A Malaysian man has sparked discussion online after sharing an exchange with his mother-in-law, who allegedly suggested that he upgrade his car to something bigger.
According to the man, his mother-in-law appeared to assume that her son-in-law was earning around RM50,000 a month, judging from the kind of car she wanted him to buy.
The story was shared by a netizen on Threads and reflects his personal account of the incident.
MIL allegedly asked him to get a Vellfire
In his post, the man recalled his mother-in-law telling him that he should consider changing his car.
According to him, she suggested getting a Toyota Vellfire, saying his current car was too small whenever she sat in the back with the grandchildren.
Vellfire lah, you should change your car already. Surely you don’t want to keep using a Vios. There’s barely enough space for me at the back with the grandchildren,” he recalled her saying.
However, the man said the suggestion was far beyond what he could afford.
He explained that his monthly salary was only around RM5,000.
He then told his mother-in-law that even the car she wanted for herself was already difficult for him to afford.
Mak, Naim’s salary isn’t enough for the car you want. Even buying a secondhand Alza might not get approved, especially when I’m already supporting all your children,” he said.
His response appeared to suggest that he was already carrying several financial commitments involving the family.
Netizens’ reaction
The conversation also led other Malaysians to share their own experiences with parents commenting on their choice of car.
Several netizens found the situation relatable, with some saying family members sometimes underestimate how expensive monthly car repayments can be.
“Even in 2026, some parents still pressure their children to upgrade cars just to look better than others. One friend earning RM1,700 was told to buy a Honda or Toyota, but he chose a Perodua Viva because that was what he could afford while supporting his siblings.”
“My friend went through something similar. His mother-in-law kept pressuring him to buy a Trax so he would look well off, but he asked who was going to pay the monthly instalments.”
“Buying it just to please other people. Instead of asking him to buy something to make her daughter’s life easier. Funny mother-in-law.”
