Rich people don’t always drive flashy cars. In fact, sometimes it’s the opposite.
A Malaysian woman working in car sales recently shared how higher earners are surprisingly modest with their choices, while some lower-income buyers aim straight for luxury.
Her post, shared on Threads, has gone viral for showing the unexpected reality of car-buying habits in Malaysia.
RM1.9K salary, no license… but wants an S70?
The story began when the car salesperson encountered two very different customers.
One of them, earning a net salary of just RM1.9K and without a valid driving license, applied to buy a Proton S70, a premium pick for someone with minimal financial capacity.
In contrast, another customer earning RM5K monthly with low commitments was far more cautious.
They chose a car with payments below RM500 and even double-confirmed that they wanted the basic Saga Standard, saying:
Yes, just the basic one. Times are tough now.”
This sharp contrast prompted the seller to reflect that higher-income individuals often make more measured choices, though it’s not a universal rule.
‘People earning RM8K or RM9K are still driving Axias and Sagas’
Her post quickly resonated with netizens, many of whom shared their own car-buying philosophies and experiences.
Several commenters echoed a recurring theme: just because you can spend more doesn’t mean you should. In fact, many prioritised peace of mind over prestige.
“I earn RM7K a month and I’m only planning to get an Axia Advance,” one user shared.
“It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, and doesn’t give me a headache at month-end.”
Others pointed out that even when money isn’t an issue, modesty often prevails.
One woman said her husband, who works in Singapore and earns well, has never bought a car. He simply continued driving her Myvi.
A Car Is More Than Just A Monthly Payment
As the conversation grew, netizens began pointing out an often-overlooked part of car ownership: maintenance and long-term costs.
It’s not just about affording the car today. It’s about managing repairs, services, and unexpected expenses over several years.
“You’re not just buying a car. You’re buying the battery, service, tyres, repairs, and years of commitment,” one netizen wrote.
“Wanting comfort is okay, but not if it becomes a financial burden.”
Several commenters admitted that even basic upkeep like battery replacements or scheduled servicing made them hesitate, especially when they weren’t equipped with the right knowledge or budget.
That’s when complaints about “everything being expensive” tend to pile up.
The Quiet Trend Among High Earners
Wrapping up the discussion, many users noticed a curious trend. People with higher salaries often drive simpler cars, while those earning less go all-out.
This observation sparked both praise and concern, with some calling it smart financial maturity and others questioning whether younger buyers are being too easily influenced by image and social pressure.
“People earning RM8K or RM9K are still driving Axias and Sagas,” one commenter noted.
“But those earning RM3K to RM4K are already behind the wheel of HR-Vs. It’s fine, I guess, so long as they’re truly happy.”
View on Threads
