Recently, I experienced a significant shift in my life as a car owner that, honestly, even took me by surprise. After 9 years, I finally decided it was time to sell off my Peugeot and buy a new car.
After some deliberate contemplation, I made a choice that was a perfect blend of practicality and personal satisfaction—I bought a second-hand Ativa for RM47,000. I know this might be unexpected, but let me walk you through my thought process behind buying a second-hand car.
Reason #1 of Buying A Second-Hand Car: The Reality of Dreams and Actual Budget
Probably just like you, I've always had the dream of owning a high-end car—a sleek BMW or a majestic Mercedes. Every time I passed a luxury car dealership, my eyes would inevitably linger. But, after careful introspection and an honest evaluation of my finances, I realized that shelling out over six figures for a car was simply unattainable at this moment.
This reality check, though slightly grim, inspired a crucial pivot in my perspective. I started to ask myself: "If I strip away the allure of the brand, what are the things that genuinely bring me joy in a car?" The answer was quite clear— an elevated car like an SUV, a soothing sense of quietness, comfort, and, of course, a sound system that could make every journey a musical delight.
With these criteria in mind, I test-drove an Ativa and fell head over heels for it. It was a match made in automotive heaven, and the decision was pretty clear. When a good friend of mine proposed selling his Ativa, I didn't hesitate for a second.
Reason #2 of Buying A Second-Hand Car: The Unexpected Blessing of Substantial Savings
This situation felt as though the stars had aligned. My friend's offer came at the perfect time— when I was actively looking to buy the very car he was selling. What struck me the most was how meticulously he had maintained his Ativa, with an impressively low mileage and a pristine overall condition. Plus, he had already added a few modifications, making it even more appealing.
The most significant benefit, though, was the financial savings. A brand new Ativa would have put me back by RM68,000, but this secondhand car only cost RM47,000. This meant I managed to save approximately 20%—a windfall of RM21,000. I found myself giddy with delight, not just about the car, but the tremendous savings as well.
Reason #3 of Buying A Second-Hand Car: Freedom to Personalize With Car Modifications
Given this unexpected surplus of RM21,000, I decided to channel it towards making my new Ativa uniquely mine. I dove into the realm of car modifications, something I'd always been interested in but could never afford before.
With the help of the amazing team at KL Auto Foam, I managed to install a new sound system and speakers for about RM2,800, got a leather steering wrap for RM300, soundproofing that cost around RM5,000, and a chassis auto-foam treatment for about RM2,000.
Each of these upgrades has greatly enhanced my driving experience, making it more peaceful and comfortable.
The Realities of Car Ownership
This journey taught me an important lesson about car ownership: understanding that a car's value will always depreciate. I had to ask myself, "Is it really worth it to spend so much on a car, especially if it stretches my budget to its limit?"
What I can suggest from my experience is that your car installments should not exceed 20% of your salary. More than that, and you might find yourself in a financial bind.
To give you a deeper insight into my adventure with car modifications, I've made a YouTube video detailing my experiences with KL Auto Foam. Check it out here.
Moreover, as a special treat for my followers, Auto KL is generously offering a 15% discount on all their services until 17 August 2023. Just mention Mr Money TV when you reach out to them. You can find them at this link: KL Auto Foam.
I hope my experience and decision-making process gives you a new perspective on car buying. For me, choosing a used car has been a winning decision. Who knows? It might be the right choice for you too.