Buying one of these cars is cheaper than a short-term car rental, Lifestyle News

There are many reasons why a car may be needed for short term use. You might be waiting to get your brand new car that’s been delayed, or maybe you’ve just started a new job that requires reliable personal transportation, or you might be someone who’s thought about buying a car and just wants have a taste for owning a car.

While the first thing on your mind might be to search for cheap car rentals, at a typical rate of $1,500 per month, this might not be the most economical option. Instead, you might be looking at 2007-2008 COE cars (which had a five-year COE renewal) that are about to be scrapped soon.

I scoured our used car listings and found these cars that typically cost less than $10,000 upfront and cost less than what you would pay for a monthly rental.

Toyota Altis 1.6

Typical cost: $6,000 – $10,000

Typical cost per month: $1,000 – $2,000

Six-month road tax: $557

Estimated insurance cost: $625

Why you should get one:

You simply can’t go wrong with an Altis if you’re looking for something reliable and affordable to drive.

Perfectly sized for a family sedan, you won’t have to worry about rear passenger comfort. Equipped with a 1.6 liter engine and automatic transmission, the Altis has enough power for everyday use and is also easy to drive.

Toyota Vios 1.5

Typical cost: $3,000 – $10,000

Typical cost per month: $800 – $1,400

Six-month road tax: $504

Estimated insurance cost: $700

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Why you should get one:

Like the Toyota Altis, the Vios is another local favorite. Slightly smaller than the previous one, the Vios will still comfortably fit two adults in the back, making it an excellent compact sedan choice.

With the powerful 1.5-litre engine and low curb weight, you’ll enjoy a slightly lower road tax and performance and fuel efficiency that outshines other cars in its class. The Vios is also available in manual and automatic versions – browse the ones on sale and you might even find one that suits your preferences.

Honda flow 1.8

Typical cost: $5,000 – $10,000

Typical cost per month: $800 – $4,800

Six-month road tax: $734

Estimated insurance cost: $880

Why you should get one:

MPVs are extremely practical. Whether you’re trying to bring your extended family over for the weekend or bringing home a brand new coffee table from Ikea, the extra space is sure to come in handy.

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The fact that the Honda Stream is powered by a 1.8-litre engine is a double-edged sword – you won’t have to worry about a lack of power, but it also means a higher road tax. You might want to get one that has a road tax valid until the car’s COE ends.

Mitsubishi Lancer GLX 1.6

Typical cost: $5,800 – $10,000

Typical cost per month: $700 – $1,900

Six-month road tax: $551

Estimated insurance cost: $770

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Why you should get one:

The Mitsubishi Lancer GLX is a car that rivals the Toyota Vios here – both are great choices for small families and are also favorites of budding car enthusiasts.

These cars are well-built and feature virtually no fancy technology – in fact, the Lancer GLX’s engine dates back to the 90s.

Without high-tech components, these cars tend to perform well without requiring costly repairs. Therefore, you can buy one without worrying if it will break down and cost too much to fix before the car is destined to be scrapped.

Suzuki Swift 1.3

Typical cost: $6,300 – $7,800 (Swift 1.3)

Typical cost per month: $970 – $3,900

Six-month road tax: $438

Estimated insurance cost: $676

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Why you should get one:

If you’re thinking of owning a car for the first time, you won’t go wrong with a cheerful little sedan like the Suzuki Swift.

A small hatchback is not only easy to drive, but also realistic to maintain, as you won’t have to worry about crippling fuel or maintenance costs. Available in multiple variants, from the budget 1.3-litre to the hot Swift Sport, there’s sure to be a Swift to suit your needs.

Suzuki Every 660cc

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Typical cost: $3,000 – $5,300

Typical cost per month: $1,500 – $2,400

Six-month road tax: $245

Estimated cost of insurance: $726 (Direct Asia Insurance)

Why you should get one:

Now, this one is a little different. The Suzuki Every is a commercial van, albeit a small one. This Kei car-sized van has a large cargo capacity due to its design.

Believe me, I once managed to cram three full-size mountain bikes with a rider and two passengers into one. With a small 660cc engine, the Every offers unbeatable value.

This article first appeared in sgCarMart.

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