A young woman earning RM2,000 monthly has caught the attention of TikTok users after sharing a video of her proudly showcasing her new car.
According to the video, she is now paying a monthly installment of around RM900 for what is believed to be a Proton S70.
This raised concerns among some viewers, who felt that such a high commitment was risky given her relatively low income.
A netizen, Zeeda Aziz, also shared her advice, suggesting that car installments should not exceed 10% of a person’s net salary.
For someone earning RM2,000, a more suitable monthly commitment would be around RM200. However, for most new cars, this kind of installment is only achievable if the buyer makes a large down payment, typically more than 10% of the car’s price,”
“For example, someone interested in buying a Proton Saga 1.3L Standard AT, priced at RM38,800, would need to make a down payment of RM21,000 to enjoy a monthly installment as low as RM216.73, with an interest rate of 3.5% over a 9-year term,” she wrote.
For some, purchasing a used car with cash would be an even wiser option, especially if they have enough savings.
She also referenced Khairul Aming, a well-known entrepreneur, who in a recent interview revealed that despite his millionaire status, he still drives a Perodua Bezza.
In another story, Zeeda shared how she and her husband had recently purchased a Proton Saga 1.3L Premium AT for her mother.
She mentioned that her first experience driving the Proton Saga, during a car rental in Alor Setar, was smooth and comfortable, similar to her other car.