac and personality while also giving you something fun to think about. From all of us at CARSOME we would like to wish you a very auspicious Chinese New Year.

If you’re looking for a pre-owned car in time for the celebrations, check out
CARSOME
 or download our app from the
Google Play Store
 or
Apple App Store today
!

Devan S
Devan believes written content is here to stay despite our depleting attention span and the rise of short videos. He loves four and two-wheeled vehicles, and movies of all makes and models.


Right Here, Right Now Is the Best Time to Buy a Pre-owned Car

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Right Here, Right Now Is the Best Time to Buy a Pre-owned...

By

Amarnath

Forget what body style, how much power it has or even why you need it, the very first thing you’ll need to decide in purchasing a car is if you’re going to go brand new or pre-owned.

The pros and cons of both have been debated over plenty of teh tarik down at the local mamak with nary a clear winner in sight. However, it’s important to note that the weightage of each pro or con is heavily dependent on multiple factors that are well beyond the control of the buyer and occasionally, the carmaker too.

Taking that into consideration, the next few months would appear to favor pre-owned or
second-hand cars
 for a number of factors.

1. No Waiting Period

This one is the primary reason behind favoring pre-owned over new. For the majority of people, affordable cars are purchased as a necessity rather than a luxury and most first-time buyers can’t afford to wait months for a car as it affects their livelihood.

The extended waiting period for new cars in Malaysia isn’t something new and has been a thorn in the automotive industry’s side since the pandemic threw a wrench into the works of production and parts supplies.

However, the
global parts shortage
 isn’t the only element weighing down deliveries. The service tax (SST) exemption for new vehicles that was meant to spur new car sales saw an unprecedented surge in orders that have overwhelmed production.

That, coupled with the global parts shortage, has led to waiting periods of over 12 months for some of the more popular models in Malaysia, especially in 2021 and early 2022.

Read More:

CARSOME’s 6 Best Affordable Cars for College Students

First-time buyers looking for a mode of transport to their first job or to college can ill afford to wait six months or more for delivery. While that may not be the only reason behind someone being unable to wait that long for a new car, the gist of it is that a large number of buyers don’t have that luxury and need options with immediacy.

The most viable solution for this is getting a pre-owned car.

Pre-owned cars are ready to go and with the right documents as well as a strong credit score, can be driven off the lot in a couple of days.

While some may argue that a pre-owned vehicle lacks a proper warranty or could be susceptible to mileage tampering, platforms such as CARSOME provide their CARSOME Certified cars that undergo a stringent 175-point inspection to ensure they’re free of major accidents and flood damage, and have gone through a thorough refurbishment process. The cars also come with a fixed price with no hidden fees, a 5-day money-back guarantee, and a 1-year warranty.

2. Avoiding a Possible OPR Increase

This has been a hot topic lately. First, let’s try to explain what the overnight policy rate (OPR) is.

The OPR is the interest rate set by the central bank at which a depository institution (bank) lends immediately available funds (balances within the central bank) to another bank overnight to keep their cash reserves in check for a healthy and fluid financial system.

Simply put, the OPR determines the interest rate for a loan. And what is it most people need to buy a car? That’s right, a loan. Therefore, a higher OPR would translate into higher interest rates for a loan.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has increased the OPR three times already this year, in May, July, and September 2022, from a historic low of 1.75 percent to 2.50 percent at the time of writing this article. There are rumors that the OPR will climb again before the end of the year.

Seeing that car loans (hire purchase) are mostly fixed rate financing arrangements, they won’t be charged on the outstanding balance based on an underlying index and are therefore not affected by an increasing OPR mid-loan.

Nonetheless, any loan approval by a bank is only valid for a period of 3 months before the offer is rescinded. So, if your new car is only going to be delivered in 6 months or more, you might be hit with a higher interest rate when the time comes to sign on the dotted line.

Read More:
 What to Do Before Starting a Car That Has Been Left Sitting for Months

As explained to us by a salesperson, the initial loan submission is done to ensure that there are no issues with getting approval for a loan down the road. Once the delivery date for your new vehicle has been confirmed, the salesperson will resubmit the loan a month prior to the delivery date if the initial approval has surpassed the 3-month period.

The second submission and approval, however, will be subject to the interest rate at that time which could be higher if the OPR does climb.

Taking all this into account, going for a pre-owned car that’s readily available will see your loan be subject to the current interest rates, effectively locking it in for the entire tenure of your loan.

3. Circumventing Depreciation

Most new cars lose a ton of their value to dreaded depreciation the moment that new tire rolls onto the road off the showroom floor. Luxury cars tend to take the brunt of the hit from the depreciation branch a lot more than more mainstream models but ultimately, there’s no escaping depreciation for a new car.

Depreciation hits exponentially from new, meaning as time passes the car loses less and less from its residual value. When the time comes to sell the car or trade it in for something newer, you’ll be on the losing end by a larger margin.

On the other hand, seeing that the brunt of depreciation happens in the first few years, buying a pre-owned vehicle will see you losing less on the residual value during the time of your ownership.

Read More:

How to Claim Your 1-Year CARSOME Extended Warranty

Should you decide to sell your pre-owned car or trade it in for an upgrade, theoretically you won’t feel much of a pinch. Furthermore, if you purchased a popular or mainstream pre-owned model, it tends to hold onto its resale value better down the road. There’ll always be demand for popular models.

Of course, the semantics of this entire depreciation facet can be kicked around for yonks but there is a modicum of logic to it, and is worth considering.

Buy CARSOME Certified for Peace of Mind

Here at CARSOME, we believe in creating an end-to-end buying journey to eliminate the concerns common in a traditional used car buying experience.
CARSOME Certified
 is the new standard for buying pre-owned cars backed up by our
175-point inspection
 together with our
CARSOME Certified Refurbishment Process
.

By creating a trusted used car ecosystem, CARSOME Certified provides high-quality pre-owned cars by guaranteeing trust, transparency, and choice.

With CARSOME, the best time to buy a car is now. Shop for your dream car
here
.

Amarnath


Is There a ‘Best Time’ to Buy a Car?

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Buying A Car
Is There a ‘Best Time’ to Buy a Car?

Is There a ‘Best Time’ to Buy a Car?

By

Devan S

Buying a car is a big financial decision that can’t be rushed. Taking your time to consider all the models, pricing, options etc is always a smart decision before putting down your hard-earned money.

But there are also specific timings where you can get the best deal possible when buying a car. So if you do find yourself on the fence about a certain model, and it’s close to that time, maybe it’s time to take the plunge.

At the End of the Month

Like many businesses, dealerships and sales executives have monthly targets to meet. When the end of the month is approaching, they may be lining up to offer you a deal especially if their sales targets have not been met.

The deal may be in the form of discounts or freebies such as free servicing or petrol vouchers. A tactic that you can use to buy yourself some time to think is to test drive a car you’re interested in earlier in the month, then close the deal at the end of the month.

At the End of the Year

Similar to month-end targets, dealerships also work towards year-end targets. If anything, the lucrative year-end bonuses are incentive enough for sellers to give even deeper discounts to attract buyers.

Furthermore, you may also find great deals on older models since dealers want to display the newest cars on their lot. If you’re flexible on the color and trim level, you can get very good deals on outgoing models, especially if they are due to be replaced next year.

Read:

Awesome Monthly Discounts on Carsome Cars

During Special Festivals

Brands and dealerships love holiday-themed promotions. In Malaysia, dealers run promotions during almost every major festival, from Hari Raya to Chinese New Year and even Merdeka.

These festival sales offer discounts to draw in the crowds, and they are indeed worth your time to check out. But if you can, hold out until the end of the year to enjoy even better deals.

Plan Ahead If  You Know You Need a Car

The best time to get a car is when you know you definitely need a new car. For example, your existing car may be on its last legs, and it is time for you to replace it. Or if you have a growing family, and your hatchback is too small to transport three children and your spouse.

When you have to get a new car quickly, you leave yourself vulnerable to mental pressure. You may not be able to think clearly and take advantage of deals because you need a new set of wheels
now
.

This is doubly true right now in the new car market. Decreased production due to the pandemic and the semiconductor supply crunch mean that customers are facing either long waiting times, hiked up prices or both. The situation is expected to last for several more months as supply chains slowly get back to normal. This is why buying a used car is a smart alternative – it’s ready for you and it is much more affordable than a brand new car.

When you start the buying process early, you can pick your target model, set your budget and obtain financing if needed. Thus, if you know you might need a new ride soon, planning ahead and shopping sensibly pays off (in the form of a good deal on your next car).

With Carsome, It Always a Good Time to Buy a Car

Sometimes, we are just too busy to think about buying a car, even though it involves a large financial commitment. But with Carsome, the process of buying a used car is made as transparent, seamless and convenient as possible. So, if you are looking for a quality used car, we have the largest selection of over 1,000 used cars that we have inspected thoroughly.

Carsome has
monthly promotions
 that make every month a great time to buy a car. On top of that, if you purchase a Carsome Certified car, it comes with a Carsome Promise.

This is our Carsome Promise to you:

Five-day money-back guarantee:
 If you buy a used car from Carsome and you happen not to like it, you can return it back to us within five days to get your full amount back. No questions asked!

Professional inspection:
All Carsome cars go through an inspection that covers 175 points to ensure it is free from major accidents, frame, fire, and flood damage.

One-year warranty:
Our journey with you does not stop after you buy a car. We will give you an extended warranty to ensure your vehicle is covered in your first year.

Fixed price:
The price you see on the listing is the actual full price of the car with absolutely no hidden fees. We practice full transparency in our costs to ensure you know exactly what you are getting.

Meanwhile,  Carsome Certified cars are also reconditioned to be a “like new” car.  All the paperwork is also done for you, including financing (if required) to further minimize your hassle and maximize your time.

So, go on, check out our monthly promotions and get your quality used car now with Carsome at
carsome.my/buy-car
!


Is It Time to Sell or Upgrade Your Car? Here Are the Signs

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Selling Your Car
Is It Time to Sell or Upgrade Your Car? Here Are the...

By

Devan S

It’s a fact of motoring life that cars don’t last forever. Despite our best efforts to care for our cars, the wear and tear of the miles will add up. Manufacturers normally expect their cars to last up to an average of ten years.

Thus, at some point, you will need to sell your car. But when is it the right time to do that? How do we know that it’s time to change cars? Here are some of the factors you need to consider.

Upgrading Your Car

If you’ve been driving the same car for the past ten or so years, it probably makes sense to upgrade your car. Newer cars constantly introduce technologies that improve safety or make life easier for the driver. Improved fuel efficiency can also be a big cost factor in deciding when to sell an older, less efficient model if you find yourself driving long distances regularly.

Once you’ve upgraded your car, it makes sense to sell off your previous car. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a depreciating asset. Best to sell it to maximize its value.

Another reason why you might want to sell your car after upgrading may simply be a matter of space. Parking space is now at a premium especially if you live in the city. If you (or your partner) will not be using your previous car, you would want to sell it if you don’t have the space to keep it.

Selling When It’s Still in Good Condition

On the other hand, selling your car when it’s still in good condition can be a great decision as well. This way, you can get top dollar for your car as well as avoid headaches down the line.

Selling a car that needs major repairs can be a lot of work. The potential pool of buyers shrinks drastically, and those that are interested will be in a position to drive the price down. As the saying goes, getting out while the going is good is a great idea when it comes to maximizing the value of your car.

Mileage can also be a great influence in deciding when to sell your car. After certain mileage markers, your car’s value will take a significant hit. If you can, sell before the 100,000 kilometer mark as that is when many manufacturer warranties expire. The next big depreciation hit comes at the 150,000 kilometer mark which is what buyers perceive as an ‘old car’, making the car harder to sell.

Your Lifestyle Has Changed

Once upon a time, you used to be a hip, single person about town. Zooming around in your compact car made perfect sense. It’s light, nimble, and can fit into tiny parking spaces. What’s more, its frugal fuel consumption meant that it was light on your wallet too.

Now though, you’re married with children. That compact car is now looking really small, what with all the shopping, baby needs, and strollers you need to haul around. Worse, the annual
balik kampung
 trips are becoming an uncomfortable, cramped affair. Safety is also a concern when you’re transporting your family around in a small car.

With all the changes we go through in life, it also determines what we use our car for. In the above example, it may be high time to trade in the compact car for something with more space – perhaps an MPV or an SUV – to suit your current lifestyle. At the end of the day, a car is a (albeit expensive) tool that needs to suit our lifestyle, not the other way around.

Selling Your Car, the Hassle-free Way with Carsome

When the time comes to sell your car, choosing the correct platform can save lots of your time and energy. This is why we have made our car selling process a seamless one.

Selling through Carsome is extremely convenient and you can get paid in one hour*. What’s more, all the paperwork is handled for you.

To start the process, just book an inspection online at
carsome.my/sell-car
. A Carsome representative will call you to confirm your details and schedule your inspection at your nearest center. Attend your scheduled inspection and our skilled inspectors will conduct a 175-point inspection on your car before offering you a price on the spot.

Additionally, you can opt to put your car up for live bidding where our dealers nationwide will bid for your car – you can get up to 20 percent* more than market value.

Earn Double Rewards This June When Sell Your Car to
Carsome on Weekdays

If you are looking to sell your car soon, we have something special in store for you. We are treating you to free food and bubble tea when you book an inspection with us this June! That’s right, book a free car inspection with Carsome on a weekday this June and you will be entitled to receive one RM20 GrabFood voucher and one RM7 Tealive voucher.

Book an inspection on
a weekday in the first two weeks of June
, and you will be entitled to receive
one RM20 GrabFood voucher
 and
one RM7 Tealive voucher.

Book an inspection on a
weekday in the last two weeks of June,
 you will be entitled to
receive two RM7 Tealive vouchers.

These vouchers are available in limited quantities, and it is on a first-come, first-served basis.

This promotion is valid from 6 to 30 June 2022, and it is only applicable for customers who schedule a free inspection online and attend their appointment during the promotion period.

Sell your car with Carsome now by booking your inspection now!

*Terms and conditions apply.


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Automotive
Best Used Cars in Malaysia for 2022 under RM60K!

By

Brian Wong

For university students or fresh graduates, getting your
first car
 can be an exciting journey. Whether it’s a brand new or a used car, the number of options out there can be daunting and time-consuming to choose. There is no harm in opting for a used car if you have budget constraints. However, choosing used cars is an extra hassle for maintenance and spare parts, especially for older models. If you’re still stuck on making the decision, here are some of the best-used cars in Malaysia.

King of the Road – Myvi

Myvi’s are no-brainers when it comes to their ownership; they are reputable for their cost, performance, and reliability. Perodua found their
golden goose
 when they first introduced this four-door hatchback in 2005. The rebadged Daihatsu Boon has proven to be successful on Malaysian shores and proven to be the best-selling car up until
2021
! It’s no surprise that the titular hatchback has still remained in high demand due to its reliability factor as one of the best used cars in Malaysia.

Currently, the 2005 to 2015 Perodua Myvi can be had with a 1.3L or a larger 1.5L four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual if you like to row your gears or a bog-standard 4-speed automatic. Fuel efficiency in the Myvi has been reported at
4.7L/100km as reported by Wapcar
. Aftermarket-wise, you don’t need to sweat it out as it’s easily sourced locally or can be had as overnight parts from Japan, made by Daihatsu for the Boon model.

Read More:
Before You Buy a Used Perodua Myvi, Check These 5 Things

The Second Runner-Up – Proton Iriz

Arguably Proton’s answer to the Perodua Myvi, the Iriz also gets a decent amount of spotlight as our local heroes. This five-seater hatchback may have fallen short in comparison to the Perodua Myvi despite speculations that it could be the
Mvyi-killer
. Years after release, the Iriz still somehow could not keep up with Perodua’s golden goose in the B-segment market. Yet that still did not deter some people from owning them. Nonetheless, the Iriz has built itself as a popular platform
for rallying
 on the global stage by a UK Motorsports team.

The Iriz can be had in two engines – a 1.3L and a 1.6L four-cylinder engine. Transmission-wise, you can have this hatchback with a CVT or a 5-Speed Manual sending its power to the front wheels. For just under RM40k, the Iriz offers a much more comfortable and luxurious feel compared to the Myvi.

Shop Now:
Used Proton Iriz For Sale

Read More:
Here’s all you need to know about the latest 2019 Proton Iriz and Persona facelift

Plain, but gets the Job Done – Perodua Bezza

Based on the Axia platform, Perodua designed the Bezza under Daihatsu’s consultation with fuel efficiency in mind. The Bezza is also Perodua’s first model to have stop-start engine idling and regenerative braking available. In addition, it was also Perodua’s first in-house designed vehicle. Upon launch, the Bezza can be had in three models – Standard G, Premium X, and Advance. Reviews have been stellar on Bezza’s performance, practicality, and cheaper price tag compared to its hatchback cousin, the Myvi.

Given the Bezza is designed to be cheap and affordable in mind, Perodua gave the Bezza a small 1.0L, three-cylinder engine and a 1.3L four-cylinder engine, mated with a five-speed manual or a bog-standard four-speed automatic transmission.

Read More:
Honda City 2020 vs Perodua Bezza 2020

For Performance Seekers – Honda City

As is in their slogan, Honda makes dream machines for all ranges. If the brand new Civic is out of reach, you can still settle down for a used Honda City. The fourth generation Honda City still bags a bargain among the used car market due to its
six-airbag safety system
 installed.

Besides that, the post-facelift models come with keyless entry, push-button start, reverse sensors, auto-retractable folding side mirrors with indicators, and a multi-info display. They still remained a favorite even years after Honda stopped selling them.

The fourth generation Honda City has more trim levels available. It starts off with a 1.3L and a 1.5L four-cylinder i-DSI engine. The range-topping and most desirable model can be had with a 1.5L i-Vtec four-cylinder engine, which is highly sought after by car enthusiasts for modification. Commonly, it comes with a CVT transmission. A five-speed transmission is offered but it’s relatively rare.

Read More:
Used Honda City Buying Guide

Reliable and Durable – Toyota Vios

Toyota has been hailed as the king of reliability for good reason. Have you heard of a Toyota car breaking down before? Even in later generations, Toyota still carries on with its core philosophy of making cars reliable for the next 10 to 20 years as quoted by
Scotty Kilmer
. The 2013 to 2015 used Toyota Vios still holds a great bargain for a premium compact sedan at a good price. Parts are easier to get, cheap maintenance and a reputable brand for reliability make it a car enthusiast’s favorite.

The 2015 model is powered by a 1.5L, four-cylinder VVT-i engine. It can be had with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Compared to the second generation, Toyota claims there is a 5% improvement in fuel consumption in the engine along with
several passenger-oriented upgrades.

Read More:
Perodua Bezza Advance vs Toyota Vios J

Best Fuel Efficiency – Nissan Almera

Arguably Nissan’s most popular model in Malaysia aside from the infamous GTR. The Almera is designed to be practical and affordable in mind. Nissan introduced the third generation Almera into Malaysian shores by Tan Chong Motors. As the turbocharged, three-cylinder, the
fourth generation has been introduced
, the third generation is still desirable due to its small engine capacity and fuel efficiency for city drives.

All variants of the third-generation Nissan Almera share the same 1.5L four-cylinder engine. Like other brands mentioned above, the Almera can be had in a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency wise, Nissan reports that the Almera has a
14.9km per liter for the auto and 15.9km for the manual
.

Tips to Help You Decide Which Car is Best For You

While the number of models we have listed above can be tempting to choose from, we urge you to take a step back and reconsider your current options before making the big decision.

Finances

Financial experts strongly recommend that one should
spend 15% of their salary
 to pay off their car’s installments. Preferably, the net salary that you bring home every month. This is to ensure you still have enough money for maintenance, parts if needed or just regular daily expenses to keep you going until the next paycheck arrives.
Wapcar reports that in the first half of 2022
, 18 people go into bankruptcy daily with a majority spent on car purchases in mind. With that, we urge you to crunch out the numbers first before making any decisions.

Read More:
How Much Should You Spend on Your Car Installment

Need vs Want

There’s no shame in denying all of us want to drive something nice one day. However, as we mentioned in the finances part earlier, do not go broke just to spend that money for showing off. Lay off that thought to buy that used BMW for a while and settle down for a Bezza for the time being. What’s the point of spending half your salary on a used continental car when you have to devoid yourself of your basic needs for food, clothes, and rent/housing all just to sate your desires? Save up, get that salary increment in your job and come back for that car of your dreams once you are financially stable enough to do it.

Parts and Reliability

A saying in Germany goes – A cheap Mercedes is an expensive Mercedes. The temptation to snag a cheap continental car is alluring. But be warned, continental car parts have a higher price tag, and mechanical complexity and require technical expertise to maintain in the long run. In some cases, you might just spend more money on parts and labor fees than you have spent on the car itself!

With that in mind, we hope you can find the right car that suits you and enjoy the overall journey of test driving and owning one day.

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Buying a Car
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Brian Wong


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5 Best CARSOME Certified Cars Under RM30,000

By

Haziq Asyraf

Who says you can’t get a quality ride that will satisfy your every need when you’re on a tight budget? CARSOME carries up to 30 car brands with a variety of models at various price points so you rest assured that we have plenty of great options for your next car choice.

Plus, you can rest assured that you are getting a quality pre-owned car that is guaranteed to be safe and comfortable, with a refurbished aesthetic. It also comes with a five-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Here are five best CARSOME Certified cars under RM30,000 for you to check out.

1. Perodua Axia (RM20,400 – RM29,400)

Dubbed as the best car for first time car owners and youngsters, the Perodua Axia is a reliable compact car that’s very fun to drive and easy to maintain. It’s four-speed automatic gearbox and three cylinder engine will provide you with just enough power to zip around in the city, although it might require some effort to zoom around on the highway.

If you’re looking for a worry-free car ownership experience,
this compact car
 is definitely a choice to consider.

2. Proton Saga (RM17,900 – RM25,900)

Looking for a comfortable driving experience and a spacious cabin? The Proton Saga might be the car you need. It promises a fun cruise around the city with its nifty handling and its fine tuned engine allows you to dart around swiftly on Malaysian highways.

This entry level sedan
 is a great choice for your daily commute as well as for your family to get around.

3. Proton Iriz (RM27,400 – RM29,400)

Looking for something compact yet packs a punch? Why not go with the Proton Iriz, a sporty hatchback that has a very steady handling while on the road thanks to its VVT engine and CVT gearbox.

You will definitely enjoy your daily urban commute with
this sporty hatchback
 that looks sleek and feels good to drive.

4. Perodua Myvi (RM22,900 – RM29,400)

Malaysia’s king of the road, the Perodua Myvi is a very capable car with notable maneuverability. Equipped with a responsive 1.3-litre petrol engine, it promises a reliable driving experience for new drivers as well as experienced ones.

If you’re looking for a fun car to navigate through our cities and highways,
this compact hatchback
 is the perfect choice for you.

5. Ford Fiesta (RM23,400 – RM28,900)

The Ford Fiesta is a hatchback that aims to seamlessly combine superb handling and comfort in a package that is fun to drive in. Equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, you’ll be cruising through the city smoothly, accompanied by a sleek interior that fits the sporty image.

Its sporty looks and impeccable driving experience make
the Ford Fiesta
 a perfect choice for young professionals who are seeking their first ride.

Save More When You Buy a CARSOME Certified Car

If you are looking to buy your first car or upgrade your current ride, do check us out as we have attractive promotions every month! Moreover, with our wide selection of quality assured CARSOME Certified pre-owned cars, we offer a new standard in buying pre-owned cars for your peace of mind.

Exclusive this September, stand a chance to win up to RM7,000 cashback when you purchase a CARSOME Certified car. This promotion is valid from 1 August to 30 September 2022 and is only applicable to customers who successfully completed their CARSOME Certified car purchase within the campaign period.

Hurry, book your dream car at
carsome.my
 today!

Read more:
CARSOME’s Monthly Promotions

*Terms and conditions apply.

Make It CARSOME for Peace of Mind

All CARSOME Certified cars have passed a strict 175-point inspection to make sure it is free of major accidents and flood damage. Not to mention, every CARSOME Certified car is also professionally refurbished at our CARSOME Certified Lab to ensure safety beyond standards, complete comfort, and a refurbished aesthetic.

Besides that, every CARSOME Certified also comes the following promise for your peace of mind:

Professional inspection:
All CARSOME Certified cars have passed a stringent 175-point inspection to ensure it is free from major accidents and flood damage.

Fixed price:
 The price you see on the listing is the actual full price of the car that you will pay, with absolutely no hidden fees. We practice full transparency to ensure you know exactly what you are getting.

Five-day money-back guarantee:
 If you buy a CARSOME Certified and you happen to change your mind about it, you can return it back to us within five days to get your full payment back. No questions asked!

One-year warranty:
 Our journey with you does not stop after you buy a car. We will give you an extended warranty to ensure your vehicle is covered in your first year.

So, if you’re looking to buy a quality pre-owned car, visit
carsome.my
 and browse for your dream car today!

Tags
Budget
Buying a Car
Cars

Haziq Asyraf
A self-proclaimed foodie and gamer whose passion for food and games has recently extended to cars.