CARS are expensive to purchase and maintain.
However, a simple rule of thumb to stay within budget is to buy a car that costs around your annual salary.
Unfortunately, peer pressure and the desire for a prestigious brand often push this guideline aside, leading many to overspend—just like this Malaysian who learned the hard way.
Twitter user @fiqmahmur_ shared a screenshot of a man lamenting his decision to purchase a Honda as his first car.
The man admitted that he initially wanted to buy a more affordable option, like a Perodua Bezza. However, he was influenced by family members who insisted that an engineer shouldn’t be driving a locally made car.
Earning a salary of RM3,500, he believed that a RM1,000 monthly loan repayment was manageable, leaving him with enough for other commitments.
“My family said an engineer shouldn’t be driving locally-made cars.
ALSO READ: 29-year-old regrets buying Honda City on RM4,300 salary.
My salary is RM3,500 and I thought I’d still have enough money to spare for other commitments after paying the RM1,000 monthly instalment.”
However, reality hit hard. The car payments quickly became a financial burden, and he soon realised that additional costs like servicing, road tax, and tyre replacements were all on him.
“Ever since I started paying the instalments, I’m really feeling the pinch. Service, road tax, bald tyres—it’s all my responsibility now!”
