Owning a car in Singapore can be a real financial commitment, but we made the decision to have one for a mix of reasons. There's definitely a part of it that fulfills our (my wife and i) desire for convenience and mobility. However, a significant portion of this decision is out of necessity, primarily driven by my grandmother's wheelchair-bound condition.
Providing her with the ability to get out and about is crucial for her well-being, and having our own mode of transport is the most comfortable and dignified way to do that. While public transportation is an option, we understand that it might not be the best choice for her, as she prefers a more private and less spotlighted experience. In the end, it's a choice that combines our wants and her needs, ensuring her comfort and independence.
This makes sense. I have heard it is crazy expensive there to own a car.
Yeah it really is! On top of the cost of acquiring the car, there is a unique requirement in Singapore known as the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) that must be obtained by anyone who wishes to own a car in the country. These days, the cost of a COE is nearly equivalent to that of the car itself! What's more, it comes with a 10-year expiration period 😵