Everyone says “just get a car” after you graduate but no one talks about the real costs that come after.
Petrol, insurance, repairs; it all adds up faster than you think.
You should be looking at cars priced between RM30K & RM50K
And if you’re earning between RM2,500 and RM3,000, buying a car is doable as long as you choose wisely.
Ideally, your monthly instalment should stay below 15% of your salary, and the car’s price shouldn’t be more than what you make in a year.
With that in mind, here are some 2024 models in Malaysia that fit the budget, along with their estimated monthly costs to help you plan ahead.
Top affordable cars for those who earn RM2.5K – RM3K
1. Perodua Axia 1.0 G AT
- Price: RM33,490
- Estimated Monthly Instalment: ~RM423
- Fuel Efficiency: ~22.5 km/L
- Why It’s Good:
Malaysia’s most affordable automatic hatchback. Very low maintenance and great for city driving. - Consider If:
You want minimum commitment and maximum fuel savings.
2. Proton Saga 1.3 Standard AT
- Price: RM35,800
- Estimated Monthly Instalment: ~RM450
- Fuel Efficiency: ~14–18 km/L
- Why It’s Good:
Spacious for its price, comfortable ride quality, and comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard. - Consider If:
You want a bigger car that can comfortably fit family or friends for long trips.
3. Perodua Bezza 1.0 G AT
- Price: RM36,580
- Estimated Monthly Instalment: ~RM460
- Fuel Efficiency: ~22 km/L
- Why It’s Good:
Outstanding boot space (508L), low running costs, and very popular among e-hailing drivers for its reliability. - Consider If:
You need a balance between daily commuting and occasional intercity travel.
4. Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT
- Price: RM42,800
- Estimated Monthly Instalment: ~RM540
- Fuel Efficiency: ~15–17 km/L
- Why It’s Good:
Sportier design, better cabin insulation, and stronger safety features with ESC and Traction Control System (TCS). - Consider If:
You prefer a hatchback with better driving dynamics and don’t mind slightly higher maintenance.
5. Perodua Myvi 1.3 G AT
- Price: RM44,300
- Estimated Monthly Instalment: ~RM560
- Fuel Efficiency: ~20.1 km/L
- Why It’s Good:
Known as the “King of the Road” for good reason: it’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and packed with features like Eco Idle, Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A) (for higher trims), and solid resale value. - Consider If:
You want long-term value, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
Important:
Instalments are calculated based on a 9-year loan tenure, 3% interest rate, and 10% downpayment.
What about monthly running costs?
Beyond your loan installment, here’s what you should expect to spend monthly just to keep your car running:
1. Petrol
- RM250–RM400/month
- Based on average usage and fuel prices in Malaysia (RON95), compact cars usually require RM60–RM90/week depending on distance.
2. Insurance + Road Tax
- RM80–RM120/month (averaged)
- Annual insurance for fresh grads with no NCD can range RM900–RM1,200 for compact cars. Road tax ranges from RM20–RM90 per year.
3. Maintenance
- RM50–RM100/month (averaged)
- Includes regular service (oil changes, tire rotation, etc.). Costs are generally lower for Proton and Perodua models.
Estimated total monthly commitment:
- ~RM800–RM1,200/month, combining loan, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
Fresh graduate car loan packages
Some banks in Malaysia offer special car loan schemes for fresh graduates to make it easier:
- Maybank Graduate Car Loan: Up to 100% financing for selected models.
- Bank Muamalat Auto Grad Scheme: Financing up to 100%, minimal documentation.
- Ambank Graduate Car Financing: Flexible repayment options for first-time buyers.
These schemes typically allow slightly lower income entry but always come with stricter repayment checks later, so borrow responsibly.
If you’re starting out with a RM2,500–RM3,000 salary, smart planning can make sure your first car experience is a blessing, not a burden.
Pick something affordable. Budget for all hidden costs. And always leave room in your finances for savings, emergencies, and yes, even the occasional weekend getaway.
Sources: RinggitPlus, Direct Lending and GoInsuran
