8 unexpected costs Malaysians face when owning a car

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Owning a car in Malaysia isn’t just about the upfront price. It’s a constant balancing act of expenses, from rising petrol prices to unexpected fines. Think you've budgeted enough? Here are eight unexpected costs that might catch you off guard and how to hack them.

1. Traffic Fines: A Silent Drain

We all hate getting slapped with vehicle traffic fines. Whether it’s speeding tickets or parking violations, these costs pile up fast. Pro tip? Use the Motorist App to stay ahead of summonses, so you don’t pay late fees or get penalized unnecessarily.

2. Fluctuating Petrol Prices

The Malaysia petrol price is like a rollercoaster ride always up and down! With fuel subsidies being hotly debated, your monthly fuel expenses can spike unexpectedly. Consider carpooling or selling your gas guzzler on the Motorist App for something more fuel-efficient.

3. Car Depreciation

Your car loses value every second you own it. This hidden cost is brutal when it's time to sell. Avoid the headache use the Motorist App to get a free car valuation and sell at the best price.

4. Maintenance Costs Beyond the Basics

It’s not just oil changes. From tires to timing belts, maintenance can cost thousands yearly. Regular servicing can help, but unexpected breakdowns? That’s when things get pricey.

5. Insurance Premium Hikes

Got into a fender bender? Your NCD (No Claim Discount) is toast, and your premiums skyrocket. Many Malaysians forget to account for these sudden hikes when calculating yearly expenses.

6. Toll Charges

Driving across Klang Valley daily? Toll fees can eat up RM100 or more monthly. Planning routes with apps like Waze can help, but even better—sell your car if you barely use it and take public transport instead!

7. Loan Interest Rates

If you're on a car loan, you're paying way more than the sticker price. Rising interest rates in Malaysia mean you’re paying more every year. Consider refinancing or selling your car for a debt-free lifestyle.

8. Car Mods and Accessories

Who doesn’t want their ride to look cool? Spoilers, rims, and tinting may seem like one-time splurges but can add up to tens of thousands over time. Instead of pouring money into mods, think long-term save up for a better car later.

Take Control of Your Car Ownership Costs

Malaysians don’t have to lose money unnecessarily. Whether you’re battling rising petrol prices or fed up with costly repairs, the Motorist App helps you save smarter. Get a free car valuation, manage traffic fines, and make car ownership less stressful today.

Download the Motorist App now! 🚗


Read More: 7 things Malaysians forget after a traffic accident


I want to find the highest selling price for my car within 24 hours!

Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.

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