The Cost Of Owning A Car In Singapore (and How To Do It)

Annette Anthony

Annette Anthony

Last updated 21 June, 2022
 

How much would it cost you to get behind your own steering wheel in Singapore?

Spoiler alert: It definitely involves more than just looking at the Certificate of Entitlement and Open Market Value figures.

We give you a complete breakdown of owning a car in Singapore. At a glance, here’s what you need to know.

Table of contents


Getting a driver’s licence

The first thing you need before owning a car is a driver’s licence. Here’s how to get one: 

  1. Pass a Basic Theory Test
  2. Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence
  3. Learn to drive in a driving centre or with a private driving instructor 
  4. Pass the Final Theory Test
  5. Pass the Practical Driving Test
  6. Get your driver’s licence

It sounds like a long list of to-dos, but let’s break it down, part by part.  

Step #1: Pass a Basic Theory Test

Before taking your Basic Theory Test, it’s best to study the Highway Code and the BTT book, which you can purchase online. When you think you’re ready, make a reservation for a Basic Theory test at any of these three driving centres. Keep in mind that there will be a S$6.50 fee for the test.

Driving centre Address Tel
Comfort DelGro Driving Centre 205 Ubi Avenue 4, Singapore 408805 +65 69788199
Bukit Batok Driving Centre 815 Bukit Batok West Ave. 5, Singapore 659085 +65 65611233
Singapore Safety Driving Centre 2 Woodlands Industrial Park E4, Singapore 757387 +65 64826060


Step #2: Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence

Once you’ve taken the Basic Theory Test, apply for the Provisional Driving Licence online with your Singpass account. There is a S$25 fee to be paid over the counter at the Woodlands Test Centre (with NETS or a cashcard).


Step #3: Learn to drive in a driving centre or with a private driving instructor

As mentioned above, there are three driving schools in Singapore – Singapore Safety Driving Centre, Comfort DelGro Driving Centre, and Bukit Batok Driving Centre. You will follow a fixed syllabus before you can take the next driving test.

According to the Bukit Batok Driving Centre’s Class 3/3A Driving Course, you need to pay for a number of things, such as a vehicle rental fee (S$214), enrolment fee (S$96.30), theory (S$17.12), practical lessons (up to S$77.04), and a practical test fee (S$33).

Step #4: Pass the Final Theory Test

You are required to attend a few Final Theory Practice classes (some centres recommend four classes) and do a Theory Evaluation before taking the Final Theory Test. Once you pass this test, you may take the Practical Theory Test.

Step #5: Pass the Practical Theory Test

Before taking the Traffic Police Practical Test, you need to attend a few classes, practice lessons, an auto transmission lesson, and practice with a driving simulator. You could opt for a private driving instructor to save on costs. 

Step #6: Get your driver’s licence

By this time, you would have passed all your tests. Kudos to you!  All you need to do is pay S$50 at the driving centre. 

The overall cost for a driver’s licence in Singapore is about S$1400 - S$2800, depending on the number of lessons and type of course you’re applying for. 

Source: Shutterstock

Buying a car in Singapore

Now that you have the most vital item to get behind the wheel, you are ready to get your own car. And let’s be honest, buying a car in Singapore isn’t a cheap affair, but with the right deals, you could get an affordable rate. 

Cost of owning a new car in Singapore 

Although a brand new car would cost more, you’re getting a car straight from the manufacturer. Thus, you will have warranty, and while the coverage differs per brand, it tends to fall in the three-year or 100,000 km-driven capacity range. 

A car's manufacturer warranty – what you should know

Here are important coverage that you should look for in a brand-new car’s warranty:

  • Powertrain (engine, front-wheel and/or rear-wheel drive system, transmission)
  • Seatbelts
  • Exterior (paint, doors, windows)
  • Air-conditioning
  • Rust perforation
  • 24-hour road assistance (this is more of a value-added service)

What else should you know about your car's warranty?

While most brands may have promos for unlimited warranty, it’s best to carefully read fine print to know the complete coverage. 

Take note that modifying your car during its warranty period may risk your warranty coverage. These modifications include:

  • Installing non-genuine car parts
  • Failures caused by car modifications
  • Odometer alteration
  • Failures due to abuse and misuse

There are a multitude of costs involved in owning a car. Therefore, we’ve compiled all the costs of purchasing a car, along with the COE expenses (which may be subject to change) below. 

Cost of a brand-new Mazda 2 Hatchback in Singapore, 2022
Car Model Mazda2 Hatchback 1.5 AT Elegance I5
Category A
Open Market Value, OMV (average) S$16,166
GST & Excise Duty S$4,591
Tiered Additional Registration Fee, ARF  S$16,166
Vehicle’s Emission Scheme,VES (Rebate) -S$11,166
Registration Fee S$220
Road Tax (6 months) S$341
Certificate of Entitlement, COE (May 2022, 1st bidding) S$70,901
Total Basic Cost (with COE) S$96,878
Dealer Price  S$108,888 onwards
Source: Mazda Singapore, Onemotoring.lta.gov.sg
*subject to change

 

The cost of a brand-new car is a lot to take in. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of getting one to help you make a smart decision. 

Brand New Car
Pros Cons
Manufacturer’s warranty coverage Bigger price tag
Lower interest rates Higher insurance costs
Less prone to wear and tear  
Latest car and safety features  

You may be considering second-hand cars and electric vehicles, too. Check out what it’s like to buy a second-hand car. You may also compare the cost of a petrol car with an electric vehicle.

Regardless of which car type you choose, it’s important to consider the following: 

  • Engine size and fuel options
  • Press and customer reviews
  • Prices and specs of similar cars
  • Special features and technology
  • Prices of the same model’s variants

How do you bid for a Certificate of Entitlement (COE)?

The Land Transport Authority announces the number of Certificate of Entitlement (COE) available in every bidding exercise, along with the previous COE prices. The previous prices do not influence the current COE prices being bid. 

Why does this matter to you?

You have to bid for a COE to register a vehicle in Singapore. Biddings are conducted twice a month from 12am on the first and third Mondays of each month, which typically end on Wednesdays at 4pm (if there are no public holidays). 

#1: Enter a Reserve Price

To start a bid, enter a Reserve Price, which is the cost you’re willing to pay for one slot. Bidding starts at S$1, but could easily multiply as the bidding gets higher. Bids can be submitted two ways:

  • At DBS or POSB ATM machines
  • Internet Banking (DBS, UOB, Maybank), solely for corporate account holders

Once you submit your bid, you may check your bid status or revise your bid (admin fees apply).

#2: Receive a temporary COE and register your vehicle

If you win the bid (fingers crossed), you will be issued a temporary COE valid for three to six months, depending on your vehicle’s category. You must register your vehicle before the temporary COE expires otherwise it can’t be used, and you will lose your bid deposit in full.  

#3: Settle all payments

You need to pay the difference between the COE sum and your bid deposit once you finally register your vehicle. Any surplus funds will be reallocated to registration fees. 

Source: Shutterstock

Car insurance

Car insurance is not only necessary, but it is also compulsory in Singapore. The insurance pricing varies due to a few factors such as gender, driving history, type of car, and coverage. 

For this particular example, we used our Singsaver car insurance calculator with the following profile:

  • The same Mazda 2 Hatchback model (1496cc), registered in 2020
  • For a 35-year old single male driver with 2 years driving experience, working in an indoor-based job
  •  A 0% No Claim Discount (NCD)

Here’s a summary of the premium costs generated for one year from Hong Leong and Allianz.

Insurance 
Premium (Before Discounts)
Coverage includes
HLAS Car Protect360 (Authorised Workshop)
S$2,328.45 (Excess of $800)
S$0 to S$2,000 in excess amount
S$20,000 personal accident coverage
Up to S$1,000 medical expenses coverage
Allianz Motor Protect(Third Party Only)
S$1,199.90
Death or bodily injury to third party
Loss or damage to third party property
Up to S$3000 in legal representation or defence (per accident)
Allianz Motor Protect  (Third Party Fire and Theft Only)
S$1,359.69
Accidental loss or damage to own vehicle due to fire
Loss and/or damage due to theft
Up to S$3000 in legal representation or defence (per accident)
Allianz Motor Protect (Comprehensive)
S$1,572.76 (Excess of $800)
S$0 to S$2000 in excess amount
Lifetime repair guarantee (if repaired at an authorised workshop)
New for Old car replacement (car is below 2 years of age and damaged beyond repair)
24/7 roadside assistance

Interested to know how much your favourite vehicle’s car insurance would cost with a different insurance provider? Click the button below and compare car insurance quotes for your new drivers like you! 

Score up to S$300 cashbackS$240 petrol vouchers or up to 25% in discounts on your car insurance premiums when you purchase it via SingSaver.

Plus, enjoy 1x chance to win S$3,500 worth of Shell petrol vouchersValid till 31 December 2024. T&Cs apply.

 

 


Car Loan

Unless you have loads of cash stashed away, chances are you will be applying for a car loan to fund your purchase. Your car loan maximum finance amount depends on your car’s Open Market Value. Here’s how much can be covered with a car loan:

Open Market Value  Maximum financeable amount
Up to S$20,000 70% of the car’s purchase price or valuation price (whichever is lower)
Above S$20,000 60% of the cars purchase price or valuation price (whichever is lower)

You need to pay the difference between the OMV and the maximum financeable amount in cash, so it’s best to have these funds saved up before purchasing your dream car.

A car loan tenure can go as long as seven years, depending on the bank you choose. If you’re purchasing a used car, however, the loan tenure will be calculated based on the car’s registration date. Let’s say you’re getting a seven-year-old car, you will have a three-year loan financing period instead. 

Using the same example of Mazda 2 earlier with the Singsaver car loan calculator, you have the following options for car loans (70% financing as the OMV is below S$20,000), inclusive of interest rates and instalment sums for a loan sum of S$76,220 and a repayment period of five years.

Bank Monthly Repayment Total Repayment Annual Interest Rate Effective Interest Rate
UOB Hire Purchase S$1,447 S$86,815 2.78% 5.43% p.a.
OCBC Car Loan S$1,447 S$86,815 2.78% 5.24% p.a.

If you want to see an estimate on your car loan instalment, get the best package for yourself by clicking on the button below. 


Vehicle inspection

Singapore vehicles must undergo regular inspections to ensure roadworthiness. LTA-authorised inspection centres conduct these checks. Below is the list of inspection companies and their contact information.

Car Inspection Company
Location and Contact Numbers
JIC Inspection Services Pte Ltd 
Ang Mo Kio Branch
21 Ang Mo Kio Street 63, Singapore 569118
Tel: 6484 7370

Pioneer Branch
53 Pioneer Road, Singapore 628505
Tel: 6863 9639
STA Inspection Pte Ltd (STAI)
Boon Lay Branch
249 Jalan Boon Lay, Singapore 619523
Tel: 6261 6178
 
Sin Ming Branch
302 Sin Ming Road, Singapore 575627
Tel: 6452 1398
VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd 
Bukit Batok Branch
511 Bukit Batok Street 23, Singapore 659545
 
Changi Branch
20 Changi North Crescent, Singapore 499613
 
Sin Ming Branch
385 Sin Ming Drive, Singapore 575718
 
Yishun Branch
501 Yishun Industrial Park A, Singapore 768732
(three other VICOM branches at Kaki Bukit, Pioneer and Ang Mo Kio)
General Contact Tel: 6458 4555

Type of vehicle inspections

  • Structural integrity: Inspects the core structure of the car’s chassis
  • Wheel system: Tyre condition, shock absorber, wheel alignment, etc.
  • Braking system: Efficiency of parking and service brakes
  • Vehicle body condition: Windscreen, door latches, seatbelts, etc.
  • Visual and indication system: Rear-view mirrors, headlamps, direction indicators, etc.
  • Steering system: Drive shafts and overall steering system
  • Propulsion system: Ensures that the exhaust system follows prevailing noise and emission standards set by the National Environment Agency

You should receive a notification for inspection from the LTA within three months of your vehicle’s inspection due date.  Ensure that your car is in the best condition possible before you bring it for inspection. 

The cost of inspection with STAI is at S$64.20 for the first inspection and S$32.10 for a re-inspection. 

The number of inspections depends on how old your car is.

Age of Car Requirement
Below three years old Not required
3-10 years old Every two years
Above 10 years Annually
Source: Shutterstock

How much is road tax in Singapore?

Once you own a car, it’s important to take note of road taxes. As of today, the estimated road tax for a Mazda 2 Hatchback with an annual period is S$682. 

The road tax is calculated based on your car engine’s capacity on a p.a. basis.  There are a few road tax calculators online that can help you estimate. 


Petrol prices in Singapore

Here are a few factors to consider when calculating for the cost of petrol: 

  • Average petrol price per litre: S$3.21 (as of 20 June 2022)
  • Fuel consumption of Mazda 2 Hatchback: 5.3L/100km

Using the example above, it would cost about S$17 to drive 100km with the Mazda 2 Hatchback. 


Car prices in Singapore (2022)

Singapore car prices are on the rise due to various reasons, such as the rise of crude oil prices, the economic consequences of the pandemic, and the ongoing conflict in Europe. In fact, car prices have drastically increased in 2022 alone. 

Car Price Price Increase from 2021
Mitsubishi Attrage/Space Star S$106,999 +S$27,000
Toyota Camry S$198,888 +S$26,000
Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid S$119,900 +S$96,900
BMW 318i S$258,888 +S$22,000
Audi e-Tron S$430,475 +S$32,574

Source: Motorist Singapore

The table above summarises the increasing price of car brands in Singapore, and there are already so many costs to consider when owning a car. Hence, it’s equally important to make a financial plan before purchasing a car. 

Is it worth buying a car in Singapore? Since cars depreciate over time, it’s advisable to own one only if you can comfortably afford it.

If you’re interested in purchasing a car through a loan, click the button below to compare personal loans. 

 

 

Annette is addicted to the need for balance - between saving and spending, work and life, and Netflix and books. When she's not looking for inventive ways to write about finance, Annette can be found sipping a cup of caffeine while doomscrolling through IG reels and X threads.

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