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http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/Owners/Buy...214-185860.html Family income below $7,650? You can't afford a car If you're thinking of buying a car but your combined family income is below $7,650, think again. According to a local website salary.sg run by a finance manager, $7,650 is the minimum income needed to afford a car. Most families are not able to afford cars because the cost of car ownership does not only include the price but also the miscellaneous fees such as road taxes, car insurance and servicing, said the website. A small saloon will cost around $50,000. The more aspirational may go for a family MPV, which can go up to $80,000 or more. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, 38 per cent of the households here own a car. The top 38 per cent highest-earning households also make more than $7,650 a month. Salary.sg said that the 38 per cent of the households which own a car may not be the same 38 per cent that form the highest-earning households in Singapore. But it went on to explain that this group of highest-earning households are most capable of owning a car and therefore, it stands to reason that $7,650 is a reasonable guideline for car ownership. Mr Wu, the person behind the site, told Chinese daily Shin Min that a family should retain 50 per cent of their income as miscellaneous expenses, education fees etc. The other 30 per cent would be taken up by a housing loan. Then, car expenses should not total to more than 20 per cent, he said. BAR TOO HIGH? But is the bar of $7,650 too high? The director of a parallel importer company apparently thinks so. He told Shin Min that $7,650 should be the minimum combined income to buy a Continental car like Mercedes-Benz or BMW. But with regards to cheaper cars, monthly expenses should not total more than $1,000. "If the person has a minimum income of $2,000, he can consider buying a car," said the director. And if the cheaper alternative is still too expensive, then the person should consider a second-hand car, added the director. What are your thoughts? Is the income floor of $7,650 for car ownership too high and unrealistic? Send us your opinions at [email protected] $2k min income can consider buying a car...i think this director short of saying the following 1) if he/she dun need to support parent, and/or siblings 2) if he/she is single 3) if he/she has other incomes that are not taxable or cannot be reported What a good way to brainwash ppl with 2k income to come forward and buy car, and then commit themselves with more liabilites and debts

Planning to bring the family (well, just me, wife and 5-yr old daughter) out for a family holiday in Dec. Duraion is about 7 to 9 days, budget maybe no more than 6K. We have been to mostly islands and beaches for our holidays so we decide to try something different this time. We also hate to go on packaged tours and prefer to go free n easy. Currently I have a few ideas, though haven't researched much into any one of them: 1) a self-drive trip in Australia. Haven't been to Oz before, a self-drive trip sounds exciting, but cost may be a concern. 2) sightseeing in Taiwan, plus one or two night stay in a hotspring resort. 3) Japan. Snowski and hotspring. Daughter is too small for Disneyland I guess. Any advice? Or any bro has better ideas that I didn't think of? Many thanks.

With the new OPC scheme whereby one can drive a OPC for full Saturday and Sunday, I am toying with the idea of getting a OPC 5 seater sedan and a 2 seater weekday fun car to drive to work. Say for a budget of about $110K combined, what cars would you recommend? I do not mind used car for both, one new one used, or whichever combination. No specific requirements about conti or Jap car also. Get creative, give me your recommendation. Thanks

hi bro/sis, going to Bangkok soon with family, any body have any contact to engage driver from morning to night to bring us around bangkok; in other he or she need to tag along with us for sight seeing/shopping etc. tks for the help in advance.

After reading pls tell me do such ppl really exist?? Came home one night going up the MSCP to park. In front of me was a Honda SUV which suddenly just stopped in the middle of the MSCP without hazard or signal light. After waiting for awhile, I drove pass the vehicle and suddenly the lady horned at me a few times. So I stopped and looked at her wondering wtf is going on. She stared at me like want my life like that so I just continued to drive up to a higher deck. To my horror, after I parked my car and came out, this lady actually came up all the way to my car and scolded me vulgarities. Curse my father die etc..knn..I tio stunned. Then I asked her, eh aunty, what is your problem? Then she yelled, JUST NOW I GOING TO PARK, WHY YOU OVERTAKE ME? I said, you want to park, no signal, no harzard nothing, stationary never move at all, you expect everyone to know your intentions izzit? Then suddenly the siao charbor walked down one level and came up again with her son! The son ask me what happened, so I explained to her son that his mother is being unreasonable based on the situation. Few mins later, the siao charboh's brother and wife came up. Another few mins later, the husband came up. WTF, whole insane family came up and surround me. The brother said, your car is modified, I will call the ROV. Then the husband said, you threaten my wife isit? Or you want ot harress her? I said, Old man, you think your 50 yr old wife is some super model izzit? I not from woodbridge. Then the brother wife shouted, CALL THE POLICE, CALL THE POLICE ARREST THIS MAN! I was like WTFFFFF?? To cut the story short..blah blah blah..15mins later 2 police cars came. The whole family surround me don't let me leave. The siao charboh report that I threatened her. So after relating the whole story, the officer told me in private, "Some ppl really too free nothing to do"..Take statement etc...waste my whole f**king time for nothing. Next day I found a scratch on my car, coincidence? In my mind I feel like clobbering every single one of them nbz..

Has anyone got into a situation where you were in a dilemma if you should help out your family business? ie, let me paint a scenario (mine): My father started a business from scratch until it expanded overseas. Revenue was quite ok and my family don't have much financial worries. However, he passed away very young (50) and my sister stopped after A levels to join the company to continue the business. Due to some major fraudulent case done by 1 of our staff, it caused major financial loss to the company and the local business was lost. My sister carried on the business overseas and has been mostly overseas since then. Me and my brother had the opportunities (luxury) to finish our education overseas with no worries on finances (except for my sis since already started working). Upon graduation (in different fields), we found work outside and currently are all in a stable situation with our work and our own family. Both me and my bro are in middle level positions. However, recently there are some changes in the ability for my sister to continue work overseas and I'm really wondering if I should not be so selfish and work for the family business if the need arises 1 day. Anyway this was the family business that saw me thru my younger days, overseas studies, which without it, maybe will be without myself today. The reason why I feel I was selfish is because I always felt I'll be wasting my time in my family's business as it's a sunset industry and also not cost efficient/effective because I'll likely to get a major pay cut from my current job. This is a practical concern as I've already got kids & family to support. On a positive note, if I work for my family, I might be able to have more flexible time to build a separate business myself (in my line of speciality), and maybe turn around the family business (rejuvenate the sunset business). I remembered the days when I was young (pri sch), I was always seen by my family's business' staff or family's friends/relatives, as someone with the gift of the gab and someone likely to continue my father's business. So I'm not sure if it's time for me to take up this national service if the need arises. Anyone in the same predicament before?

Former millionaire now sleeps at Changi airport By Liew Hanqing and Joanna Hor Peixin AMID the hustle and bustle of travellers passing through Changi Airport every evening, one man cuts a lonely figure. For about four nights each week, Mr Leong Chee Onn, 66, sleeps at the arrival hall of Terminal 2, with just a canvas bag of personal belongings in tow. The airport has been his home for the past three months. "I came here because I don't have a home I can go back to," Mr Leong told The New Paper. Which isn't quite true. He shares a one-room rental flat with another man in his 70s, but says they can't get along. But whether airport or one-room flat, it's a far cry from his former home - a bungalow in Oei Tiong Ham Park, off Holland Road. Mr Leong said he was a multi-millionaire before he lost his fortune to failed business ventures in the early '90s. A check with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority showed that Mr Leong had been involved with 15 registered businesses between 1977 and 2007, most of which are inactive. His marriage fell apart after he went broke and he's no longer in touch with his ex-wife, who used to work in a bank. He also seldom sees his two children, who are in their 30s. Mr Leong claimed that his housemate had punched him twice before and verbally abused him. "My housemate drinks a lot, smokes and gets violent sometimes. He just doesn't like me. He thinks I bring him bad luck," he said. So Mr Leong decided three months ago to spend his nights outside the Raffles Place MRT station. But he ended up getting robbed, he claimed. And that was what made him decide to make the airport his home. On a typical day, he wakes up at about 6am and roams around Chinatown or Little India looking for part-time jobs, or he uses the Internet at his sister's office at Beach Road. He heads back to the airport in the evening, and sometimes has dinner at the staff canteen at Terminal 2. Meals, he says, are a luxury. Mr Leong showing the catheter attached to him. To save money, he only eats one proper meal every two days. The rest of the time, he snacks on fruits and nuts whenever he feels hungry. When The New Paper approached him at the canteen on Wednesday evening, Mr Leong had just tucked into a few pieces of beancurd and a small plate of mutton curry, which cost him $3.50. It didn't include rice. On most days, he takes sponge baths at the airport toilets, but goes back to his flat for a proper shower "once every few days". Lost two toes Pointing to his gnarly, blackened feet, Mr Leong said he suffers from cholesterol embolism, a medical condition where the release of cholesterol causes obstruction of blood vessels. The condition resulted in him losing two of his toes to gangrene, and he now walks at a much slower pace. He said his feet hurt when he walks barefoot. He survives on a monthly allowance of about $300 from his 35-year-old daughter, and $300 from the Central Provident Fund (CPF). He was forced to stop work as a taxi driver about six years ago after he suffered a heart attack and was deemed unfit to work. Up till the late '80s, he made a good living as a sales manager with an oil company. This fact could not be verified independently. He then became a business consultant for a large liquefied natural gas plant in Indonesia, earning more than $300,000 a year. At his richest, Mr Leong estimated he was worth about $15 million. But several failed business ventures wiped him out, forcing him to sell his bungalow to clear his bank debts. Among his failures were an electronic waste management business, extracting semi-precious metals from electronic waste, and a company supplying engine repair tools to aviation companies. He recalled: "In those days, the bank interest rate was very high. I put myself in a bad position by borrowing too much money, and I couldn't keep up with the payments." In the early '90s, he was forced to sell nearly all his assets to clear his debts. He tried for several years to recover his losses by starting several small businesses - including one making signboards - but all were short-lived. He recalled: "My ex-wife told me that if I sold our house, she would leave. And she did." Mr Leong claimed his ex-wife got most of the money left from the sale of the bungalow after settling his debts. He said he does not know what she is doing now - and he "does not care". He said: "She said we still can be good friends, but that's not true." His daughter is married "with her own life to lead", while his son is studying abroad. But he said he is grateful for whatever his daughter gives him. Besides giving him $300 monthly, his daughter also tops up his Medisave account regularly to pay for his medical treatment. Mr Leong said he also receives some money from friends and relatives who visit him at the airport. He showed us a cheque for $100 given to him by a relative. With whatever money he has, Mr Leong sometimes buys supplements to improve his health. "Whenever I get wounds on my feet, I apply manuka honey to them. Soldiers carry manuka honey to treat their wounds during wars," he said. He also takes multi-vitamins to boost his immune system. Several times a week, a close friend visits him at the airport to keep him company. Said the friend, who declined to be named: "I come here whenever I can. Sometimes I'll bring some food for him, or we'll eat together in the canteen. "We would chit-chat and exchange views on current affairs." More than 30 years ago, Mr Leong was his boss when they were with a French company, he said. "It's very sad that he has ended up in this state, but he's a fighter." For a man who has lost almost everything, Mr Leong is surprisingly stoic. He said: "I don't believe in living in the past. You can't turn back the clock and think, ?I should have done this, or I should have done that'. Not many demands "I'm just happy to have survived a heart attack. I only hope for a reasonable lifestyle - I don't need a lot of money or a big house. I don't have many demands." Mr Leong showing the most recent receipt for his bank account. He added that he has not lost hope, even though he has lost his wealth, his marriage and his health. "I still pray sometimes. I pray for peace, for good health, and for everybody to be happy. I believe the good Lord has His reasons for everything," he said. When contacted, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said that people who repeatedly stay overnight at the airport will be referred to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. The spokesman added: "CAAS does not condone persons staying overnight at the airport for extended periods of time." Fix problem with flatmate WHEN housemates can't live together, it might be because they have "difficult" personalities that lead to disagreements. Mr Gilbert Fan, a social worker who is also president of the Singapore Association of Social Workers, said that in Mr Leong Chee Onn's case, his flatmate may not be solely to blame. "It could be due to his personality. It may not be a case of total victimisation," he said. As for having a home that Mr Leong can't go back to, Mr Fan felt that this would probably have to be resolved by the Housing Board. He added that social workers would have to check on Mr Leong's situation to better understand how to help him. Mr Ravi Philemon, centre manager of New Hope Community Services, said he has seen such cases before. He suggested that Mr Leong should try to sort out his issue with his flatmate. He said: "He should not give up his accommodation. They have to try to come up with conditions that are agreeable to both."

Recently watched the UK Discovery Turbo programme and the reviewer commented negatively the need for a AWD/4WD for a family sedan with less than 150 horses. Not only extra weight is added, the handling is burdened by the drive-train resulting in sluggish performance and road control. In fact, they mentioned a few competent cars that excel better in handling in the same class and don't come with AWD/4WD. What do you think? Regards,

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_32363...u=news.quirkies

Wondering if minsters out there would used the term "Family day" to help the general public since the OPC scheme r likely to give in n make adjustment?? Let's see if the URA n HDB r going to make any adjustment: example: free parking extended to satuarday as well, cos most ppl r in five days week job and leaving the weekends for family n friends gathering.

Was reading the AsiaOne forum pertaining to the above that have 16 commented pages and all of the sudden the topic was taken down, Was only reading on the 2nd page and most of the comments was in not infavour of MDF.....Forummers what is your view on such matter ?

Hello dear MCFers! Me family need some kind advice/opinions from you all avid car lovers.. hehe.. Currently, our family is expanding so, we might need another car to cope with. We currently have a 2yr old Nissan Sunny, a really thirsty drinker according to me dad , therefore he's deciding to sell it soon. However, now COE drop so much, make my dad a bit gian to buy a new car right now, and we've short listed these 4 cars so far.. from hearsay from relatives and friends, but we havent confirmed anything yet.. Hope dear MCFers can help my family out, and give some suggestions or maybe other car models that we can consider.. Our budget about 60k and yup i think thats all.. Thanks in advance! From A humble fellow MCFer

This front 3 seaters is really good. 1. The child can sleep on your lap when driving 2. Your lover can sleep on your lap when driving 3. The child can sit between mom and dad 4. Your lover can put her head between your legs 5. The 2 Children can sit together without have to fight who sit in front 6. Your Lover can sit side ways looking at you..... EDIX OWNER!! ANY MORE GOODNESS?? I dont own a EDIX but to me is a very interesting car....hahahaha Comeon guys be CREATIVE wat this car can do!

My relative who runs a curtain design shop with 5-6 sales person said that he has at least $10K income even if business is so so.. Another relative who used to subcon factory workers in the 90s makes $30K per month during those days supplying to panasonic etc Do you have other examples to share? Like property agent? hawkers? financial adviser?

Let me explain to you guys. Family plan is to assist those who frequently visit their family and is entitle to purchase the family season ticket at 50% but then you have to own a 100% season ticket at your own estate. In order to purchase the family season ticket, i have to: * Visit HDB branch/AXS machine on every 28th of the month. * No GIRO payment Isnt it a crap? Last week, i came back from my Honey Moon, hence missed out the purchased, and it was already mid of the month. I drop by HDB branches, wanted to purchase the family season ticket, and the officer responded me, there is no more family season ticket due to all the lots has been taken up. I explained to her, i am just visiting not overnight, at most 2hrs++, on weekends, there is plenty of lots. The officer just keep mentioning no more lots for the family season ticket. I used to have 100% season ticket at my mum place, i know the situation very well cause even sometime i could not get a parking lot at night after 8++pm, but there is still other lots at other blocks. The family plan to what i see, is not helping at all in terms of financial & family relationships. Moreover, I cant use GIRO which i personally think that because GIRO got rebate and HDB is not willing to lose a few dollars or say absorb the loses. Damn crap man. However, i found a way to purchase the family season ticket that is through DBS online banking. But there is a flaw. That is as long as i purchase online, there wont be anyone responding me whether there is anymore family season ticket. I m fine to make internet banking on every 28th of the month, but i just find it crap whereby i cant pay by GIRO.

just had a discussion with friends on perceptions as above, would really like to see what people really think when they are hiding behind the computer screen ha ha because i am also in that category. guess this knowledge will benefit the single 30s men too

Especially during election time. Will you and your spouse's different views cause friction ? Just wondering....

Planning a road trip for family/friends. need advise on the above 2 destination. Read a lot of cons on Cameron highland (especially the lodgings), but tats out initial choice Then Fraser Hill came to mind. Have not been to neither. All advises are very much appreciated

as MY and Thai, most families own more than one car curious how is in sillypore

guys with auto cars, Important stuff to read!!!! http://www.tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,165333,00.html?

Honda Civic was voted Winner of the highly competitive family sedan category by Car Buyers' editorial. Below was extracted from Car Buyers' Guide 08/09: The 8th Generation Civic first appeared on our shores in 2006, 3 years down the road, sales for the Civic have literally hit the roof making it the hottest selling make of car in Singapore currently. Peer through the Civic's list of talents and you'll see why the car is so hugely popular. The styling is sleek and futuristic coupled with that two-tiered space age dashboard makes the Civic an instantaneous hit. The Civic is also the benchmark when it comes to interior quality and fittings, well built and lined with materials that belong to car a few classes up, the Civic is still truly a class above the rest. Winning this category three times in a row is a feat in itself and the Civic still gets our vote this time round. Being such an all-rounder, it's hard not to love the Civic. Externally, the Civic's stylish looks reinvents the classic three-box sedan silhouette and retains an air of unqiueness even though Civics can be found at every turn these days. Engine choice alone will probably leave the driver in a daze as there is a Civic literally for nearly every budget. There's the entry level 1.6, a mid-range 1.8 for a little more power and for the top of tehr ange, the 2 litre has the best performance in its class. Those that want to save the earth will also be delighted to know that a hybrid variant is also available with a 1.3L engine backed by an electric motor. All in all, the Civic's highly capable packaging makes it the obvious choice still, be it performance, variety, styling or even comfort, the Civic has gotten it just about right. Regards,

want to find out what is your family combine saving now? mine is 50 k. think not enough to retirement.still need to work.

As above!

I only found 16 x 2L NA Sedan in the current local market. These are mainly medium or big family sedan with a engine capacity of very close to or less than 2L. "R" specification of their respective car types/models are not included in this comparison. Information and classifications are extracted from Torque, Wheels, Car Buyers and etc, so there may be some variations in term of numbers. Here we go: 1. Honda Civic SI 2.0M, $79,800, 1998cc, 155bhp, 188Nm, 214km/h, 0-100=8.9, Medium Sedan 2. Honda Civic SI 2.0A, $81,800, 1998cc, 155bhp, 188,Nm, 209km/h, 0-100=9.2, Medium Sedan 3. Mitsubishi EX GT 2.0M, $74,988, 1998cc, 155bhp, 199Nm, 200km/h, 0-100=9.6, Medium Sedan 4. Mitsubishi EX GT 2.0A, $75,988, 1998cc, 155bhp, 199Nm, 200km/h, 0-100=10.5, Medium Sedan 5. BMW 320I, $139,800, 1995cc, 150bhp, 200Nm, 215Km/h, 0-100=9.7, Medium Sedan 6. Subaru Legacy 2.0, $88,388, 1994cc, 150bhp, 188Nm, 201km/h, 0-100=11.4, Medium Sedan 7. Mazda 3 2.0, $74,988, 1999cc, 147bhp, 146Nm, 214km/h, 0-100=9.0, Small Sedan 8. Toyota Camry 2.0, $89,488, 1998cc, 147bhp, 190Nm, 190km/h, 0-100=11, Big Sedan 9. Kia Magentis, $62,499, 1998cc, 144bhp, 189Nm, 195km/h,0-100=11.2, Big Sedan 10. Nissan Cefiro 200JK, $93,000, 1998cc, 145bhp, 195Nm, 180km/h,0-100=12, Big Sedan 11. Hyundai Sonata, $69,388, 1998cc, 143bhp, 189Nm, 190km/h, 0-100=12, Big Sedan 12. Chevrolet epica 2.0, $81,888, 1993cc, 141bhp, 199Nm, 199km/h, 0-100=11.8, Big Sedan 13. Citroen C5 2.0, $90,988, 1997cc, 140bhp, 194Nm, 207km/h, 0-100=11.2, Medium Sedan 14. Peugeot 407 2.0, $92,888, 1997cc, 138bhp, 190Nm, 206km/h, 0-100=12.2, Medium Sedan 15. Nissan sylphy 2.0, $87,000, 1997cc, 133bhp, 200Nm, 180km/h, 0-100=10.7, Medium Sedan 16. Audi A4, $143,000, 1984cc, 130bhp, 195Nm, 205Km/h, 0-100=10.2, Medium Sedan In term of weight, the difference vary roughly from 1.35ton to about 1.475ton. Mazda 3 2.0L being the lightest and smallest at about 1.25ton is also included here. Regards,