Car

I got the opportunity to experience "What isit like to have a car in Singapore ?" for a couple of weeks.

I used to drive in Malaysia, almost everyone drives in MAlaysia. Its a typical thing to get your license at the age of 17, the legal age to drive. Aside the "kopi lui" , I'm pretty ok with driving.

Driving in Singapore is slightly a different experience. The country may be small, but it sure have a lot of traffic lights. It doesn't make sense to have a high CC car here, unless you want to flaunt and if you goto Malaysia to drive faster. Whatever car you have, be it a BMW, Mercedes or the cute little QQ, you got to stop at the traffic light.

People are law-abiding causing un-expected brakes. Why ? Because of the speed limit of 90 kph, everyone tries to keep it at 90 - 110. When they see the sign , Camera Zone, they brake to reduce speed to 88- 90 on a freeway. Thats so dangerous, cause it cause a domino braking effect the cars behind and if one is not looking, panic brakes, accidents. The speed limit is too slow on the freeway.And I always wonder, does the camera always have film inside? Well, I do not know if I have incur any speeding fines.

Parking. The lack of parking space probably explains why they are expensive and there is almost no such thing as free parking. Everywhere you want to park your car, you pay, except IMM and your friend's condo. And notice everyone reverse park. Its a Singapore thingy I guess.

Kiasuism. People don't give way. Elsewhere at least in Malaysia ,its ok to let one or two cars that politely signal to cut in. Its not the case in Singapore. Well, only the gutsy survive here.

Honking. its a South East Asian incld China phenomenon, not just here. I think everyone who drove before in other countries, people are courteous , there is hardly honking. They honk only in case of danger. Here, people honk at anything. You cut it, they honk, hesistate a bit at the green light, they honk, slow a bit, they honk.

Signal to change lanes. Well, people been telling me singaporeans don't signal when changing lanes. Well, they do. ITs not 100% but 50% do.

Anyways, why don't own a car then..

1. A good car technically can last for more than 10 years but the value of the car in Singapore depreciates faster than me balding.

2. Driving cost. Besides the car installment, parking, ERP, insurance, tax , and unforeseen expenses can take a toll on you. And not to mention fines.

3. Bus, trains and taxis are convinient if you know and plan your timing well.

Probably will get a car when I need it.