I’m not a COE Expert, nor can I offer a solid solution, just a guy that got mad about the system and wanted to rant.
Here is what I think
I recently heard about a story of a couple who got married, moved into their BTO flat and are expecting their first child later this year.
Since their flat is not near MRT (cannot walk there in 10mins), they decided to get a car. (Not even a good car, just some wheels that can drive).
But since COE is expensive and all cheap used cars have their COE expire in less than a year, they are kind of out of luck.
We obviously still need to limit cars to avoid deadlock traffic. But I find it ridiculous that a new couple needs to fork out ~$100k for the COE just for the right to own a car.
Yes, you can have kids without a car, but one can’t deny the convenience of driving 20mins back home from work (rather than an 1hr on public transport) the ease of bringing your kid around without one.
The only solution I have is some process that people can go through to prove they need (e.g. children, elderly & disabilities etc.) a car before they can get some COE rebate…
Here are what netizens think
- At some point, we have to accept that Singapore is an expensive place to have a family. Is more like a place for you to work then take the money and go elsewhere.
- Take a bus? Cycle? Top up that 100++k and use it to buy a better house? At least the damn value won’t drop the moment your hand touches the keys? Tell that couple don’t bluff themselves, they WANT the car, everything else is just excuse.
- Repeat after me a car is a want in Singapore, not a need. You can afford it good. You can’t then save more or earn more. Short term lease, phv and taxis are way cheaper than owning a car.
With a young baby in tow, most people won’t be making daily drives around Singapore bringing the baby around.
Anyone who says they buy a car for their baby is talking rubbish. They are buying for themselves.