Ok, I think we all start off from the wrong footing here. Instead of recommending you our preference and choice of car, you should decide it for youself. Only you knows what is best for yourself. However, in order for you to make the best informed selections which you won't be regretting later here's some buying tips for ya to consider. Hope this is helpful to ya.
Payment
Are you paying cash or taking up a car loan. Paying cash is a straight forward process and all the car dealer loves it bcos its a sure sale for them and they have lesser hassle in selling ie help you to get the loan which entails addtional running for them. Usually they'll ask for a token booking deposit RM500 and the balance upon delivery after getting your car inspected by Puspakom.
However if you are taking up a loan, get a new car. With 20000 in hand you can make the necessary payment for any car up to a new Honda City or Vios. But bear in mind, you must qualify for the loan as banks look at least one-third of your balance net salary as the capability to service the installment and whether you have a good credit score. They'll check your financial background via Bank Negara's CCRIS, do a 3rd party CTOS check and D'Check. I dunno about you but I'll try to minimize the loan size and the loan tenure to save on paying interest.
Documentation varies from bank to bank and you can ask the car salesmen what is needed. One thing I need to warn you,
DO NOT fabricate any documents to get the loan. Once detected in falsefying documents you are ruined. Your conduct will be reported via inter-bank communique to all financial institution and you'll be
BANNED for at least 2 years before you can start to apply for any form of loan again.
So the next step is you need to start from the beginning. How?
The beginning is not the point at which you start looking at cars. The beginning is the point at which you start doing some research. Before you begin searching for the perfect first car, you should first ask yourself several important questions:
"How much money can I spend on a car?" This includes the price of the car, the price of registration, and the cost of insurance coverage. Don't spend all the 20K you have saved for the car, and don't purchase a car you can't afford to maintain. You will need some cash buffer for repairs if it is a used car.
"What kind of car is best suited for my needs?" Your needs could include anything from how many passengers you expect to carry to how often and how far you'll be driving the car. For example, you'll want something that gets good FC if your everyday commute to work is a long one.
"Should I buy a new or used car?" Most of us want our first cars to be brand new; however, your budget and other personal needs/point of interest are going to have the final say as to whether your car is new or used.
Once you've confidently answered these questions, you can start thinking of the exact models and makes of cars you're interested in. Do some research on these vehicles.
So now you are ready and it's time to head out and begin looking for your first car. You're probably going to visit several car dealers. Try checking out the ads in the paper or car magazine like Motor Trader or o'er here in
ZTH :top: for info.
But, you shouldn't rule out a private sale from an individual; some very good deals can be found by purchasing a used vehicle from someone who has properly maintained the vehicle and is just looking to sell it. Check this out as well.
If you find a used car you like, consider requesting the vehicle's service history and find out if the vehicle has been in an accident before.
Try to take someone along who's been through the buying and selling process before. Prices are usually negotiable for cash buy, so you'll want someone who knows the ropes to accompany you.
And, if you have a mechanic friend-he should be your first choice. Test drive is a must, let him test drive it. He'll know the condition of the car-suspension, brakes, transmission, engine.
Finally, good luck in getting your 1st ride.