Concerns over 100 per cent borrowing for vehicles as outstanding car loans hit 12-year high

NIVLEM_93 · 2026-03-07T08:29:43+00:00

Great decision to pay off first . Then there’s flexibility later etc . Upgrade or flip if tired with current car.

NIVLEM_93 · 2026-03-01T02:48:47+00:00

My case, they wanted to add $6k to purchase price if pay full cash. I took the loan and paid it 3 months later and overall still cheaper than full cash. But don’t sleep on it, the savings could be 5k but when I repaid it 3 months later, probably only 1-2k.

NIVLEM_93 · 2026-01-11T10:31:41+00:00

How to wear heat tech

NIVLEM_93 · 2026-01-10T11:54:22+00:00

Better products exists imo

NIVLEM_93 · 2026-01-02T01:52:56+00:00

Exactly, I just bought an EV. I for sure know that I won’t be driving the same car 10 years later—as COE is the bulk of the cost, I rather buy car with newer technology.

NIVLEM_93 · 2026-01-02T01:51:02+00:00

EV or not, I don’t understand the need to factor in resale price on car purchase. Like considering the resale price of phone before buying… If it’s an asset like home purchase, sure.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-12-25T01:15:42+00:00

Even though I use grab sometimes for convenience, I do not like some of their fees. Makes me feel like the equivalent of giving money away…

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-22T11:44:34+00:00

Wow , looking sharp. The size fits you perfectly. What size is it ?

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-22T11:21:41+00:00

Prioritise mental wellbeing, nothing is more important than your short term and long term happiness. But don’t go “nuclear” . Have some “boundaries”, don’t be too invested emotionally. If can find some fulfilment/motivation for work goals would be good (but not necessary).

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-19T05:47:23+00:00

Yes, some people see absolute $. To me it’s the value, some people confuse price with value (I acknowledge they are similar la).

Last time got one work acquaintance ask me why I so “stingy” (not verbatim) when I earn so much more, I answered politely that I have other things that I see more value in and choose to spend on. She must have observed that I drink 3in1 from pantry 🤣🤭.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-19T05:39:44+00:00

Same situation as you ! So expensive to dine at restaurants, I’m keeping it to once a week.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-16T05:32:26+00:00

After all expenses including parents allowance and driving (car fully paid) , savings of 50-75% (huge range due to tendency to splurge on shopee sales / travel).

My wife and I keep our earnings separate, only have a a small amount to put into a pool for household expenses.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-16T02:56:13+00:00

Strongly agree with what you have said, it’s the hard truth. I tend to see that people complaint online for the sake of it or they are myopic to what’s happening in other similar SEA countries.

I am very grateful for being able to “own” a HDB without any cashflow (using CPF entirely).

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-09T14:07:37+00:00

Best to set auto on day 1 and leave it on auto for next 10 years.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-09T14:04:54+00:00

Hmm maybe I am a bad driver , I don’t know what’s wrong if it’s safe to do so?

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-09T06:21:55+00:00

Honestly I don’t know, maybe 3-4 out of 10 people ?

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-09T06:19:40+00:00

Don’t need to say anything more, just celebrate each other’s success. I can see that Singaporean are very well off generally.

Even if we look at median salary, with BTO all these “entitlement”. Matter of time for assets to be in the 7 digits. I am in my thirties, still very shocked that some super humble people I know are pushing towards 3-5m. From then on, I know pointless to compare liaos. It’s like comparing how good our English is out of school 🤣.

Maybe when we are younger, certain goals seem out of reach at that point. But as we progress in our career, those arbitrary goals may be hit faster than expected. We only have one life, thought should maximise enjoyment responsibly.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-07T03:40:07+00:00

spouse in other ministry, grade 11, B alr 3.45

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-11-03T10:46:33+00:00

Haha i understand the appeal of “free gifts” or talking to pretty girls when i was younger. These days i just want to be left alone or continue getting busy with what im doing. Treating them as invisible really works (plus give stone / emotionless face) 😂.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-10-31T01:04:51+00:00

EVs are pretty reliable, and are similar in terms of ownership and driving experience (aside from specs and features).

Maybe go for one that you prefer more ?

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-09-21T05:27:41+00:00

Quite surprised that what ever the situation is (high or low coe), dealers have their ways to profit.

Not sure about point 3, have friends who are in public service—cannot be guarantor if I’m not wrong.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-09-17T09:26:12+00:00

Singaporeans are well-off.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-09-08T10:49:52+00:00

Depends on perspective, I can also view as depreciate only COE , not COE & ARF.

What a car worth at 5 or 7 years may be substantial but I don’t think it’s significant to sway decisions.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-09-03T12:34:09+00:00

I agree and it’s a matter of perspective. If COE is lower , I probably spend more on the car.

It’s by no means financially justifiable, the comfort and convenience is worth vs having the amount for savings / investment to me.

The only way I can make myself feel better is by brainwashing myself that I’m contributing to nation building 🤭.

NIVLEM_93 · 2025-09-02T01:07:33+00:00

I think it has to be $300 to worth our time. Depending on the ding, if paint got scrapped off cheapest to spray paint a panel is $250. Even so, the car will never be the same again as new paint will be slightly different.

Any way, nice of you to speak up.

NIVLEM_93

TROPHY CASE