Having a car is essential, especially for families managing their daily lives. But for many, new cars are just too expensive, pushing them towards buying used ones instead.
Yet, this option isn’t without its risks, as a recent viral incident demonstrated, revealing the dangers that can come with purchasing a second-hand vehicle.
Used Toyota Vios breaks down within a week of buying it
Recently, a story went viral on social media about a woman who was allegedly scammed when the used Toyota Vios she bought for RM51,790 broke down just a week after purchase.
In a video posted on the TikTok account @bro_wong, the issue was shared by a used car dealer known as Wong.
It was understood that the woman contacted Wong for assistance with her broken car. Wong went to the woman’s house to inspect the vehicle before taking it to a workshop for repairs.
Bought used Toyota Vios without warranty
The woman’s ordeal began when the car, which she had bought without a warranty, malfunctioned unexpectedly.
Despite her attempts to reach out to the seller for assistance, she found herself ignored and left stranded. This left her in a dire situation, exacerbated by the fact that she was a single mother relying heavily on the car for transportation.
According to the woman, the Vios she bought three months ago had no warranty, leading the seller to refuse responsibility for any damages.
The woman recounted, “I bought this car 3 months ago and used it for only a week before it broke down. This is the only transport I have, and I am a single mum.”
She continued, “I contacted and messaged him (the car seller), but he didn’t respond. I went to the shop, but they said they couldn’t do anything because there’s no warranty.”
It was claimed as a 2014 model but was actually manufactured in 2013
Further investigation into the purchase revealed shocking details about the transaction. The seller had purportedly misrepresented the vehicle, claiming it was a 2014 model when, in fact, it was manufactured in 2013.
What’s more, the initial price tag of RM35,000 ballooned to RM51,790 after the addition of various fees such as
- Full loan of RM35,000
- Processing fee of RM10,000
- Puspakom fee of RM1,500
- On-The-Road (OTR) cost of RM51,790
Moreover, the single mother had to make monthly payments of RM1,107.73 with an interest rate of 9%.
According to what’s written on this document, for a full loan of RM51,000 at a 4% interest rate, the monthly payment should be RM825. However, it’s stated here as RM1,107, which is at a 9% interest rate.
Clearly, the monthly payment amount is unreasonable, especially since the car is a used vehicle from 2013.
Following this incident, Wong advised the public to think carefully before buying a used car. He also recommended asking for a written warranty from the seller to avoid such problems.
‘She might as well buy a new car with that monthly payment’
The story sparked significant outrage among netizens. Many people in the comment section were shocked by the monthly installment.
One user wrote, “Wow, RM1K monthly? She might as well buy a new car.”
Another said, “RM51,000 could get her a brand new Saga, Bezza, or Axia Adv.”
A third person added, “That processing fee is crazy expensive! Why did she agree to pay up to RM13,000?”
Watch the clip here: