Cars aren’t cheap here and cost between 25% and 100% more than they do in the UK or other parts of the world. Certificates of Entitlement (see p.165) can double the price of the car and prices for COEs fluctuate like the stock market so it’s best to use an authorised dealer to bid on your behalf. Even if you catch a taxi every day, you’re still likely to pay less than you would if you shelled out for a car. On the upside, you can finance almost the full price of the car and interest rates are very low.

If you want a second-hand car, you can give your requirements – make, size, budget – to a dealer who will then set off to find it for you. Keep in mind that the cost of the car includes the scrap value which is about 10 to 12% of the price you pay. Second-hand dealers can be found in Sin Ming and Ubi. Automobile Megamart in Ubi for example, is a multi-storey car park filled with used car dealers. It’s a good place to get an idea of how much to pay for what you want. Another good place to look is in the classifieds section of Saturday’s Straits Times. Singaporeans have a habit of changing cars every two years, and you’ll find a generous selection there. For a complete list of new and used car dealerships see p.162 (Buying a Vehicle).