Hey guys, I'm in my 30's now and I'm still single. I own a condo but still drives my dad's old Proton Waja to this day.

I'm wondering, at this point, do I purchase another house/condo (for investment purposes) or do I get myself a brand new car?

My heart tells me that I should get myself a new car (Mazda or Camry) but my gut is telling me to get a second property for investment.

So, I've listed down the pros and cons of each choices:

Buy new car
Pros:
1. It's probably time to replace my old waja. It's 20 years old.
2. Better chance to get girlfriend
Cons:
1. It's a liability. It's just a car at the end of the day.
2. Potential opportunity cost (e.g cannot invest in other things for a while)

Buy second property
Pros:
1. Potential long-term investment (not guaranteed and have to wait 10-30 years)
2. You have two houses
Cons:
1. Life is not all about buying houses like collecting pokemon cards. You need to enjoy life when young too.

What would you guys do?

New car. Go get a lift

Get a new car, dont risk your life on the vehicle u use daily.

This post has been edited by sordidi: Apr 4 2022, 12:32 PM

1st time you purchased your house already using your gut.

This time it’s time to follow your heart.

Buy new car.

Balance heartband gut mah.

Can always sell house to buy car.

New car, the waja is not a safe car

If your old Waja need to frequently replace old parts, I guess the amount and time spent to replace those old parts can be better spent on a new car. If your cashflow is comfortable for a new car, go for it. Better still if you can afford both

Both not good options.

Now is not good time to buy property for investment anymore.

Better invest in US Stocks and REITS(as opposed to buying properties). Use your money to invest directly in US Stock market.

But 20 years old Waja justify to replace also lah. Get a new Maibi, gooding and cheap with D-CVT and ASA 3.0.

This post has been edited by c64: Apr 4 2022, 12:39 PM

Buy second home.

Then you may follow the steps below for your car should you still wish to get a car.

1. Go inquire about the car you wish to purchase (be sure to make sure your car loan financing can sustain with the second home).
2. Ask the dealer (new car I presume) whether they accept credit card for one shot clear all.
3. If yes, refinance your first home, take out the cash, buy the car with upright funded CC (cash into CC for increase limit, then one shot purchase).

- Housing loan is more secure (Got coverage if u unfortunately die).
- If they accept CC (Then you might be able to get enough point to get yourself sufficient airmiles / points to use).

Can buy car with CC? Sure boh? Can get cashback? Maybe will buy a car later this year or next year.

You need a new car to get a girlfriend? I guess you need to open a new topic for this
30s, still single, financially stable - getting a GF should be walk in the park, especially how expressive and open girls are these days

anyway, I'm in a similar dilemma - 30s too, house and car fully paid - so thinking should I get a car or house
some of the income Ive been setting aside monthly to invest in US stocks (this last 2 years has been dreadful)

I saw an investment project in Langkawi, Tropicana Chenang - beachfront studio like units from 400k - hand very itchy leh

New car, not for showing but something safe is a must. No point having shitload of money and died from car accidents 🤭

Can. Can even ask for temporary limit increase.

Strongly recommend you to get a car below 100k budget.
Why car?
You sound like a financially responsible person. I'm sure you've been itching to enjoy a nice new ride and have held on for a long time. Reward yourself sikit lah haha.

Why not house?
Because your reason is for investment. I'm personally a strong advocate for "property to stay" only. There are so many risks with owning a house for investment - your house value might drop, developer issue, workmanship, renovation cost, rental woes, increased commitment... So many extra problems to worry about, I would even argue having 2nd house belongs to Cons section

Why under 100k?
This is my guesstimate based on your comparison - being able to afford a 2nd house, I believe such a budget for car will be easily affordable. With more information, you might be able to convince me you'll be fine with Mazda or Camry haha.

You will be a first time new car owner, so start slow is ok, it's already a big upgrade from your 20yo Waja. This budget also can get you a car full of modern features that improves safety. If you wanna survey for cars, head to Fast and Furious for advice.

Plus, got new car also good la for family, if you guys wanna go anywhere for long trip, I think a B segment sedan does the job.

Long term wise, it'll be a car you can use at a minimum of 5 years, can also support family if you settle down within these few years. You can save the rest of your money for investments - head to financial subforum, many sifus there

Lastly, you're not wrong when you say having a car improves your chances of getting a girlfriend, but make no mistake: there is a difference between a lady looking for a man with car vs. a man with BMW. Having a car equipped with basic safety is good enough. If it's me, I just want to be able to meet my partner easily instead of having my choices cut down to places that have public transport. A new car is a lot safer and comfortable also, enough for passenger to be able to take short naps good enough la.

This post has been edited by Takudan: Apr 4 2022, 01:16 PM

That Waja doesn't have many safety features so it has to go.

But why must choose Mazda or Camry? A Persona would have sufficed if saving money is your concern?

30 y.o still thinking this way then 40 y.o you will full regret.

hey, good advice man - I'm in similar situation as TS. In my mid30s have fully paid my house and car. Thinking of another car or house. And I have to agree with house for stay only, house for investment seems like too much hassle
I was looking for like a vacation home (cum retirement home when I retire) maybe in PD/Langkawi - something close to beach - accommodation is always the most expensive part of a vacation if you're travelling locally, so having a vacation home seems like a good idea

When I used to work in the US (north side where its super cold during winter) - my coworkers would invest in house in the south, like in Florida - as vacation homes and also for retirement when they old so they can escape the harsh winter

forget second house as investment. theres already an oversupply. unless you get shoplot in upcoming area la

You change car and get GF, you're going to need to upgrade otherwise its perceived you are not progressing. So get gf dulu, then upgrade your car.

Personally I got 2 props 1 very old car.