Ever heard of a joke between LKY and Mahathir about makingOriginally posted by Atobe:Why are Singaporeans so desperate to own a car, to the extent of being prepared to pay $31,000 for a piece of paper?
The car itself is probably worth only $25,000 landed in Singapore, and with all the taxes and other margins thrown in, the price is inflated FOUR to FIVE times of its landed cost.
It beats me. But we really got to thank these people. Whether they are buying it for practical reasons or just for pride, one thing for sure.......they contributed to the economy. If everyone manage to work out that this is'nt a good deal, the car industry in sg will probably collapse bringing along other businesses.Originally posted by Atobe:Why are Singaporeans so desperate to own a car, to the extent of being prepared to pay $31,000 for a piece of paper?
The car itself is probably worth only $25,000 landed in Singapore, and with all the taxes and other margins thrown in, the price is inflated FOUR to FIVE times of its landed cost.
PLUS the cost of paying FOUR Percent GST on the Final Purchase Price.
All added together to allow an ownership of only TEN Years.
Is this value for money?
eh... dunno what u're getting at here... what's the problem with looking after one's aged parents???Originally posted by Atobe:By the time when they reach Old Age, many will be deemed as economic liability, useless and defenseless. Only to be looked after by their offspring, religious and charity organizations.
The problem is that those offsprings will have been burdened by the study loans that they have to repay to the parent's CPF account, and before they even start work.Originally posted by CX:eh... dunno what u're getting at here... what's the problem with looking after one's aged parents???
have u turned so "kentang" that u expect the state to look after them for ujust kidding... no offence...
but seriously... the high cost of living and limited social welfare "safety net" here should encourage people to practice more prudence in managing their money...
this might include investing in insurance policies, saving plans and other investment packages... in short: SAVE MONEY!
i'm shocked that this seemingly obvious fact has escaped many people i know... to the extent that they seem to splurge on new cars they can barely afford, lifestyles they cannot sustain and get into ridiculous debts which they cannot clear.
so what i think is, if u can't afford it, and u don't really NEED it, don't buy a car... save the money for your old age
but the problem is that many of us perceive a car as THE ultimate convenience and a status symbol... so bo bian lor... pay.
that is just u isnt it? what is the most expensive u ever bought? tell me.Originally posted by Atobe:A car costing $100,000 PLUS $30,000 COE plus $5,200 GST PLUS 3% Annual Interest for 7 Year Loan will result in Total Ownership Cost of Car over 10 years being a sum of $162,500.
This will mean an average monthly cost of $1,354 (not including fuel and maintenance cost every two to three months).
Taking public transport will cost a daily average expenditure of $5.00 or $150 per month by MRT and Public Bus; PLUS weekend journeys by taxi costing about $60 per weekend, or $240 per month.
This will result in a total estimated cost of $390 per month.
The “value for money” will certainly give Public Transport the full advantage over Private Car Ownership.
Would you like to know... you will not be able to afford it, don't worryOriginally posted by gasband:that is just u isnt it? what is the most expensive u ever bought? tell me.
just tell me the most important thing u bought with ur money. cmon tell me, dun avoid the issue.Originally posted by Atobe:Would you like to know... you will not be able to afford it, don't worry
If the entire car sector is to shut down, the world will not cry for them.
It will only mean a boom in the business for motor cycle and battery powered bicycles.
As for the Petroleum Companies, Singapore is too small a market size for them to worry about the loss.
With the death knell sounded for the car "market", it will only result in a more efficient re-allocation of both Public and Private Funds.
Originally posted by gasband:that is just u isnt it? what is the most expensive u ever bought? tell me.
What has any of my purchase to do with you?Originally posted by gasband:just tell me the most important thing u bought with ur money. cmon tell me, dun avoid the issue.
The point is that this "expensive thing" that u bought with ur money seems justifiable for u to put that sum of money in. To me or to many other pple, it may not be that justifiable simply becos it is of no value to me or others but it does make a lot of sense to urself becos u v alue it and think its worth it.Originally posted by Atobe:What has any of my purchase to do with you?
Like I said, you will never be able to afford it.
The point is not about my purchase here.
The point is about the idiocy of paying $31,000 for a piece of paper, just to own a car, and in the process enriching the Government Treasury.
The fact is that the general acceptance of this COE policy - by not dampening the demand for vehicles - will only embolden the Government's position in similar punitive policies being imposed on the Citizen's insatiable demand for other material needs.
So, what is the direction of your debate, in your persistent need to know what is the most valuable thing that I ever own?
The point is not about seeking your consent or that of mine.Originally posted by gasband:The point is that this "expensive thing" that u bought with ur money seems justifiable for u to put that sum of money in. To me or to many other pple, it may not be that justifiable simply becos it is of no value to me or others but it does make a lot of sense to urself becos u v alue it and think its worth it.
Same goes here rite? If someone thinks is worth it, they will pay for it? If u can buy something which i think is not worth it, why cant someone else buy something which u think is not worth it?
Before u noe it, everyone is gonna tell u how stopid u are to buy something and everything just becos they think its not worth it? its STOPID isnt it?
u are a bit forceful in ur arguement isnt it.
Let us be objective, and compare "red California apples with those other red California apples"; and not those from "Australia" even.Originally posted by gasband:Some people pay a few thousand dollars for a trip to Europe that lasts only 2 WEEKS. Worhtless? Stupid? To these people, it is not.
Who are you to judge worth for them?
You cant just stand it if someone dun agree with u huh hahahaa...Originally posted by Atobe:Let us be objective, and compare "red California apples with those other red California apples"; and not those from "Australia" even.
You are now comparing events at a tangent to the issue, and is comparing "apples with oranges".
I can accept your argument if you would say that some people are prepared to pay $30,000 to purchase a vehicle out of necessity to make a living.
On a similar direction, without going at a tangent to your point, I could engage your argument by saying that it would certainly be stupid to pay "thousands of dollars" for a trip to Europe, instead of paying less for a trip to East Europe (presuming you are referring to West Europe, where tours are known to be more expensive).