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Ujian Memandu: Syarat Asas, Cara Daftar, Kelas dan Ujian Lesen Memandu Malaysia

By

Ahmad Azwadie Azman

Lesen memandu merupakan dokumen rasmi yang membolehkan seseorang individu mengendalikan sesebuah kenderaan bermotor tidak kira sama ada kereta, motosikal, lori atau bas. Kebiasaannya, peraturan berkaitan lesen memandu adalah berbeza mengikut negara. Di Malaysia misalnya, pemandu yang ingin menggunakan kenderaan bermotor di atas jalan raya diwajibkan untuk lulus ujian memandu sebelum lesen memandu boleh dikeluarkan.

Untuk anda yang masih belum memiliki lesen memandu dan sedang berkira-kira untuk menjalani ujian memandu, Carsome menyenaraikan harga lesen kereta dan motor terkini, langkah pendaftaran yang perlu dilakukan untuk mendapatkan
lesen memandu

dan maklumat-maklumat lain yang berkaitan untuk panduan anda.

Syarat Asas untuk Mendapatkan Lesen Memandu Malaysia

Ujian memandu di Malaysia boleh dilakukan dengan syarat seseorang individu melepasi keperluan-keperluan asas yang ditetapkan oleh pihak Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ):

Kelayakan umur;

Tahap kesihatan bakal pemandu – sihat tubuh badan, boleh melihat dengan baik sehingga jarak sekurang-kurangnya 23 meter dan tidak buta warna;

Mampu memahami peraturan dan undang-undang jalan raya di Malaysia.

Bagi aspek kelayakan umur, seseorang individu yang ingin menjalani ujian memandu perlu melepasi kriteria umum minimum yang ditetapkan bergantung pada jenis lesen dan kenderaan yang ingin dipandu seperti berikut:

 16 tahun dan ke atas – Lesen memandu (motosikal) kelas A, B2, B penuh atau C;

17 tahun dan ke atas – Lesen memandu (kereta) kelas D atau DA;

21 tahun dan ke atas – Lesen memandu kelas E hingga kelas I (memiliki lesen CDL yang sah).

Bagi calon OKU pula, calon perlu mendapatkan borang pemeriksaan kesihatan daripada mana-mana cawangan-cawangan JPJ berdekatan. Calon juga perlu mendapatkan pengesahan layak memandu atau menunggang daripada Pegawai Perubatan di mana-mana klinik atau hospital kesihatan kerajaan. Bagi pemohon bukan warganegara atau penduduk tetap, calon perlu memiliki pasport dan visa pelawat yang sah bagi tempoh sekurang-kurangnya 1 bulan untuk melayakkan diri untuk mendapatkan lesen kereta atau motor di Malaysia.

Jenis dan Kelas Lesen Memandu di Malaysia

Jenis dan kelas lesen memandu di Malaysia ditetapkan berdasarkan tahap kelayakan pemandu serta jenis kegunaan kenderaan. Carsome menyenaraikan lima jenis lesen memandu berdasarkan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) Malaysia seperti berikut untuk panduan anda:

1.
Learner Driving License
 (LDL) atau Lesen Belajar Memandu

Lesen L ini membolehkan seseorang individu belajar memandu mengikut kelas yang ditetapkan seperti B, B2, D dan E di bawah pengawasan jurulatih berpengalaman Institut Memandu.

Lesen perlu diperbaharui setiap 3 bulan atau 6 bulan jika masih belum mengambil atau masih belum lulus ujian JPJ.

Tempoh sah lesen L ialah selama 2 tahun bermula tarikh ia dikeluarkan. Jika lesen L telah tamat tempoh 2 tahun, anda perlu mengulangi semula proses daripada awal untuk mendapatkan lesen memandu.

2.
 Probationary Driving License
 (PDL) atau Lesen Memandu Percubaan

Lesen P diberikan kepada pemandu baharu yang telah lulus ujian dan prosedur pembelajaran Institut Memandu.

Lesen ini sah untuk tempoh dua tahun.

3.
 Competent Driving License
 (CDL) atau Lesen Memandu Kompeten

Ia merujuk pada lesen memandu penuh yang sah yang diberikan kepada pemandu setelah tamat tempoh percubaan selama dua tahun.

4.
Vocational Driving License
 (VDL) atau
Commercial Driving License
 atau Lesen Memandu Vokasional

Ia merupakan lesen memandu khas untuk pemandu kenderaan komersial seperti lori dan bas.

Lesen ini dikeluarkan secara bersama oleh Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan dan Lembaga Perlesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP).

5.
International Driving Permit
 (IDP) atau Permit Memandu Antarabangsa

Lesen ini membolehkan warganegara Malaysia memandu kenderaan di luar negara.

Permohonan Permit Memandu Antarabangsa boleh dibuat di mana-mana pejabat JPJ Negeri atau Cawangan atau di pejabat Persatuan Automobil Malaysia (AAM).

Selain itu, kelas lesen memandu pula ditetapkan berdasarkan jenis dan kapasiti kenderaan. Carsome menyenaraikan senarai lengkap kelas lesen memandu seperti yang ditetapkan oleh Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) Malaysia seperti berikut:

A

Kenderaan Orang Cacat (Motosikal) dengan berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 450kg

A1

Kenderaan Orang Cacat (Motokar) dengan berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 3500kg

B

Motosikal (Perseorangan) – melebihi 500cc

B1

Motosikal (Perseorangan) – tidak melebihi 500cc

B2

Motosikal tidak melebihi 250cc

C

Motosikal Tiga Roda

D

Motokar – berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 3500kg

DA

Motor Tanpa Pedal Klac – berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 3500kg

E

Motokar Berat – berat tanpa muatan melebihi 7500kg

E1

Motokar Berat – berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 7500kg

E2

Motokar Berat – berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 5000kg

F

Traktor/Jentera Bergerak Ringan (Beroda) – berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 5000kg

G

Traktor/Jentera Bergerak Ringan (Berantai) – berat tanpa muatan tidak melebihi 5000kg

H

Traktor/Jentera Bergerak Berat (Beroda) – berat tanpa muatan melebihi 5000kg

I

Traktor/Jentera Bergerak Berat (Berantai) – berat tanpa muatan melebihi 5000kg

M

Hukuman Mahkamah

Peraturan Ujian Memandu Baharu 2021

Berdasarkan peraturan baharu ujian memandu 2021, setiap institut memandu wajib memaparkan kadar bayaran harga baharu bagi lesen memandu motosikal atau kereta. Selain itu, setiap kenderaan yang digunakan turut akan dilengkapi dengan kamera untuk mengelakkan penguji mengambil kesempatan termasuk mengagalkan ujian tanpa sebab dan alasan yang kukuh. Ujian tanpa penguji akan turut dilaksanakan dan tiada lagi ujian praktikal bersama kakitangan JPJ akan dilakukan. Malah, ujian komputer juga akan dipantau sepenuhnya melalui sistem video dalam bilik ujian.

Ujian Memandu: Cara Daftar Lesen Memandu

Untuk anda yang ingin mendapatkan lesen kereta atau lesen motosikal buat pertama kali, Carsome menyenaraikan langkah-langkah di bawah untuk membantu memudahkan urusan mendapatkan lesen memandu pertama anda:

1. Daftar Lesen Memandu

Anda boleh hubungi Institut Memandu pilihan anda. Pegawai Pemasaran di Institut Memandu pilihan akan membantu menjawab segala persoalan dan menguruskan pendaftaran kursus untuk mendapatkan lesen memandu anda.

2. Kursus Kurikulum Pendidikan Pemandu (KPP01)

Kursus KPP01 akan diadakan selama 6 jam dan biasanya dilakukan pada hujung minggu. Calon disarankan untuk berpakaian kemas dan sopan semasa mengikuti kursus ini.

3. Ujian Komputer Lesen Memandu

Setelah menghadiri kursus KPP01, calon perlu menduduki ujian Teori Undang-undang Komputer selama 45 minit. Markah lulus minimum untuk ujian ini ialah sebanyak 42/50. Jika gagal, calon perlu menduduki ujian ulangan. Anda boleh melihat contoh soalan ujian komputer lesen memandu
di sini
.

4. Lesen L

Calon akan diberikan Lesen L (
Learner Driving License
) dalam tempoh seminggu selepas lulus ujian komputer.

5. Kursus Kurikulum Pendidikan Pemandu (KPP02)

Kursus ini merujuk kepada latihan praktikal di dalam litar selama lapan jam. Bagi mendapatkan lesen motosikal, calon akan menjalani latihan praktikal seperti membuat pusingan 8, laluan titi, halangan kon, dan brek kecemasan. Bagi lesen kereta pula, calon perlu menjalani latihan praktikal seperti menaiki bukit,
side parking
 dan ujian tiga penjuru.

6. Kursus Kurikulum Pendidikan Pemandu (KPP03)

Setelah selesai latihan memandu di dalam litar, calon akan menjalani Kursus KPP03. Ia merujuk pada latihan memandu di jalan raya di bawah pengawasan jurulatih berpengalaman Institut Memandu selama lapan jam. Borang belajar memandu (SM4) akan dikeluarkan setelah calon tamat menjalani latihan KPP.

7. Ujian QTI

Calon perlu menduduki Praujian sebelum menjalani Ujian Praktikal JPJ. Ujian ini akan dikendalikan oleh jurulatih bertauliah di Institut Memandu. Jika lulus, calon akan dibenarkan untuk menduduki Ujian Praktikal JPJ.

8. Ujian Praktikal JPJ

Calon yang lulus Ujian QTI akan menduduki Ujian Praktikal JPJ pada hari yang ditetapkan mengikut kekosongan Institut Memandu. Calon yang lulus Ujian Praktikal JPJ atau Ujian Memandu JPJ akan layak mendapat lesen memandu P. Manakala, calon yang gagal perlu menduduki semula ujian ulangan.

Senarai Institut Memandu di Seluruh Malaysia

Carsome turut menyenaraikan senarai penuh Institut Memandu yang berdaftar di seluruh Malaysia mengikut negeri sebagai rujukan anda:

Kuala Lumpur

Terengganu

Pulau Pinang

Negeri Sembilan

Kelantan

Perlis

Johor

Sabah

Selangor

Pahang

Kedah

Melaka

Perak

Sarawak

Ujian Memandu: Harga Lesen Memandu (Motosikal dan Kereta) 2021

Harga dan kos bagi mendapatkan lesen memandu adalah berbeza mengikut negeri dan lokasi Institut Memandu. Namun begitu, Jawatankuasa Pelesenan Institut Memandu (JKPIM) di bawah pengurusan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) telah menetapkan harga siling bagi yuran pembelajaran dan latihan pemanduan di Institut Memandu. Penetapan harga siling ini secara tidak langsung memastikan kadar harga yang sama di setiap negeri dan turut membantu pengguna menikmati perkhidmatan dengan harga yang berpatutan.

Kelas

Harga

Harga Lesen Motor

B2

RM350 hingga RM450

B

RM900 hingga RM1,100

Harga Lesen Kereta Manual

D

RM1,150 hingga RM1,300

Harga Lesen Kereta Automatik

DA

RM1,250 hingga RM1,500

Nota: Kadar harga lesen kereta dan motor ini adalah anggaran sahaja dan perubahan harga adalah tertakluk pada perkhidmatan tambahan lain yang ditawarkan oleh Institut Memandu.

Jika anda telah berjaya mendapatkan lesen dan mungkin mempertimbangkan untuk mendapatkan

kereta terpakai baharu
, layari laman web Carsome untuk info lanjut. Carsome merupakan
platform jual beli kereta terpakai
 yang menawarkan tawaran harga terbaik dengan perkhidmatan yang mudah, cekap dan pantas.

Ahmad Azwadie Azman


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Ulasan Perodua Axia 1.0 AV 2023 Daripada Geng WapCar

By

Haziq Asyraf

Kami pasti ramai yang teruja dengan
Perodua Axia
 yang baru dilancarkan pada bulan Februari lalu. Walaupun ada yang terkejut kerana harga Axia baharu ini lebih mahal daripada sebuah
Perodua Bezza
 1.0 G yang lebih besar dalam segmen yang sama, namun sambutannya tetap hangat dalam kalangan rakyat Malaysia.

Baru-baru ini WapCar ada menerbitkan video di mana Adrian telah memandu Perodua Axia 1.0 AV daripada Kuala Lumpur ke Pantai Klebang bersama Greg, Seline, dan dua orang jurukamera untuk mengetahui tahap keselesaannya dan adakah kereta ini betul-betul praktikal dan jimat minyak untuk penggunaan seharian.

Jom kita ikuti pengalaman geng WapCar memandu kereta hacbek kompak terbaru keluaran Perodua ini!

Pemanduan Dalam Bandar yang Sangat Selesa

Semasa Adrian memandu Perodua Axia 2023 ini di sekitar bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, enjin tiga silinder 1.0 liter 1KR-VE yang dipadankan dengan transmisi D-CVT baharu ini lebih bersemangat dan tangkas untuk pemanduan dalam bandar. Ia juga dilengkapi dengan ciri keselamatan canggih seperti monitor titik buta, jadi anda boleh memandu dengan lebih yakin.

Satu lagi perkara yang Adrian suka mengenai Perodua Axia baharu ini adalah sistem ampaiannya (
suspension system
) yang memberi pengalaman memandu yang sangat lancar, bahkan ia mungkin lebih baik daripada sistem ampaian yang ada pada Perodua Myvi.

Tapi, satu perkara yang perlu diambil perhatian menurut Adrian adalah pedal minyaknya yang agak sensitif, yang memerlukan dia untuk berhati-hati apabila menekan pedal minyak.

Kekurangan Fungsi Praktikal untuk Pemanduan Lebuh Raya

Walaupun Perodua Axia baharu ini mempunyai pelbagai ciri-ciri keselamatan dan teknologi yang sangat canggih, ianya kekurangan fungsi praktikal yang dapat membantu memudahkan pemanduan di lebuh raya seperti pembaca tol terbina dalam serasi SmartTAG yang ada pada Perodua Myvi atau pelekat RFID yang tersedia seperti Perodua Alza.

Perlu diingati juga, Perodua Axia ini bukanlah sebuah kereta yang laju pecutannya. Mengikut ujian pecutan 0 – 100km/j yang dilakukan oleh WapCar, Perodua Axia baharu ini mencatatkan masa sebanyak 14.7 saat.

Ia mungkin bukan sesuatu yang mengagumkan tetapi ia sebenarnya dua saat lebih pantas berbanding Perodua Axia generasi sebelumnya yang menggunakan transmisi automatik empat kelajuan dengan enjin yang sama.

Perodua Axia baharu ini juga mampu memberi pengalaman memandu di lebuh raya yang lebih menyeronokkan dan meyakinkan berbanding dengan generasi sebelumnya, walaupun dipandu melebihi 100km sejam.

Ini disebabkan kereta ini telah dibina menggunakan platform Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) yang juga telah digunakan untuk Perodua Ativa dan juga Perodua Alza. Platform ini menawarkan peningkatan keselamatan, keyakinan dan casis yang lebih kukuh untuk menghasilkan pengalaman memandu yang lebih selesa, stabil, dan menyeronokkan.

Ruang Tempat Duduk yang Mencukupi

Pada pertengahan perjalanan Adrian ada bertanya kepada Greg yang duduk di bahagian penumpang mengenai pendapatnya tentang ruang tersebut. Untuk Greg yang berketinggian 184cm, dia masih boleh duduk dengan selesa di bahagian belakang.

Penyandar kepala di tempat duduk belakang juga menjadi kegemaran Greg dalam perjalanan yang agak panjang itu. Satu-satunya keluhan daripada Greg adalah ruangan kaki yang agak sempit dan kusyen kerusi yang agak pendek.

Walaupun tempat duduk belakang dipenuhi dengan tiga penumpang dewasa, Greg berpendapat yang ianya masih lagi selesa, biarpun terpaksa berlanggar bahu sedikit.

Bagaimana Dengan Penggunaan Minyak Axia 2023?

Perjalanan sepanjang 407.3km daripada Kuala Lumpur ke Pantai Klebang ini terdiri daripada 30 peratus pemanduan dalam bandar dan 70 peratus pemanduan di lebuh raya. Harga minyak untuk mengisi tangki penuh pula cuma RM45.61.

Apabila jumlah harga minyak dibahagikan dengan jarak keseluruhan perjalanan, kos perjalanan untuk setiap kilometer hanyalah 11 sen sahaja. Memang betul-betul jimat minyak!

Dalam penghasilan video ini, Adrian mendapati yang Perodua Axia 2023 ini mampu bergerak sehingga 18.3km untuk setiap liter minyak dan ia hanya memerlukan 5.46 liter minyak untuk bergerak sejauh 100km!

Kata-kata Akhir Daripada Greg, Seline, & Adrian Mengenai Perodua Axia 1.0 AV 2023

Menurut Greg, penggunaan platform DNGA untuk Perodua Axia telah menghasilkan sebuah kereta yang kukuh dengan pemanduan yang unggul dan ruang yang selesa dan mencukupi untuk pemandu dan penumpang (yang tak terlalu tinggi) dengan kargo. Tetapi, pada Greg, Perodua Axia baharu ini agak bising dan ini menjadikan pengalaman memandunya agak kurang menyenangkan, lebih-lebih lagi pada jarak yang jauh.

Bagi Seline pula, Perodua Axia baharu ini sangat menyeronokkan untuk dipandu kerana saiznya yang kompak dan pengendalian yang sangat bagus. Cuma, Seline berpendapat warna merah (Lava Red) Perodua Axia tidak berjaya menyerlahkan reka bentuk luaran baharu kereta tersebut yang kini lebih cantik dan moden. Dia lebih menggemari warna biru (Coral Blue) baharu kerana ia kelihatan lebih menawan dan anggun.

Akhir kata daripada Adrian, jika dibandingkan dengan kereta lain dalam lingkungan harga RM50,000, Perodua Axia mungkin tidak mampu bersaing dengan kereta daripada kelas lain yang mungkin lebih besar, canggih, dan berkuasa. Tetapi, dalam kelasnya sendiri, ia menawarkan teknologi dan ciri-ciri keselamatan yang paling canggih seperti enam beg udara, brek kecemasan automatik, dan juga monitor titik buta.

Boleh dikatakan yang Perodua Axia memang sangat sesuai untuk dijadikan kereta pertama disebabkan harganya yang agak berpatutan dan juga ciri keselamatan yang mengagumkan. Tetapi semuanya bergantung kepada apa yang anda mahu dalam kereta yang anda akan beli.

Kami harap perkongsian dari geng WapCar ini dapat membantu anda dalam membuat keputusan untuk mendapatkan kereta pertama anda. Jika anda sedang mencari kereta terpakai pada harga yang berbaloi, layari
carsome.my
 atau
muat turun aplikasi kami

untuk dapatkan kereta CARSOME Certified hari ini!

Artikel ini ditulis berdasarkan video “
2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV Review in Malaysia! Five Adults Plus Luggage on ONE Full Tank?
” yang telah diterbitkan di saluran Youtube WapCar.

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


10 Factors Affecting Your Car’s Depreciation Rate & How to Maintain Your Car’s Value

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10 Factors Affecting Your Car’s Depreciation Rate & How to Maintain Your...

By

Carsome Author

For many, a car is the second most expensive thing you’ll purchase in your life. We all know that. Hence, the process and justification that goes into that decision will carry some weight, usually measured in debt from the hire purchase loan.

The obvious first question to ask yourself is, “Can I afford to buy it?” That’s a pretty easy one to answer. If you’re a little uncertain on why it’s a simple query, perhaps you shouldn’t be looking into purchasing a car yet.

Your car doesn’t run on hopes and dreams; technology hasn’t come that far yet. So, you’ll have to maintain it. That’s usually the second question to ask, “Can I afford to maintain it?” This isn’t as straightforward since some new cars come with free maintenance packages for the first few years and some don’t. Typically, the salesman or service center will have an estimated cost for the periodic maintenance and your better judgement should suffice in determining if you can afford to keep it running.

Now comes the part that’s not always a factor for some. We’re talking about the car’s rate of depreciation or resale value. Not everyone considers this a pivotal factor in the purchase of a car. To simplify it, some buy the car because they like it without considering too heavily into selling it down the road, while others are always looking to acquire a new set of wheels after a few years and will want to get the most back on their current car.

It’s not rocket science or brain surgery in determining cars that possess a lower depreciation rate. They’re usually from a mainstream brand such as
Proton
,
Perodua
,
Honda
,
 or
Toyota
 and offer value for money, reliability, affordable maintenance, good fuel consumption, and carry decent safety tech.

What Exactly Does a Car’s Rate of Depreciation Mean?

No, it isn’t the wear and tear over years of use; though that’s a factor in the overall equation. For the layman, the depreciation rate is the difference between the car’s original value when purchased new and the residual value at the time of sale down the road.

With the exception of wine, there aren’t many products that get pricier with age. The same applies to cars. From the time it rolls off the showroom floor, the car depreciates in value as it ages.

Read More:

Here Are the Cars with the Best Resale Value in Malaysia

The rate of depreciation refers to how much of that value is lost over time. It differs from model to model and even between different units of the same model as various factors are taken into account. We’ll take a look at some of these factors further down.

Typically, the average depreciation rate hovers around 15 to 35 percent in the first year and tends to experience an exponential hike up to 50 percent as it enters its fifth year. Nonetheless, these figures barely qualify as gospel and is, at best, a rough guesstimate.

Why Does It Matter?

It’s important to understand and know the depreciation rate of your car as it has massive consequences regarding the decision-making around your car.

If you’re always looking to upgrade after some time, purchasing a car with a lower rate of depreciation will help when it’s time to sell and get a new one as the higher value translates into more taken off the price of the new car. On the other hand, if you intend to hold on to it, the depreciation rate might not matter as much. This is usually the case with purchase of non-mainstream brands or segments.

While accurately predicting a car’s depreciation rate is black magic, certain factors and existing pricing of previous models will help. On the occasion that your car has depreciated more than initially expected, you might decide to hold onto it instead of letting it go and getting tied into a new loan.

Read More:

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

10 Factors that Affect a Car’s Depreciation Rate in Malaysia

As mentioned earlier, the depreciation rate varies not just between different models but also between the same model itself depending on the condition. Judging by the factors here, you’ll be a little better equipped to estimate the depreciation rate of your next automotive purchase.

1. Reputation for Reliability

You just can’t beat a solid reputation for clockwork reliability. At the end of the day, a car is essentially a mode of transport between two points. That’s its primary purpose, getting you from where you are to where you want to go on demand. Therefore, cars that have a reputation for reliability automatically possess a lower rate of depreciation.

Toyota has carefully curated such a reputation for the humble Corolla as people across the globe think it synonymous with reliability. On the opposite end of the spectrum, marques with questionable reliability will suffer a higher rate of depreciation.

2. Service History

Cars are complicated machines that require periodic maintenance for the gears to continue turning smoothly. Strictly adhering to the maintenance schedule keeps everything in good shape and is a strong indicator of continued usage for miles to come. It’s best to keep detailed records and receipts of the car’s scheduled servicing, especially from an official service center. Do the same if work is carried out at independent workshops as well. A car with a missing or incomplete service history is an immediate red flag.

3. Warranty Period

Carmakers are increasingly offering longer warranty periods, going as far as eight years in certain cases. If the official manufacturer’s warranty is still valid at the time of the sale, it will go a long way in retaining a higher sale price as the next owner can still make official claims if a component fails.

4. Car Condition

Good optics matter and a car that appears to be in good condition will always hold a higher value. Keeping the paint shiny and interior clean will complement a solid service history. A stained interior, faded paint or minor dents might not affect a car’s ability to take you from Point A to Point B, but it doesn’t exactly indicate an owner that’s a stickler for overall maintenance and will cost you extra to have those issues rectified.

5. Fuel Efficiency

With the potential rise in fuel prices, a fuel-efficient car will literally and figuratively take you the extra mile. If you travel a lot or your daily commute is extensive, getting a car that sips fuel can help you save hundreds, if not thousands, annually. Thus, it isn’t surprising that most models with a lower depreciation rate also happen to be extremely fuel efficient.

6. Consumer’s Choice

Fashion isn’t the only industry that sees trends come and go. Similarly, consumers’ taste in cars change over time. The current trend leans heavily towards
SUVs
, especially compact ones. In fact, the
Proton X50
 dethroned the almighty
Perodua Myvi
 as Malaysia’s best-selling car for July 2022; no easy feat. Therefore, going for a body style that’s popular with consumers will help keep the depreciation rate low.

Read More:

How to Transfer Car Ownership in Malaysia at JPJ & Online

7. Segment

Luxury cars are notorious for high depreciation rates. Certain models from premium or luxury marques can depreciate close to 50 percent of their value from new in the first year alone. Models from these segments usually command a much larger servicing cost which is one of the factors behind that abysmal depreciation rate. While it might seem like an easy way to get your hands on the likes of a premium model, remember that your wallet might hurt more when it’s time for a service.

8. Mileage

Many are under the notion that a low-mileage car is always better but that’s not necessarily the case. A high-mileage but well-maintained car is a safer bet over a low-mileage one with a sketchy service history or uses non-original replacement parts. Ideally, a low-mileage model with a solid service history is the safest bet but don’t fall into the trap of believing that a low-mileage car is the default best option.

9. Number of Owners

Again, this factor isn’t a deal-breaker for the very same reason that a low-mileage car is better. As long as the car is well-maintained and shows no signs of major accidents or other damage, it shouldn’t matter how many previous owners there are. Most consumers assume that more prior owners must indicate a serious problem with the car but that isn’t always the case. Therefore, this should be at best a consolation but not a deal-breaker in the decision-making.

10. Specification

Most models come in a number of different trim or specification levels with varying levels of equipment. Going for the most desirable trim will ensure that it holds its value better over the same model but of a lower trim. Occasionally, the flagship trim isn’t always the one to get as it might just be cosmetic upgrades. However, if the difference includes a better safety suite, it’s almost guaranteed that this trim will have a lower rate of depreciation.

What is the Average Car Depreciation Rate in Malaysia?

As mentioned before, calculating the depreciation rate is closer to black magic than it is to a science. However, the graph for that rate is always exponential and very rarely linear. This means a new car will have a higher rate of depreciation in the first year as compared to five years later.

For example, a car experiences the highest rate of depreciation in the first year. That number could be between 15-35 percent or more depending on the segment. Following the first year, you’ll be looking at a depreciation of between 15-25 percent annually. After the fifth year, the car’s worth is approximately 40 percent of its original value.

How to Minimize the Depreciation Rate of Your Car?

There’s no running away from it. The best you can do is keep the rate as low as possible. And to help you achieve that, here are some tips.

Follow the
scheduled service
 intervals as accurately as possible. Prolonging that oil change for a few hundred kilometers might not mean much but it could void the warranty or even indicate improper care to the next buyer.

Keep extensive records and receipts of scheduled maintenance or unexpected repairs. Try to keep servicing with the official service center even if the warranty is over.

Immediately repair any damage. Prolonging repairs could lead to other related components failing which could be catastrophic or just a larger financial burden.

Keep the car standard. Very rarely do modifications, cosmetic or performance, actually lower the rate of depreciation. Even something as harmless as larger rims will mean more expensive tires when it’s time for replacements.

Go with a popular color. Gray, silver, white and black tend to hold their values better.

Get the most sensible trim. Going for the entry-level trim might save you some money but it’ll mean a lower resale value.

Sell at the right time before the price takes a huge dip. Usually, most people tend to push it around the five-year mark or before a new model is introduced.

Don’t skimp on parts. For instance, when it’s time to change the tires, don’t go for a lower brand to save a few bucks. It’s not a good look to the potential next owner.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to avoid massive depreciation before your next purchase, a fairly new pre-owned car would be the best way forward as the majority of the first year’s depreciation would have been absorbed by the previous owner.

CARSOME
 provides one of the best avenues to acquire a pre-owned car with an assurance of quality courtesy of the 175-point inspection, professional refurbishment and 1-year warranty.

Carsome Author


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Understanding Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) & How to Use It

By

Amarnath

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has now become a rather common feature in cars. Once a hallmark of the affluent, it’s since benefitted from trickle-down economics and sashayed its way at a constant speed and distance into more entry-level cars.

While
Mercedes-Benz
 was the first to plug it into their flagship S-Class sedan a few generations back, you’ll now find it in the likes of the
Perodua Ativa
,
Proton X50
, and
Honda City
 among other models sitting below the
RM100,000
 mark.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control & How Does It Function?

You should be familiar with the feature Cruise Control. It modulates the car’s accelerator to maintain the speed at a constant determined by the driver. ACC is essentially a more advanced system of that feature that controls the accelerator and brakes to maintain a preset distance to the car in front with a maximum speed tacked on if there isn’t a car in front.

For instance, if the driver sets the speed to 120kph but there is a car in front going at only 100kph, the car with ACC will modulate the accelerator and brakes to maintain a set distance to the car in front.

Once that car moves out of the way, the system will accelerate to 120kph and maintain that until it comes up on a vehicle in front going slower than that figure.

Read More:
Buying a Car? Here Are 17 Safety Features You Need

Many vehicles equipped with ACC are also packing Stop & Go functionality. This means that said vehicle is capable of coming to a complete stop if the vehicle in front does so and can then continue driving forward when the vehicle in front pulls away. Most of the time, for safety’s sake, the driver will be required to gently prod the accelerator to get the car moving again from a standstill but won’t be required to continuously apply pressure.

There’s no witchcraft or wizardry at play here. ACC uses an array of sensors; usually Lidar (light detection and ranging) or stereoscopic cameras, to track the car in front. It not only tracks the speed but the distance as well to maintain the preset distance and then speed, in that order.

While early ACC systems relied on radar or cameras, the laser-based Lidar has proven to be the go-to tracking method for modern ACC due to its accuracy.

Due to the fact that ACC effectively removes one control aspect of operating a car, it’s defined as a Level 1 autonomous vehicle feature. A Level 2 vehicle will be able to handle two control aspects such as ACC as well as lane keep assist.

In the event of the car in front performing an emergency braking maneuver, the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature (if available) will kick in and bring the car to an emergency stop if required. The ACC will emit an audible and visible warning to the driver if the car in front brakes abruptly. In the name of safety, once the AEB has kicked in, the ACC will automatically disengage.

Read More:

Proper and Safe Driving Attire

The intelligent cruise control button on the Proton X50 TGDI Flagship

What Is the History of Adaptive Cruise Control?

The first semblance of ACC was debuted by
Mitsubishi
 on its Diamante sedan in 1995. Dubbed Preview Distance Control, the system utilized a Lidar and a camera to detect if the distance to the vehicle ahead was closing and would ease off the accelerator or downshift the transmission to reduce the car’s speed.

Its limitation, however, was the absence of control over the brakes. Therefore, if the distance to the car in front was reducing rapidly; as in emergency braking or coming to a complete halt, the system could only produce a warning for the driver to intervene and apply the brakes manually.

Nonetheless, the motoring world’s wait for a proper ACC system came to an end in 1999 as
Mercedes-Benz
 introduced Distronic in the W220 S-Class. This would represent the first, true ACC as all Mercedes-Benz cars of the time incorporated stability control, meaning that provisions for autonomous braking were readily available and could be integrated with the ACC for full functionality.

Does My Car Have Adaptive Cruise Control?

Even though your car’s brochure doesn’t explicitly use the term Adaptive Cruise Control, it might still carry the feature. You see, the marketing people at carmakers get paid a lot of money to whip up some exclusive-sounding names for what is, essentially the same feature, to distinguish their products from others.

Therefore, ACC is polyonymous and is recognized by many names depending on the badge adorning the grille.

Toyota
 calls it Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,
Honda
 uses the core ACC but with Low Speed Follow while
Volvo
 dubs it Pilot Assist, and
Subaru
 bundles it under the EyeSight banner.

Read More:

Will Electric Self-Driving Cars Be Feasible in Malaysia?

Is Adaptive Cruise Control Safe to Use?

It’s pertinent that you keep this in mind; ACC is a driving assistance feature and not full automation. The partiality of the system means it only assists the driver on the road but isn’t commanding the operations entirely.

In simple terms, even with ACC functioning, you’ll still have to be fully alert on the traffic ahead given that steering is still completely under the driver’s purview.

The carmaker isn’t liable for any accident you get into if ACC fails to operate as advertised so don’t even waste your time giving your lawyer a call.

A solid way to begin your journey with ACC (pun intended) is to understand the limitations of the system.

For starters, computers may be excellent at processing data but lack the cognitive skills required to differentiate between danger and safety.

While ACC relies purely on the distance and speed to the car in front, the human driver’s cognitive abilities allow it to process other tell-tale signs that the car in front might be getting on the brakes the next second or be making an emergency maneuver even before the system does.

By keeping our attention focused on the car in front as if ACC weren’t present, our brain will be subconsciously processing other factors such as noticing traffic building up ahead, cars in the next lane beginning to slow down abruptly, or even the car in front swerving erratically. All this falls under the purview of being a
good defensive driver
.

Furthermore, ACC systems aren’t 100 percent capable of detecting humans as well as other objects that might be an obstacle. This is precisely the reason you, as the driver, have to be fully attentive to traffic as if ACC wasn’t functioning.

To sum it up, the verdict here isn’t that the human brain is still better than the ACC computers but rather that the main purpose is for both to complement each other. With the human brain keeping an eye on foreshadowing traffic movements and the computers delivering braking quicker than a human can, the odds of an accident are greatly reduced.

What Should I Keep In Mind While Using ACC?

There are a few factors to consider while operating ACC on your car.

 Always be fully alert and ready to react as if ACC weren’t operating. Don’t depend on the car braking as it might not detect the object in front.

 If visibility is hampered by poor weather, switch off the ACC. Reduced visibility can affect the system’s sensors. Use ACC during bright, dry weather.

 ACC sensors don’t always work around sweeping corners on highways. Therefore, in the event of an upcoming corner, be prepared to apply the brakes manually. Some carmakers claim their systems work around bends but real-world experience doesn’t always tally up, so be alert.

 ACC is unable to detect objects such as toll barriers or those that have a similar contrast with the background (a container that’s similarly colored as the sky).

 On the occasion that your car is ascending or descending a steep gradient, the sensor’s range will be compromised as it only detects directly ahead. Therefore, it might not detect the car in front and speed up.

Conclusion

ACC is an extremely useful feature to have, especially on long, highway journeys. It can reduce fatigue and help you save some energy for the destination.

The only caveat is that ACC isn’t fully autonomous and shouldn’t be treated as such. Its main purpose is to complement the driver and therefore the human behind the wheel should be as alert as if the system wasn’t available.

Amarnath


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Dial-Up a Notch with a Killer Car Audio System

By

Haziq Asyraf

As you cruise down the highway (or sit in traffic), there’s nothing more fun than blasting your car audio system to your
favorite music
 or station. While some cars are built with more high-tech audio systems, other cars aren’t as lucky for various reasons, especially if you drive an old vehicle.

 So, if you are looking to upgrade your car’s audio system, it’s best you understand the different components, the tell-tale signs that your car actually needs it, and which parts you can work on.

The Basic Components  of a Car’s Audio System

 Car audio systems have come a long way since 1930 when Motorola introduced the first commercially successful car radio, the Model 5T71. Since then, this system has evolved from a mere AM radio receiver with a single speaker, to a more complex electronic system that produces music.

However, no matter how complex an audio system is, it’s always made up of three main components.

The Head Unit

A home audio system uses separate electronic components like a radio tuner, CD player, preamp, and an amplifier that is connected to various cables. But in a car where space is limited, car manufacturers have to include as many of these components as possible into one device: the head unit. The head unit performs different duties but its main two functions are controlling the overall volume, which includes basic tone controls like bass and treble, and the different audio sources including the USB flash drive port and Bluetooth audio.

The Amplifier

Every car audio system must have an amplifier to increase the power of the audio signal so that it’s strong enough to reach the speakers and create sound. It has two stages that are controlled by a preamp and a power amplifier.

The preamp is usually located inside the head unit and takes data from an audio source, converting it to the power amplifier. The process includes boosting the audio signal and making it compatible with the input of the power amplifier. The power amplifier then takes the preamp’s low-level signal to significantly boost it, so it can move the speakers to create sound.

The Speakers

The speakers in your car take the amplified electrical signal and convert it into mechanical energy that pushes the speaker cones to create sound. It is a known fact that sound is made up of vibrations, but what you might not know is that the speakers are the ones that create these vibrations.

Here’s a quick fun fact:
the human ear is able to hear vibrations in a frequency range from about 20 Hz (very low bass) to 20,000 Hz (very high notes).
Basic car speakers are designed to cover the entire frequency range but by trying to do this, the bass response is usually non-existent.

Now that we’ve covered what an audio system is made up of, the next step is to know if your car needs an upgraded version of an audio system.

How to Know if Your Car Needs a New Audio System

Before you jump the gun and buy a new audio system for your car, here’s a test that can tell if your audio system needs an upgrade.

Sit in your car and close all the doors and windows.

Put on your favorite song and turn up the volume. Don’t be afraid of going louder than you normally would, but not to the extent of hurting your eardrums.

Listen to the music. If you find yourself having to turn up the treble due to lack of clarity, or if your bass sounds hollow and empty, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Additionally, another sign is if the music sounds distorted or soft when increased.

Upgrading Your Car’s Audio System

So, how do you get started? Here are some questions to answer that can help you get on the right path before you upgrade your audio system.

How much are you willing to spend on upgrades?

Do you want to improve the audio without upgrading your *factory audio unit?

Or would you rather upgrade the factory audio unit with something new and better?

How important is the bass to you?

Do you like listening to your music loudly?

*Factory audio unit: Factory audio unit refers to the audio unit that was manufactured with the vehicle from the dealership when purchased new.

You might be surprised at how the answers to these questions can lead you down different car audio system roads.

Car Audio Upgrades for the Budget-Conscious

There is no right or wrong way you can go about upgrading your audio system because it all depends on what you want. If you are on a tight budget and want to improve the quality of sound in your car, you can replace audio components one at a time as your budget allows. The first place to start is the speakers. Factory set speakers or coaxial speakers are usually quite basic, and by replacing the speakers with component speakers, you would be able to notice a big improvement.

Humans are able to hear up to 20,000 Hz, and this spectrum is usually broken up into different categories, while each component speaker handles a different category of that range. Since each component speaker contains only one cone and one driver, they are able to produce high, mid-range, as well as low tones which are the perfect balance for your audio.

Car Audio Upgrades without Removing the Factory Unit

If you love how your factory audio unit comes together in your car or if you have an old car model with an integrated audio system, there are some ways you can improve the audio without touching the head unit.

The first step is to replace your factory speakers with premium units that sound better and last longer than factory speakers. If you want to take it to the next level, you might want to install an amplifier that uses speaker-level inputs if your factory audio unit lacks preamp outputs. This basically means you will be able to turn your music up without any distortion as your amplifier will be sitting between your factory head unit and the new speakers. You can take it up a notch and add a subwoofer to provide you with top-quality bass.

Car Audio Upgrades by Building a New Audio System

If you don’t like your car’s factory audio unit, you will need to decide on how you want to go about getting a new audio system. If you are building a system from scratch, you can either start with the speakers or the head unit. Next, determine the type of features you want from your audio systems like radio tuners, CD players, auxiliary inputs, and built-in components like amplifiers and equalizers. No matter which way you start, you will want to end up with a head unit that is able to power up the speakers fully.

Car Audio Upgrades by Adding More Bass

If the only thing that is missing from your audio system is bass, then all you need to do is to add a subwoofer. You can do it by adding an amplifier and a subwoofer or

adding a powered subwoofer.

A powered subwoofer with speaker level inputs is the easiest way to add bass as this unit brings an amplifier and a subwoofer into one unit which can be hooked to any head unit. But if you want more flexibility in controlling your bass, you can add an amplifier and a subwoofer separately. Either way, a subwoofer is the best way to get the bass and your heart pounding.

Car Audio Upgrades by Cranking Up the Volume

If you like your sounds loud, then an amplifier is the component you need to add to your system. If you are not ditching the factory audio system, you will need an amplifier with speaker-level inputs, but some factory units come with line-level outputs. Always keep in mind that adding an amplifier might overpower your factory speakers. With this in mind, it’s best to upgrade your speakers as well, if you want to turn it up to 11.

Upgrade Your Car Wisely

Now that you know what you need to do if you want an audio system upgrade, it’s always best to remember to buy
genuine parts and accessorie
s from trusted sellers and suppliers. Compared to genuine parts, fake spare parts are more likely to wear out faster or even fail altogether as these parts rarely go through the safety and quality assurance test that are mandatory for original parts.

We hope with this guide, you make sound decisions that will lead to hours of happiness in a car when you turn on your new audio system.
For any other used car services and news, do check Carsome out! You can
sell your used car

at Carsome for the best price, fast payment, and no paperwork hassle. Check the website today to know more.


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Upsizing Your Car’s Tires: Is Bigger Always Better?

By

Amarnath

You can buy the greatest, fastest, largest, most stylish or priciest car to have ever rolled a tire on this planet. Nonetheless, the simple fact is that they’re all limited by the last bit in that statement, the tires.

Those four pieces of rubber are the only components of a car that are in touch with the road. The friction they generate from the four contact patches roughly the size of our palm allow the car to accelerate, brake and turn.

The car tires themselves aren’t just rubber doughnuts that grip the road. They’re a sophisticated construction of cables, rubber and select polymers, all molded into what we call a tire. Carmakers and tire manufacturers work closely to engineer and produce a tire that fits the precise needs of the vehicle whilst balancing grip, handling, ride quality, road noise and degradation.

So yes, the tires are arguably the most important aspect of a car.

In that respect, more tires should amount to more grip which in turn is better, right? After all, there’s apparently no replacement for displacement, therefore bigger should always be better… or so we assume.

This begs a poke at the eternal question of, “Is there such a scenario as too much of a good thing?” Unfortunately, upsizing your car tires is one modification that benefits from “moderation.”

Keeping with the theme of moderation, going for a slightly wider tire will reap some benefits but too wide and you might find the cons beginning to outweigh the pros.

We’ll take a look at how to go about discovering the sweet spot to upsize as well as the downsides of going too wide in a car that isn’t going to be giving supercars a run for their money.

Read More:

Tires: Fastest & Easiest Way to Tell a Quality Used Car from a Lousy One

Why Do Owners Upsize Their Tires?

Ultimately, people opt to upsize their tires for three reasons. Well, perhaps two and a half is more accurate. We’ll get to that in a bit.

1. Bigger Tires Look Better

The first reason is pretty shallow as it’s purely for aesthetic reasons. That’s right, it’s all about looks. Most non-performance cars always appear to be a little under-tired, giving the impression that they skipped leg day.

Therefore, most owners that step up to a wider tire do so in a bid to fill up the wheel arches a little more and have the sidewall of the tire line up closer with the edges of the fenders for that fuller look in the four corners.

2. To Improve Handling

Moving onto reasoning that’s a little more substantial, the second purpose of upsizing the tire is for performance gains. Yes, a wider contact patch will translate into performance gains in the handling department but the limits rest with moderation.

Another option in the quest for tractional gains is to not upsize the tire but instead switch to a more performance-oriented tire instead. Retaining the identical size will ensure the instrument cluster readings and ABS calibrations still adhere to factory specifications and will work as intended.

3. When the Stock Tires Come In Uncommon Sizes

Lastly, certain new vehicles tend to come with uncommon tire sizing from the factory. The reasons vary but when the time comes to replace the rubbers, it might be a little difficult to source the unconventional sizing. Even if the tire shop manages to acquire a set, the price might be on the steep side given its rarity.

In that scenario, many owners would opt to upsize into something a little more common that’ll be easier to source down the road and maybe not take such a hit on the wallet whilst at it.

Read More:
Changing a Flat Tire Is Easier than You Think

Understanding Tire Sizing

The best way to understand upsizing in a safe manner is to first understand how tire sizing works. This means knowing what the various markings on the sidewall of a tire means.

Once you’ve understood these markings, you’ll be one step closer towards calculating the right tire size for your car.

You’ll notice that tire sizes for road vehicles come in a combo such as this, 215/45R17. Here’s what the symbols on your car tire mean.

Tire Width

The first number indicates the width of the tire in millimeters. Here, that’s a width of 215mm.

Aspect Ratio

Moving onto the second number, that accounts for the height of the sidewall in percentage of the width. In this example, the sidewall of the tire will be 45 percent of 215mm.

Rim Diameter

The last number usually follows the letter ‘R’ and represents the diameter of the rim in inches. That’s a 17-inch rim in this scenario. The ‘R’ indicates a radial construction for the tire, the norm for all modern car tires.

Load Index

After these numbers, you will notice a combination of numbers and a letter such as 91V. The 91 here is the load index that is the tire’s maximum safe weight carrying capacity. A quick search online will reveal the table that lists the exact weight each number represents.

Speed Index

That would be the letter ‘V’ in this example. The speed index is, as the name suggests, the maximum sustained speed for the tire when the vehicle is fully loaded. Again, a quick search online will bring up the table and the actual maximum speed that each letter indicates.

Pros and Cons of Upsizing the Tire

Pros

As mentioned before, a wider tire translates into a larger contact patch with the road surface. This means more grip and technically, should reflect in sharper control and increased stability at higher speeds.

Increased traction isn’t just a boon for faster cornering speeds, it also manifests as extra grip that helps with braking performance. A wider tire should lower braking distance and also possess a higher traction threshold before the coefficient of grip is overcome and the tire skids under extreme conditions, such as hard braking.

Seeing that the height of the sidewall is correlated to the width of the tire, switching to a wider tire will mean going with a lower aspect ratio for the sidewall, or in simpler terms, a shorter sidewall. The benefits of this is less flex when cornering, meaning more predictable handling.

While not as important, a wider tire will make the car’s stance a lot easier on the eyes. A wheel arch that’s more filled out will always be aesthetically pleasing.

Cons

If you get the tire sizing wrong, the upsized tire could result in miscalibrated readings to systems such as the speedometer, ABS, stability control and traction control. The tire’s rotational speed is a key factor in the performance of these systems and a wrongly sized one could mean the systems fail to function as intended due to inaccurate inputs.

Wider tires will inadvertently be heavier. Not only that, the wider contact patch increases the rolling resistance as well. Both these factors will have a negative effect on the fuel consumption of the vehicle, as negligible as it might be.

Weight aside, the heavier tires will increase the load on the engine and reduce the rate of acceleration. On more powerful vehicles, it might be insignificant but small, econoboxes that lack horsepower will notice the additional poundage.

From a cost perspective, larger tires might be pricier. Although we did mention that rare sizing is a factor in upsizing due to the cost of sourcing a set of rubbers, the general consensus is that larger tires will be costlier.

Clearance might be an issue. If there isn’t sufficient room in the wheel well, the wider tires could end up rubbing against the wheel arches under heavy compression or even against the suspension components on the inside.

Read More:
Run-Flat Tires: A Complete Guide

Calculating the Ideal Step-up Size

This is the most important piece of information to consider if you’re going to upsize your tires. It’s called the “3 percent rule.”

Essentially, the rule states that the overall diameter of the new tire on the wheel should be within three percent of stock tire and wheel’s diameter.

Bear in mind that the tire width and sidewall height are inversely proportional. If you increase one, the other number has to decrease to retain balance.

For example, if you do opt to go with a wider tire, the new tire’s aspect ratio for the sidewall should be lower to maintain the overall diameter within the aforementioned 3 percent.

There are plenty of online tire width calculators that’ll handle all the numbers for you.
Tiresize.com
 has one of the easiest calculators. Just input the standard and proposed new tire size to check if it’s within the three percent rule.

Let’s take a look at this example of our calculation on Tiresize.com to better understand upsizing within the safe parameters.

Image source: Tiresize.com

Based on this example, if your car’s standard tire size is 185/65R15, swapping to a wider 205mm tire will require the sidewall height to be lower to maintain the overall diameter. In this scenario, an aspect ratio of 55 for the sidewall in a 205/55R15 tire will yield an overall diameter of minus 2.4 percent which is still within the recommended three percent.

Conclusion

As you can see, upsizing your tire isn’t as simple as just rolling up to the neighborhood tire shop and dropping some money on the widest rubbers they carry. It could be to the detriment of your car’s handling and safety if done incorrectly.

In the long run, we would recommend retaining the factory tire size but going with a better tire.

However, if you must upsize to a wider tire, stay within the three-percent rule and you will be perfectly fine. Anything beyond that is dangerous and not worth the trouble or money.

Amarnath


BMW CEO Said Used Cars Are Good For The Environment, So Here are Four Reliable Used BMW Models from CARSOME!

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Automotive
BMW CEO Said Used Cars Are Good For The Environment, So Here...

By

Brian Wong

Recently, BMW’s said keeping older cars helps with the environment. BMW’s sustainability manager,
Monika Dernai
 said that holding onto older cars reduces production waste for newer vehicles. Furthermore, she added that they can be retrofitted with newer parts to keep them up-to-date with newer ones. If this isn’t the perfect excuse to buy a classic, now’s the time.

Now, if the thought of a
 BMW and reliability
 sounds like a mispaired match in the same sentence, your concerns are not exactly unwarranted. I’m sure you’ve heard countless stories about BMW’s notorious’ check engine light showing up even in their owner’s nightmares. However, in modern Bimmers these days, you’d be surprised how BMW has managed to climb up to the top three most reliable cars according to an
 article by The Drive
. But, with a recession in the near future, buying a used BMW sounds like a risky move. Fret not, at
CARSOME
, we have a selection of refurbished and reliable BMWs in our inventory to choose from!

2017 BMW 330e Sport Line 2.0

Starting right off the bat, a hybrid is a great choice for a good start. Hybrid engines are famously preferred by environmentalists and wallet conservationists due to their fuel efficiency and performance. Powering this compact sedan is a two-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that sings the same tune as the 320i which we will explain below. The engine dishes out 184 hp from 5,000 to 6,500 RPM, and 290 Nm of torque between 1,350 and 4,250 RPM as reported by
paultan.org
.

When you buy a hybrid car, you can bet that saving up on gas is the ace up its sleeve.
Autobuzz reports the
 330e gains a 2.1L/100 km, making it by far, the most frugal 3-series to date. This is due to the electrical motor doing most of the work, while the petrol engine kicks in when the car detects more power is required when you floor it. Fortunately, depreciation of this model has taken a dive like Kanye West’s career, with some even going below the RM100K mark. The primary concern for BMW-made hybrids is battery replacement, which
reports costing
 up to RM25K! Don’t let the price tag scare you. In 2020, BMW has announced that they will be offering an 8-year warranty for all of their PHEV models and an additional two years to their extended warranty. If you’re looking for a professionally refurbished 330e that is fault-free, look no further than the link below.

Browse Here:

BMW 330e For Sale Here!

2015 BMW 320i Sport Line 2.0

If there’s a BMW that will be a
modern classic
, it’s the F30 3-series BMW in its lineup. Ask any owner of the F30 3-series and you’ll see plenty of owners complimenting its sporty design, powerful engine, and plenty of support in the aftermarket and spare parts around the world. The 320i serves as a middle ground for people who still stave away from hybrid models like the 330e earlier. This 320i is running fully on an internal combustion engine (ICE) for any enthusiasts looking to get into the world of the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Read More:

Wise or Foolish? Should You Buy a Used BMW 3 Series (F30) For the Price of a New Honda Civic?

Upon launch, the Sport Line specification can be had for RM238,800 during its initial release in 2015. Seven years after release, used ones nowadays go for around half or sometimes even less. Unlike its hybrid sister where depreciation kicked in hard, the 320i still retains much of its value in the used market. Much of its merits can be attributed to its huge cult following and a popular platform for tuners in Malaysia. Whether you’re looking for a reliable BMW-badged sedan or as an investment,
CARSOME
 has one professionally refurbished right here.

Browse Here:

BMW 320i Sport Line For Sale!

2018 BMW 118i M Sport 1.5

Getting a sporty hatchback during a recession may sound counterintuitive but hear me out here. While the 1-Series may be a peculiar choice, this little hatchback remains a sporty choice for those looking for a pocket rocket for a daily drive or a weekend car. Going against the likes of other hatchbacks like Volkswagen, and Mini Cooper, it’s hard to imagine how a luxury brand like BMW, known for their sporty sedans and coupes, made a hatchback in this segment.

What sets the 1-Series apart from its competitors is its rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, an uncommon feature in the C-Segment hatch. For context, hatchbacks are commonly found in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive layouts. Upon its release, reviews of the 1-Series have been nothing but stellar, most notably with the hatchback delivering the best
bang-for-buck
 money can buy.

Read More:
AWD, FWD, RWD, and 4×4. Which Drivetrain is The Best For You?

Don’t let the small, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine fool you. The B38, inline-three engine dishes out a whopping 136 hp and 220 Nm of torque making it
quick and nimble
 around corners. Just like the 320i, the 1-Series also prides itself on being an investment asset and a popular platform for modifications. If you’re looking to get one yourself, check out the 1-Series in CARSOME’s inventory below.

Browse Here:
BMW 1 Series For Sale Here!

2017 BMW X1 sDrive20i Sport Line 2.0

We’ve talked about hybrids, sedans, and hatchbacks that this German marque can offer. But what if you’re looking for something larger? If large SUVs are out of your reach, perhaps a medium-sized crossover can serve as a middle ground. Sharing the same platform as the Mini Cooper Countryman, the X1 runs on a peculiar
 front-wheel-drive
 layout commonly found in economy cars.

Having a higher ground clearance gives the driver better control and an advantage on the road. Naturally, there is still a demand for crossovers and SUVs in the used market. This turbocharged, four-cylinder engine delivers 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque making it a powerful everyday grocery-getter. Being an economy car,
Wapcar reports
 that the crossover gets 6.5L/100km on average.

If you’re looking for a practical and luxury crossover for the family, check out our premium selection from
 CARSOME.

Browse Here:

BMW X1 For Sale Here!

For some, downsizing to a German-branded car may be a bad idea, but, rest assured, all cars sold to
CARSOME
 are put through a stringent 175-point inspection before we take them in. Furthermore, all of our
CARSOME
 Certified Cars have a one-year warranty and a five-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with the car!

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Brian Wong


Thinking of Buying a Used Honda City? Here’s a Guide for 2014 to 2019 Models

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Buying A Car
Thinking of Buying a Used Honda City? Here's a Guide for 2014...

By

Devan S

The 4th Generation
Honda City
 (GM6) was launched in Malaysia in 2014 and a total of four variants were available at the time (S, S+, E & V). It then went through a facelift in 2017, which dropped the S+ variant. The most notable feature for both the pre-facelift and post-facelift City are the six airbags offered in the top spec, V variant.

At the time, the City’s direct competitors were the
Toyota Vios
,
Mazda 2
,
Nissan Almera
 and
Volkswagen Polo
/Vento but none of them came with six airbags and Honda Malaysia was generous to provide them as you can’t put a price on safety.

2019 Honda City 1.5 V

Brief Recap of Prices

The
pre-facelift
Honda

City prices were as follows:

RM75,800.00
for the
S
;

RM78,800.00
 for the
S+
;

RM83,800.00

for the
E
; and

RM90,800.00
 for the
V.

The
post-facelift
Honda City prices were as follows:

RM78,300.00
for the
S
;

RM84,600.00

for the
E
; and

RM92,000.00
 for the
V.

A
Quick Run-down on Honda City Specs

The
post-facelift
 Honda City has a lot more features that came as standard compared to the
pre-facelift
 model.
 Standard features
 included for the
convenience of the driver
 were
 keyless entry
(which allows you to lock/unlock your car by pressing the button on the door handle),
push-button start
(starting the car with a push of a button instead of the outdated “insert and twist” method),
reverse sensors
,
auto-retractable folding side mirrors with indicators
,
multi-info display
, which provides information like your average petrol consumption, range of kilometers left, outside temperature, mileage, and a clock. It also includes
Bluetooth connectivity
,
steering wheel audio controls,
 and
 Hands-Free controls
 as standard.

The engine remains unchanged, powered by a
1.5-liter i-VTEC engine (120 HP, 145 Nm)
 paired to a
CVT

gearbox
, which is known to maximize petrol efficiency. Styling-wise, the
post-facelift
 Honda City came with a
redesigned exterior
,
 redesigned headlights

with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
 and
redesigned rims
. For the
V
 variant, it gets
LED headlights
,
LED fog lights
 and a
lip spoiler
 with an integrated LED brake light to make the car appear sportier.

Honda City V Interior

Interior wise, you get
folding rear seats
 to extend the boot space,
radio/CD media unit
 for the
S
 variant, whereas the
E
 &
V
 gets a
6.8-inch touchscreen media unit
,
HDMI

port
 (to connect your phone),
two rear car charger sockets
,
cruise control
 (which assist the driver in controlling the speed of the car without the driver’s input by setting a speed limit),
paddle shifters
to change the speed of the car (located behind the steering wheel) and four
speakers
 for the
S
&
E
variants as compared to the
V
, which

gets
 8 speakers
. The
E
&
V
 variant also gets a
reverse

camera
 and
rear

air-con
, while
ECON mode
is available on all variants, which improves petrol consumption. Finally, the
V
variant is the only one that gets leather seats.

Aside from the airbags which minimize injury during a collision, all
post-facelift
 City came with a standard set of
safety features
 such as
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
,
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD),
 and
Brake Assist (BA)
, which prevents the tires from locking up and skidding when sudden braking. This will allow the driver to steer the car to safety.

Moreover, it comes with
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
, which helps to stabilize the car during a potential collision when avoiding an accident or preventing skidding on slippery surfaces.

Furthermore, it also comes with
Hill-start Assist (HSA)
, which prevents a car that’s stopped on an uphill or downhill from rolling backward or forward when the driver’s foot is off the brakes and finally it also comes with
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
, which means the hazard warning lights flashes during a sudden brake.

Read More:
Best Cars for First Time Drivers

Recap of Used Car Prices

Below are examples of some of the
Honda City units
 available on Carsome:

YEAR

MODEL

MILEAGE (
~)

PRICE  (
~)

2014

Honda City V i-VTEC 1.5

64,757 KM

RM51,800

2014

Honda City E i-VTEC 1.5

55,543 KM

RM52,800

2017

Honda City E i-VTEC 1.5

79,501 KM

RM64,000

2017

Honda City V i-VTEC 1.5

60,070 KM

RM67,000

2018

Honda City E i-VTEC 1.5

39,031 KM

RM67,500

2018

Honda City V i-VTEC 1.5

83,537 KM

RM69,000

2019

Honda City E i-VTEC 1.5

79,577 KM

RM69,500

2019

Honda City E i-VTEC 1.5

59,957 KM

RM71,300

2019

Honda City V i-VTEC 1.5

35,358 KM

RM73,100

*Subject to availability.

*Road Tax, 1 Year Warranty, Ownership Transfer Fee, Puspakom Inspection Fee & Loan Processing Fee are all inclusive.

*Carsome Certified cars includes Fixed Price, 5-Day Money-back Guarantee and a 175-Point Inspection.

Honda City V Backseat

Pros & Cons of a Honda City

PROS

CONS

Reliability ✔

Mediocre sound insulation

Ride comfort ✔

LED front & rear lights only for post-facelift V variant

Good looks ✔

Ludicrous media unit in S variant especially pre-facelift models

Excellent petrol consumption ✔

Safety features ✔

Resale value ✔

Interior space ✔

Boot space ✔

A Fair Price to Pay

From our website,
 the price range for a used
post-facelift
Honda City is between
RM60,000
 to
RM75,000
depending on the year, the variant, the condition, and mileage of the car. A fair price to pay would be
around RM67,000
as based on the table above, you can get a
2017 Honda City V
 variant for
RM67,000
 with a mileage of 60,070 KM. With a 10% down payment, the estimated monthly payment is
RM733 per month
. Most people would rather look at a 2018 or 2019 model as it is newer and “less used”.

However, this isn’t the case as this unit has slightly more than 60k kilometres for a 6-year-old car. This means that the car only drove slightly more than 10,000 KM per year since 2017, which is considered below average. As reported by
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research
, the average mileage a driver covers in Malaysia is slightly more than 28,000 kilometers per year.

On the other hand, if that is out of your price range then the
pre-facelift 2014 Honda City
is also a good purchase. A fair price to pay is around
RM52,000
 and based on the table above, that can get you a
2014 Honda City V
 variant, which is priced at
RM51,800
 with a mileage of 64,757 KM. With the similar loan calculations, you’re looking to pay an estimate of
RM567 per month
.

Honda City V Rear

Which Honda City Variant to Buy?

It is highly advisable to fork out just a little more to get the
V
 variant of the Honda City as that gets you the six airbags, whether if it is the
pre-facelift
 or
post-facelift
. The “little more” is almost negligible when considering the monthly payments as you can’t put a price on safety.

What Are the Common Problems?

The Honda City has been Honda Malaysia’s best-selling passenger car for a reason, and you do not get such standing without reliability. The most common problems in the
pre-facelift
 models were the rattling noises that came from the dashboard, which some users have made complaints to Honda Malaysia and they fixed it by inserting soundproofing foam into the dashboard. However, the
post-facelift
 models improved on this issue.

Mechanically, there are no common problems here. A regular service and maintenance will keep the car problem-free. There is a reason why Honda Malaysia provides an unlimited mileage warranty for 5 years at the time as they are confident in the reliability & durability of the car. Nonetheless, there was a recall by Honda Malaysia for fuel pump replacement for 2019 models but only as a precautionary measure.

It should be noted that there are
pre-facelift
 owners who have changed their car’s shock absorbers (which is essentially the car’s legs that absorb the bumps and potholes on the road) at the 120,000-kilometer mark during their 5
th
-year free of charge except for labor fees. Nevertheless, everyone’s mileage may vary.

How Much to Maintain?

Road Tax

RM90

Tires/pc (
~)

RM200

Minor service (Engine oil & oil filter Change) [
~]

RM250

At the time, Honda Malaysia provided a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the
 pre-
and
 post-facelift Honda City
. It should be noted that a 2017 model, the warranty would have expired in 2021 whereas a 2014 model the warranty would have expired in 2018. Thus, this is something to consider when surveying.

It Is a Great All-Rounded Vehicle to Own

Honda has been Malaysia’s No.1 seller of non-national passenger car brands for eight consecutive years since 2014, with the
Honda City
 being the main contributor to such position and for good reasons.

The Honda City is an excellent all-rounder car you can put through its paces. It’s a perfect car for all ages and with Honda City being part of our
Carsome Certified inventory
, you can drive away with peace of mind.

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.


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Promotions
Get a FREE Inspection & Enjoy a FREE Tealive on Us!

By

Haziq Asyraf

When selling your car, the most important part is the price and this is determined based on factors such as your car’s condition. This is why Carsome conducts a 175-point inspection on all cars to ensure we can give you the best price possible, according to its market value.

Our inspections are completely free, and conducted by our certified inspectors who can assess your car as fast as 30 minutes*.

To top it off, we are rewarding our customers with a refreshing Tealive treat with every inspection you conduct with us! So, here is how you can enjoy a free Tealive as you wait to find out your car’s price.

Enjoy a Free Tealive Drink for Every Car You Send for an Inspection

We have partnered up with Tealive to turn your inspection into a refreshing session where selected outlets will be ready as an inspection point for those who want to know their car’s price, or are keen on selling their car.

Here are the simple steps to enjoy a free inspection from Carsome and a free Tealive drink:

Book your inspection:
Visit
carsome.my/sell-car
 and book your free inspection at your desired date and time and our Carsome Consultants will direct you to a participating Tealive outlet or you can directly choose your preferred Tealive outlet (from the list provided below) during the appointment booking.

Enjoy your Tealive while we inspect your car:
Claim your free Tealive and enjoy it while our certified inspector conducts a 175-point inspection on your vehicle. We will offer you a price on-the-spot once the inspection is completed.

Sell your car
:
 If you want to proceed with selling your car, you can accept our offer, or opt to put your car up for live bidding w
here
our dealers nationwide will bid for your car – you can potentially get up to 20 percent* more than market value.

Receive your cash
:
Once you accept the offer, we will settle all the paperwork for you and you can expect to be paid within one hour*.

This promotion is available only at selected Tealive outlets.

Here are the participating outlets for the Carsome X Tealive promotion. Also, more outlets will be announced soon – so, stay tuned!

Participating outlets:

Tealive Kota Kemuning

Tealive Kuchai Lama

Tealive Shaftsbury Cyberjaya

Tealive Sri Gombak

Tealive Setia Prima

Tealive Bandar Baru Sg Buloh

Tealive Setia Taipan Shoplot

Tealive PV 128 2

Tealive Saujana Utama

Tealive Bandar Sri Permaisuri

Tealive Ayer @ 8, Putrajaya

Tealive Bandar Baru Bangi Seksyen 9

Tealive Lintas Plaza, Kota Kinabalu

Tealive Aeropod Commercial Centre Square

Tealive Tanah Merah Jitra

Tealive Jalan Kebun Sultan

Tealive Northbank

Tealive TMG Mall

Tealive Batu 3, Pahang

Tealive Bagan Ajam Butterworth

Tealive Kampar Perak

Tealive Tawau Kubota Central

Tealive Sandakan Prima Square

Tealive Plaza 333

Tealive Dataran Austin, Terengganu

Sell Your Car with Carsome for Convenience

When the time comes to sell your car, choosing the right platform can save your time and energy. This is why Carsome makes the process to sell your car convenient and seamless.

It is very easy to sell your car with Carsome within just 24 hours, and you can expect to get paid within one hour*. On top of that, all paperwork will be handled by us to ensure your car selling journey is as hassle-free as possible.

So, choose your nearest participating Tealive outlet, come on over and get your car inspected now! We will give you the best deal.

*Subject to terms and conditions.

*This promotion is subject to terms and conditions.

This article was originally published on 16/11/2021. It has been updated on 27/12/2021 to reflect Carsome’s latest promotional campaign and mechanics.

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


Protect Your Child with These Top 10 Best Baby Car Seats in Malaysia

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Lifestyle
Protect Your Child with These Top 10 Best Baby Car Seats in...

By

Devan S

While seatbelts are great at protecting adults in a car crash, they don’t work so well for small children. That’s why it’s essential to use a baby car seat if you have a baby or toddler. Besides protecting your child from injuries during a crash, a baby car seat also provides proper support to keep them comfortable. Plus, it’s required by law to install a baby car seat in Malaysia if you have small children in your car.

With all the choices of baby car seats on the market, we know choosing the right product can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve listed the 10 best baby car seats available in Malaysia to help you decide.

The Importance of Using a Baby Car Seat

The Malaysian government has made it compulsory for parents to secure their young children in baby car seats since 2020. It has also introduced the Child Restraint System Purchase Subsidy Keluarga Malaysia Program (MyCRS) to subsidize baby car seats for Malaysian parents, especially from lower-income households.

However, many parents still don’t realize how vital car seats actually are. Besides to comply with the law and avoid getting fined, installing baby car seats are essential in keeping your kids safe.

In fact, children who are properly secured in a child car seat have up to a
71 percent reduced fatality risk
 when involved in an accident. Here’s why you need a car seat for your child.

Seat belts are designed for adults. Children below 150cm will not be properly secured and supported during an accident. As a result, young children who use seat belts instead of proper car seats are more prone to getting flung ahead in an accident leading to serious injuries.

The neck and spine of an infant under two years old haven’t fully developed. They also have skull bones that haven’t yet fused together. This leaves them extra vulnerable to brain damage from head injuries if they’re unsecured during a crash. A child car seat that’s correctly installed and used can protect your child from impact from all sides, thus keeping them safe.

Read More:

Tips on Buying a Car Seat – Safety, Types, Etc.

What Are the Different Car Seat Weight Groups?

Child car seats are grouped based on weight according to ECE R44.03 or ECE R44.04 European safety standards. By knowing the weight group of a car seat, you can choose the seat that provides the best support and protection to your child. Below are all of the weight groups for car seats with their corresponding age groups.

Car Seat Weight Group

Child’s Weight

Child’s Age

0

Newborn to 10kg

0 to 6 months

0/0+

Newborn to 13kg

0 to 15 months

0+/1

Newborn to 18kg

0 to around 4 years

0+/1/2

Newborn to 25kg

0 to around 7 years

0+/1/2/3

Newborn to 36kg

0 to around 12 years

1

9kg to 18kg

9 months to 4 years

1/2/3

9kg to 36kg

9 months to 12 years

2/3

15kg to 36kg

4 years to 12 years

3

22kg to 36kg

5 years and above, and more than 125cm tall

10 Best Baby Car Seats

1. Little One CSA 4 in 1 Newborn Car Seat

The Little One CSA 4 in 1 is the most affordable baby car seat on this list. Besides being lightweight, it’s also versatile and can be used as a rocker or baby carrier. It has impressive features including thick cushions, a three-point harness, adjustable canopy and handlebars, as well as removable seat covers. With its affordable price of around RM100, it’s one of the best baby car seats in Malaysia.

Specifications:

Category: 0/0+

Max load: 13kg

Max support height: 83cm

Age: Up to 15 months

Seat Type: Rear-facing

Installation: Seatbelt

Weight: 2.5kg

2. Prego Airmax Newborn Baby Carrier

The Prego Airmax is a lightweight baby car carrier that has Airmax fabric which is a soft, knitted fabric, engineered to keep your baby cool even after long wearing. Combine that with its large canopy, it can ensure that your baby stays soundly asleep even on long travels. Pricing for the Prego Airmax ranges around RM170.

Specification:

Category: 0/0+

Max load: 13kg

Max support height: 75cm

Age: Up to 12 months

Seat Type: Rear-facing

Installation: Seatbelt

Weight: 2.4kg

3. Prego Class 777 Baby Car Seat

The Prego Class 777 is an affordable car seat for babies up to four years old. It can be adjusted into eight positions and has thick, soft cushions that are comfy for long travels. The seat cover is detachable and washable. With a price of around RM209, it’s an affordable, yet premium-feeling baby car seat.

Specification:

Category: 0+/1

Max load: 18kg

Max support height: 100cm

Age:Up to four years

Seat Type: Front and rear-facing

Installation: Seatbelt

Weight: 4.8kg

Read More:
Buying Your First Family Car for Your Growing Family

4. Mamakiddies Comfisafe Convertible Car Seat

The Mamakiddies Comfisafe is one of the best baby car seats in Malaysia for its price. At around RM219, it has multiple recline positions with single-hand adjustability, a five-point safety harness with one-pull adjustment, and softly padded side wings which give side impact protection. It’s suitable for kids up to four years old, making it a great investment for your family.

Specification:

Category: 0+/1

Max load: 18kg

Max support height: 100cm

Age: Up to four years

Seat Type: Front and rear-facing

Installation: Seatbelt

Weight: 5.5kg

5. Sweet Heart Paris Drancy Baby Car Seat

With a max load of 25kg, this car seat can give you more years of usage, of up to around seven years. It also has advanced features including an adjustable headrest, four recline positions, anti-slip shoulder pads, and removable, washable seat covers for easy cleaning. Besides that, it has a five-point harness with an easy one-pull system that allows you to easily adjust its tension. With a price of around RM259, this is one of the best-value convertible baby car seats in Malaysia.

Specification:

Category: 0+/1/2

Max load: 25kg

Max support height: 120cm

Age: Up to seven years

Seat Type: Front and rear-facing

Installation: ISOFIX

Weight: 5.4kg

6. Sweet Cherry LB303 Dean Convertible Baby Car Seat

This baby car seat is not only comfortable, but also exceptionally durable allowing it to last for years to come. It features an adjustable backrest, three seating positions, removable paddings to cater to your growing child, and a well-padded five-point safety harness for additional security and comfort. With its durability and RM289 price tag, the Sweet Cherry LB303 Dean is a good, affordable car seat that can serve your growing family well.

Specification:

Category: 0+/1

Max load: 18kg

Max support height: 100cm

Age: Up to four years

Seat Type: Front and rear-facing

Installation: Seatbelt

Weight: 7.1kg

7. Evenflo Sutton EV 906F 3-in-1 Combination Seat

The Evenflo Sutton EV 906F is a slim car seat that’s suitable for compact cars. Despite its compact size, it still provides good comfort and protection for your little one. It’s suitable for children aged nine months to six years old, and has several levels of adjustability that also allows it to be a booster seat for older children. Other features include removable seat covers and a removable cup holder. You can find this car seat priced at around RM300.

Specification

Category: 1/2/3

Max load: 9 to 36kg

Max support height: 135cm

Age: Up to 12 years old

Seat Type: Front-facing

Installation: Seatbelt

Weight:4.2kg

8. Joie Elevate Booster Car Seat

The Joie Elevate is a durable booster car seat with full side impact protection with Guard Surround Safety panels for proper protection. You can use it as a child car seat when your child is up to four years old, and convert it to a booster seat once your child has grown larger (15 to 36kg). This car seat also has ventilated mesh sides, an adjustable headrest, and a cup holder. Priced at RM429, it’s a very affordable and secure car seat for toddlers and older kids.

Specification:

Category: 1/2/3

Max load: 9 to 36kg

Max support height: 135cm

Age: 15 months to 12 years old

Seat Type: Front-facing

Installation: Seatbelt

Weight: 5.47kg

Read More:

Top Family Cars in Malaysia

9. Quinton Smart Plus 360 Safety Car Seat

The Quinton Smart Plus 360 offers a 360-degree rotation which allows you to easily tend to your child or feed them in the car. It’s suitable for newborn babies up to kids aged 12 years old. It also has multiple recline positions up to 160 degrees, a seven-position adjustable headrest, a five-point safety harness, and an adjustable canopy. With its four-layer side impact protection, it doesn’t compromise on safety.

Furthermore, its removable Q-MAX fabric cushion is designed for breathability allowing for comfort even on long rides. Although it’s priced at around RM639, its versatility and advanced features make it among the best baby car seats in Malaysia that can serve your child for years.

Specification:

Category: 0+/1/2/3

Max load: Up to 36kg

Max support height: 135cm

Age: Up to 12 years old

Seat Type: Front and rear-facing

Installation: ISOFIX

Weight: 13.3kg

10. BNB Chicco Unico Plus 360 Spin Car Seat

Like the car seat mentioned above, the BNB Chicco Unico Plus 360 Spin is a car seat suitable for newborns and children up to 12 years old. It features removable paddings for infants, a five-point safety harness, a side safety system to minimize lateral impact, an adjustable headrest, and a 360-degree rotating system with a frontal handle that allows you to rotate the seat with one hand.

It also has breathable mesh inserts for extra cooling comfort and full ISOFIX support in all configurations.

 Its price tag of RM899 may be on the higher end but this car seat offers a ton of features and a usage longevity that are more than worth it.

Specification:

Category: 0+/1/2/3

Max load: Up to 36kg

Max support height: 135cm

Age: Up to 12 years old

Seat Type: Front and rear-facing

Installation: ISOFIX

Weight: 8.8kg

Tips for Choosing a Baby Car Seat

Choosing the right baby car seat in Malaysia doesn’t mean getting the priciest or best car seat. Instead, you should get one that provides enough protection to your child and can fit into your lifestyle as a family. Here are some tips to help you choose the right car seat for your child.

1. Make Sure Your Child Fits in It

The most important consideration when buying a baby car seat in Malaysia is whether it fits your child’s body measurements. While you could buy a car seat based on your child’s age, you should focus more on the weight and height of your child to ensure sufficient protection and support.

The staff in most baby supply shops are trained to help you measure your child and help you select the right car seat, so make sure to consult a professional when you go shopping.

2. Make Sure It’s Compatible with Your Car

Baby car seats come in various sizes, so it’s important to get one that fits in your car. A baby car seat with a large base may not fit in a compact car. Therefore, before deciding on a car seat, measure how much room you have in the back seat of your car.

You should also check if your car has ISOFIX tethers as not all baby car seats are ISOFIX-compatible. ISOFIX is the international standard for child car seat attachment points which enables parents to easily and correctly install their car seats. That said, you can still install any baby car seat in your car with the seat belt installation method, and if correctly done, it’s just as secure as ISOFIX.

3. Choose a Car Seat That’s Easy to Clean

Like all products made for children, baby car seats are at risk of getting dirty from your child spilling food and drinks. Baby car seats in Malaysia come in all kinds of materials – some easier to clean than others. If possible choose a car seat made of easy-to-clean fabric that you can just wipe clean or is machine washable.

Read More:
Buying a Car? Here Are 17 Safety Features You Need

4. Focus on the Important Features

The main purpose of a baby car seat is to keep your child safe in case of an accident. So, if you want to get the best value out of it, prioritize quality safety features first such as below.

A five-point harness:
 It secures your child properly and prevents them from being thrown forward in an accident. This harness contains two shoulder straps, two waist straps, and one strap between the legs that is fastened in the middle.

ISOFIX compatibility:
 ISOFIX makes it easier to install the baby car seat without using seatbelts and reduces human error. However, make sure your car has ISOFIX first.

Side impact protection:
 This may include a reinforced shell, foam, or air pads at the side of the seat and baby’s head for extra protection.

Anti-rebound bar:
Usually reserved for higher-end baby car seats (RM400 and above), an anti-rebound bar is usually fixed on rear-facing baby car seats. It reduces the rolling motion of the car seat after a crash and further minimizes injury to your baby.

Other features:
 You can also consider other features that improve your child’s comfort including thicker cushions, breathable fabric, and a larger canopy.

What Is the MyCRS Subsidy?

MyCRS is a rebate program for the purchase of child restraint systems (CRS) that aims to encourage Malaysian parents under the B40 household category to use baby car seats for their children.

The total subsidy given is a 50-percent deduction or up to RM150 from the selling price of the car seat. This means parents who purchase a car seat priced at RM300 and below get a 50-percent discount while those who purchase one at RM301 and above will get a flat RM150 discount. Below is the eligibility criteria for the MyCRS subsidy.

Those under the B40 household category;

Married with a child, adopted child, or foster child under the age of 12;

Single parents, widows, or widowers with children under the age of 12;

Adopted children must be registered with JPN;

Must be citizens residing in Malaysia.

To benefit from the subsidy, eligible parents have to first apply for it on the
MyCRS website
. They can then redeem the subsidy when purchasing their baby car seat from authorized retailers which include brick-and-mortar and online sellers.

Choose CARSOME Certified for Peace of Mind

If you’re looking for an affordable, quality pre-owned car, check out
CARSOME
. We put all
CARSOME Certified
 cars through a stringent 175-point inspection. Additionally, we professionally refurbish each one to ensure their safety, comfort, and quality.

Each car also comes with a guarantee of a fixed price with no hidden fees, a one-year warranty, and a five-day money-back guarantee.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit
CARSOME
 to find your dream car today.


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Buying A Car
5 Reasons Malaysians Are Over Traditional Used Car Selling & Car Buying

By

Haziq Asyraf

Buying or selling a used car at a dealership is a nerve-racking experience, especially for first-time buyers. Most first-time car buyers these days are gravitating to online shopping platforms because of factors such as the convenience, as well as easy access to a wide selection of items. Just like purchasing products from online sellers, people expect to spend less effort to get what they want including buying a used car!

However, it is a known fact that selling or purchasing a used car the traditional way involves putting in a lot of effort – the traditional route involves multiple visits to different physical dealerships, the tedious paperwork, and the lengthy processes.

So here are five reasons why Malaysians are moving away from the traditional method of car selling and buying.

Table of Contents

It’s Hard to Find Quality Used Cars

It Is Just Too Much Hassle

Too Many Processes

Negotiating is Difficult

After-Sales Service

Make It Carsome for Complete Peace of Mind

1. It’s Hard to Find Quality Used Cars

In the life of an average Malaysian, buying a car is a major financial decision since they will be dealing with a very costly transaction – this is one of the many reasons why many turn to used cars. However, the hunt for a quality used car can be a long one because of various factors, which at times, may include the lack of transparency.

Oftentimes, you may not have access to the inspection report which makes it difficult for you to identify a quality used car – used car dealerships attract may buyers a great selection but you would not be sure of the quality unless you have the inspection report on hand.

This is why online platforms such as Carsome offers used cars that have passed a thorough 175-point inspection of high standards conducted by trained professionals. On top of that, all Carsome car listings come with the full 175-point inspection report and feature close-up pictures as well, while some include a 360-degree view to ensure you have full transparency when you buy a car online with us.

2. It’s Just Too Much Hassle

Imagine this, you’ve scoured through all your resources to find a dealership that offers the car of your dreams or wants to accept the car you’re selling at your terms, only to find out that this specific dealership is in another district, or maybe even in another state!

Not everyone wants to spend their days purchasing or selling their car at a dealership. Plus, what would happen if the deal couldn’t be sealed?

Additionally, searching for a used car dealership to find a quality ride that matches your needs can be time-wasting because you may have to visit several dealerships to compare prices. Furthermore, if you want to sell your car, you will also have to find a buyer or a dealer to buy it at a fair price.

3. There Are Too Many Processes

When talking about buying or selling used cars, traditionally, there’s no running away from all the processes and there is no denying that there are a lot of them.

If you’re planning to sell your car the usual way, you will need to find a buyer or dealership that agrees to your price. You must also seek out a reputable inspector to assess your car for the market price but this poses its own risks as you may not know whether the inspector is certified.

The same goes for buying a car. Traditionally, you must head to the dealership, carefully inspect the car you’re planning on buying to ensure its quality, and then study the deal so you can make the most out of it. If you’re not confident with your ability to judge the car or deal, then you would need to get the help of a family member or a friend who is more knowledgeable.

Then there’s the paperwork. If you’re buying, expect to prepare some documents for the bank and dealership. If you’re selling, there’s a ton of paperwork involved that needs to be done at various places such as preparing a copy of the grant, getting the name change form done at Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), the vehicle inspection form done at PUSPAKOM, among other documentation. All this requires time and money.

Although dealerships will offer to ease this burden for you, it usually comes at a price, maybe two prices in fact – one for the documentation fees and another for the runner who will be running around doing all these things for you. Plus, these prices are usually not included in the display price.

4. Negotiating is Difficult

After finally finding the right used car to buy, or a place to sell your car, you’ll have to deal with the heaviest task of all – negotiating.

Even for someone with the know-how and experience in the field of buying or selling a car, negotiating is one of the hardest parts of striking and closing a deal.

Although you may have all the information you need, there are many factors that could affect your negotiation which can include your demeanor, as well as visible flaws or defects on the said car – these are things to think about during the purchasing process and you would need all the help you can get.

To make sure you can make a sound judgement on the deal and on the car itself, it is best to bring someone else to help you negotiate, especially a family member or friend who is trustworthy and more knowledgeable.

5. After-Sales Service

Today, every paying customer expects some sort of after-sales service from the business they’re dealing with, especially in the automotive business. With car dealerships, it might be a hit or miss when trying to look for an after-sales service that could satisfy all your needs.

Although there might be a multitude of after-sales service packages, you may not find one you like. It can be costly and some might involve dealing with only certain workshops.

Moreover, if something feels wrong with the used car you bought or if you change your mind about it, not many dealerships would be willing to provide you with a money-back guarantee. Hence, many turn to online platforms such as Carsome because of the Carsome Promise which includes a five-day money-back guarantee.

Now, after reading through all those reasons, you might find one or two that hit close to home in your effort of buying or selling your car the traditional way. It is undoubtedly a journey with multiple pain points.

This is why Carsome exists as a solution to eliminate the hassle and provide a worry-free outlet with an end-to-end service.

Make It Carsome for Complete Peace of Mind

With that, Carsome has introduced a new way of selling and buying used cars in a bid to improve the overall journey, essentially making it much easier for you. Carsome offers a seamless service for both car selling and buying. Here’s how it works.

How to Sell Your Car with Carsome

Selling your used car

th
rough Carsome is extremely convenient. You just have to go through these easy steps and we will take care of the rest for you.:

Appointment
b
ooking:
 To make sure you get a market value offer, you will need to book a free inspection online. Just schedule your appointment online at
carsome.my/sell-car
. A Carsome representative will call you to confirm your details and schedule your inspection at your nearest center.

Professional
i
nspection:
 Attend your scheduled inspection and our skilled inspectors will conduct a 175-point inspection on your car before offering you a price.

Get an offer
:
 After inspection, we will offer a price for your car on the spot, or you have the option to put your car up for live bidding where our dealers nationwide will bid for your car, and you may get up to 20 percent* more than market value.

Hassle-free process:
Once you accept a price, we will handle all the paperwork and legalities for you, and you can expect to be paid in one hour*.

R
ead
:
Are You Trying to Sell Your E-Hailing Vehicle? Here’s What to do First

How to Buy a Quality Used Car with Carsome

With Carsome, buying a used car is effortless. In just these few simple steps, you could be well on your way to owning a high-quality used car.

Book your car:
Browse through our used car listing at
carsome.my/buy-car
 and choose the car you want. As we have mentioned, every listing comes with the inspection report – so make sure you check that out too.

Test drive:
You can book a test drive online. Just submit your details and a Carsome Consultant will contact you to arrange a test drive at your nearest Carsome Experience Center. You may also opt for a home-delivered test drive at no extra cost!

Get your car delivered
:
Once you have decided on which car you would like to buy, you can choose to settle your purchase with our various payment methods. Other than that, we will handle all the paperwork for you and send your car straight to your home.

Read
:
Buying a Car – Here Are Carsome’s Hassle-free payment Methods

Check Out Carsome Certified Cars for Guaranteed Quality & Assurance

Our best sellers are our Carsome Certified cars. This is because all Carsome Certified cars come with our Carsome Promise that gives car owners peace of mind. Here is our Carsome Promise.

175-point inspection
:
 You will get a high-quality ride that is free from damage caused by major accidents, including frame, fire, and flood damage, thanks to our thorough 175-point inspection.

One-year warranty:
We will provide you with a one-year warranty for coverage in your first year.

Five-day
money-back
 guarantee:
If you change your mind about the car, you can return it to us within five days for a full refund.

Fixed price:
 The price on our listings is the exact price you pay, with absolutely no hidden fees.

So, if you are ready to sell or buy a car with Carsome, we’re ready to help. You can also check
our monthly promotions
 to grab more savings.

*Terms & Conditions Apply