27-12-2012, 07:57 AM
A letter sent in by a reader of ST.
The Straits Times
www.straitstimes.com
Published on Dec 27, 2012
Cooling measures needed for cars
A KEY factor influencing the escalation of the certificate of entitlement (COE) prices and the continuing uptake of new cars in recent months is the easy availability of cheap credit ("Car buyers want COE system reviewed"; Tuesday).
Many buyers are able to drive away in a new or newer second-hand car with little down payment or after trading in their existing car.
As the interest rate is so low and the monthly payments relatively so as well, many are giving in to their desire for cars.
Increasingly, advertisements for cars are highlighting the low monthly repayments and/or the low minimum down payment.
Many have advertised "subsidised interest rates or repayment free periods".
However, even at the "promotion" price, many buyers end up taking a sizable loan, even when they do not need one.
Some buyers, especially the younger ones, may be living beyond their means.
The COE prices are being distorted by the complementary forces of cheap, easy credit adding to the demand side, and government efforts to squeeze the supply.
It is time that the Monetary Authority of Singapore implements some cooling measures, such as a minimum 30 per cent or higher down payment for the purchase of cars, and a minimum 60 per cent down payment for those buying a second car.
This will help to ease the demand distortion and lower the risk of people living beyond their means.
Car dealers also should not be allowed to quote car prices that are subject to a loan quantum.
Additionally, the Government may want to rethink the pace of its supply correction.
Chew Eng Soo
The Straits Times
www.straitstimes.com
Published on Dec 27, 2012
Cooling measures needed for cars
A KEY factor influencing the escalation of the certificate of entitlement (COE) prices and the continuing uptake of new cars in recent months is the easy availability of cheap credit ("Car buyers want COE system reviewed"; Tuesday).
Many buyers are able to drive away in a new or newer second-hand car with little down payment or after trading in their existing car.
As the interest rate is so low and the monthly payments relatively so as well, many are giving in to their desire for cars.
Increasingly, advertisements for cars are highlighting the low monthly repayments and/or the low minimum down payment.
Many have advertised "subsidised interest rates or repayment free periods".
However, even at the "promotion" price, many buyers end up taking a sizable loan, even when they do not need one.
Some buyers, especially the younger ones, may be living beyond their means.
The COE prices are being distorted by the complementary forces of cheap, easy credit adding to the demand side, and government efforts to squeeze the supply.
It is time that the Monetary Authority of Singapore implements some cooling measures, such as a minimum 30 per cent or higher down payment for the purchase of cars, and a minimum 60 per cent down payment for those buying a second car.
This will help to ease the demand distortion and lower the risk of people living beyond their means.
Car dealers also should not be allowed to quote car prices that are subject to a loan quantum.
Additionally, the Government may want to rethink the pace of its supply correction.
Chew Eng Soo