A Malaysian man’s decision to buy a Honda Civic to feel more confident when meeting clients has sparked debate online, with netizens sharing mixed opinions about whether appearances and status symbols truly matter in professional settings.
“I’m tired of people looking down on me”
The story was shared by a car salesperson who recounted meeting a 27-year-old man who came to view a 2018 Honda Civic TC-P.
According to the salesperson, the man earns RM3,800 a month and has been working for the past five years. He currently commutes to work on a motorcycle and has some savings set aside.
However, he admitted that he often felt less confident when meeting clients.
I’m tired of people looking down on me,” he said.
Initially, the man assumed the Civic’s monthly installment would be over RM1,200, but after the salesperson calculated the numbers, the amount turned out to be lower.
The car was priced at RM65,800, with insurance and road tax costing RM3,090, along with a 10% deposit. Based on the calculation, the monthly installment would be around RM800.
However, after factoring in insurance, road tax, and maintenance costs, the total monthly commitment would be approximately RM1,100.
The salesperson told him honestly that the purchase could still make sense if his other financial commitments were low.
Took two days to think about it
Despite the explanation, the man did not immediately make a booking and decided to go home to think about it.
Two days later, he returned with a decision.
His reason was simple.
If I buy this, it’s not to show off. I just want to feel like I’m moving up a little in life.”
According to the salesperson, the man explained that he wasn’t trying to impress others, but simply wanted to feel like he was making progress in life.
He eventually proceeded with the booking and has now been driving the car for about a month.
The salesperson later shared that the man sent him a message saying his confidence had improved when meeting clients and people around him.
Netizens divided over his decision
The story quickly sparked discussion online, with many netizens sharing their views on the matter.
Some argued that skills and expertise matter far more than the car someone drives.
One netizen wrote:
“I make million ringgit deals and go to meetings with just an X50. People value your expertise more than your car.”
Another commenter also pointed out that clients usually buy based on trust and how a person presents themselves, not their vehicle.
“People buy from you because of how you project yourself. They buy because they trust you, not because of what you have.”
Others warned that trying too hard to meet other people’s expectations could become a never-ending cycle.
“If your life depends on what other people think, it will never stop. Today it’s the car, tomorrow it will be something else.”
Some even joked that they prefer to dress simply so others underestimate them.
“I actually prefer dressing simply so people think I don’t have money,” one user wrote.
Others say confidence itself can be an investment
However, not everyone disagreed with the man’s decision.
Some netizens pointed out that everyone has different milestones in life, and what may seem small to some could be a meaningful achievement for others.
One commenter reminded others not to belittle the purchase.
“Some people say it’s just a Civic, not an expensive car. But everyone has different achievements in life.”
Another netizen shared that in certain industries, appearances can sometimes play a role in shaping first impressions.
They gave the example of a friend who works in real estate and bought a BMW 428i, which helped him project a stronger image and eventually close more sales.
At the end of the day, many agreed that the real issue isn’t the car itself, but the confidence it gives the person driving it.
As one netizen put it:
“People are missing the point. It’s not about what others think, but how you see yourself. When you feel confident, you naturally carry yourself differently.”
