I was reading the news about customers swarming into car showrooms following the drop in COE prices in Singapore.  COE prices for cars below 1600cc were about S$8,120. Small cars, such as Toyota Vios (1.5L engine only available in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia) are going for slightly over S$50,000 for auto transmission. I believe this price has not included the COE taxation. Car prices are artificially inflated in Singapore due to high density living.

 

We bought Corolla LE 2 years ago. It set us back just about US$17,000 after the upgrades including leather seats and audio system.

 

Being a fervent believer in saving the Earth, I remembered promising my fellow friends in primary school that I would never buy a car when I grow up. I used public transport when I was working in Singapore. I worked 2 jobs then- an engineer in a defence organization and a private tutor for 3-4 kids a month. Travelling to teach in different homes using public transport right after work was time-consuming and physically draining. However, I learnt to seek students living in affluent neighborhoods near my rental and workplace. After a couple of years, my savings was sufficient to buy myself a brand new Jap car, without taking any financing, but I had wanted to use it for coming to the US.

 

Once I came to US, hubby coached me on driving- for free. I practiced driving almost every day- I got my driving license in just a month. One cannot get anywhere far without a car in US. US is just too big as a whole, and public transport system is not exactly safe in most cities. One needs the car to go to work/school, run errands, and travel to nature attractions in the mountains, lakes, etc.

 

I think- it is difficult to give up the hot wheels once a person has owned one and enjoyed the freedom that comes with it. Now, I dream of owning a sports car/convertible, about US$35,000 or Jaguar, which can cost ~US$50,000 here. I want to experience 'Zoom, Zoom, Zoom' and the power of the Jaguar. On the other hand, a small 1.5L Toyota Vios costs S$50,000 (not including COE) in Singapore. Go figure! However, husband says "Cars are a waste of money. Need to invest for retirement". So, we are sticking to just one sedan for now, until things change.

 

I think a car is more for personal convenience here in the US.

On the other hand, being so highly priced in Singapore, a car helps to elevate one's social status, rather than just being a tool.

 

Me at the wheels- taken by SY who stayed with us for a few days last year: