To Buy Or Not...

This year our country has seen a slew of new or existing cars being introduced or facelifted. We got the new Tucson, Sonata and upgraded i10 from Hyundai, Forte from Kia, 3008 from Peugeot, Cruze from Chevrolet, facelifted Honda Accord and Cr-V. We Malaysians right now are spoilt for choice! There are so many cars in every category to choose from. Hey, at one point, I almost thought I want a new car just because this manufacturer market their car so delicously it is quite difficult to resist the temptation to dip into my pocket and buy it. But you see, that is the whole point of marketing. Those guys at the marketing department are so good at what they are doing, they know what the customer want to hear and see and what button to push in their marketing drive that make the masses salivating over their product and of course buy it as well. Thats why some people dump their 1 year old car which is still in a good condition for a new one.

But before you want to buy something like a car in Malaysia, take a step back and think for a second first. Car is a big investment (which depreciates in value, by the way). It is usually the second biggest purchase the our life. But some people splash their hard earned cash, just thinking if they can afford the monthly payments, then they could afford it. Hey, the car need fuel, toll charges to pay, repair and maintenance bill every now and then, and the yearly road tax and insurance payment right? And did I mentioned that it is an asset that depreciates in value?

But the most important aspect to judge before you buy a new car is if you really NEED that car or not? Is your old car is nothing but a crumbling heap of thrash or is it still in good working condition? Do you want to buy the car because your neighbor just bought that Polo GTi you dream every night? Do you intend to use it as work or family car? So many questions you have to answer before you make your decision. If you really need one, then in my opinion, you should go for the most desirable car which suit your budget as well.

My point is, if you want to buy a car, think for a second if you really need the car and also if you really can afford it. But at the end of the day, it is your choice to make. My hope is that you make your choice wisely...