Guidelines in Buying A Second Hand Car in Malaysia

Wide road of Malaysia

In my earlier post, I mentioned that transportation here in Malaysia is really a necessity. This is due to the fast paced development that is booming in every corner of the famous cities within the different districts of Malaysia.

In Johor Bahru alone, the highways are busy with different types of cars passing to and from different corners within the various business district areas like Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Setia Tropica, City Square, Iskandar, Senai, Kota Tinggi, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Kulai and a lot more.

Hence, one has to adapt with the fast paced life here. You must have your own transport to deal with your business life or shall we say, routine. You cannot survive if you are only depending on public transport, especially when your job is located about 10 km away from where you are staying.

When applying for a job, most employers will ask if you have transport. This is important, especially when you are in the teaching, hospitality, engineering or other technical jobs that require traveling. 

So for me, my wife helped me to check a car that will cater not only for me and my work, but also for our transport to and from places we want to go around JB as a young married couple.

Here are the guidelines and lessons I have learned during this stage of finding a suitable car for us:

a. Look for a second hand car. I myself decided not to get a brand new car because as a foreigner, I need to adapt to the driving techniques via right hand driving. I have to familiarize myself on how motor vehicles function here in Malaysia as well as the transactions regarding spare parts, traffic conditions, road signs and a lot more, before I go for a brand new car.

b. We set our budget. I am aware that we have limited budget. That's why I worked on that budget.

c. I set my expectations: when dealing with a second hand car, I already set my expectations that there will be repairs and additional maintenance costs for the car.

d. Select a local brand type of car. I decided to get a second hand car that is locally produced. Local cars here in Malaysia are mainly the Proton and Perodua. At the same time, spare parts are not expensive.

e. I researched to online selling second hand car websites like mudah.com, trovit.com, mypropertyguru.my and a lot more. When exploring these sites, it gives me some ideas on how second hand business is set here in Malaysia. Sometimes I personally call dealers and talk to them in English. Sad to say that most dealers cannot speak well in English, so before I start the conversation, I have to introduce myself in simple English, then they in return will be speaking to me in English. Mobile messaging is also not common with dealers. They usually use WhatsApp or email.

f. Be straightforward to the dealer. Make sure that you give what you want to the dealer. Some dealers may cheat you with high prices, but some are also honest to you. You can gauge that on how they deal business to you and on how they explain things about the car when you are in doubt. Just be straightforward so that they are aware that the person they are dealing with is serious in having a business transaction with them.

g. It is also better to get feedback from friends or from your local network (organization) who have experience dealing with second hand cars. This will help you get away from being cheated in over priced cars.

h. Ask the dealer to explain the definition of "ON THE ROAD" (OTR). They always say this but as a foreigner, you have to know what this means. OTR means everything is settled, including the transferring of the car's name to you as the buyer as well as the insurance and PUSPAKOM inspection.

i. Ask for the record of the car. This is very important so that you have background knowledge of the last owner and to monitor if the car has been involved in any crime or accident. It is also highly recommended to get a first owner car with low mileage and at least not more than 10 years.

j. Check the interior and exterior of the car. This is your right as a buyer. But take note that second hand dealers only change and provide warranty to the gearbox and engine. For the accessories like sun visors, wipers, steering lock, solar film and others, this also depends on how you deal with the dealer.

k. Make sure to respect the dealer as he/she respects you. Do not shout at the dealer or say anything that is offensive or that damages their reputation as a second hand dealer. If this happens, I guarantee that you will not be entertained nicely and that free items might be minimal.

l. Make sure that the breaks are also functioning. This refers to the front and back break pads. Some second hand dealers are willing to change the front and back brakes if the brake pads are already below 60 percent.

m. Timing and pump belts are also necessary as part of your talking points to make sure that the second hand dealer knows what your demand is. If the car is beyond 10 years old, it is a must to change the pump belt and timing belt.

n. It is also the practice to have a booking fee once you have decided to buy the car. The remaining amount will be paid when the car is ready and has been transferred to your name.

o. Gearbox and engine is usually with one month warranty while the spare parts that you've requested to change falls for one week warranty only.

p. Make sure to get the contact number of your dealer and other details, especially on the documents.

q. Change oil, fuel filters, radiation flush and under chassis check will also be part of the maintenance responsibility check of the second hand car dealer.

r. Please note as well that second hand car dealers in Malaysia are basically the Chinese, Malays, and some Indians. So when dealing with them, make sure you have an interpreter or somebody who can assist you to negotiate due to communication barrier.  

s. Request to test drive the car. This is your right as a buyer. You are allowed to try the car so that you can check for yourself the condition of the car you are buying based on your agreed transaction.

In my case, I met this second hand car dealer named Steven in Johor Bahru. He was able to explain to us politely about the car that I am interested in.  He is a Malaysian Chinese and he cannot speak well in English. However, he tried his best to speak in English for me to understand his points.

Sometimes, he speaks in Mandarin and my mum in law has to translate it to me. He is very patient in explaining the realities of transportation in Malaysia such as JPJ transfer fees, insurance fees, road tax, and Puspakom inspection.
   
During our business transaction, he also gave me an update about the repairs that were made for the second hand car. He is really a good man.   

Going back to our topic, last but not least, do express your gratitude to the second hand dealer even if you are the customer. They also deserved to be gratified.