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How to choose a budget family car in Singapore

We were recently having a conversation with a good friend about the increasing crowds in Singapore, especially on public transport. This got us thinking back to the time when we had only one child. At the time, we did not own a car and got around mainly via “BMW” – bus, MRT, and walking – as someone once jokingly told us. Being part of the “sandwiched class” in Singapore, we felt that a car was an unnecessary additional expense, as the monthly car instalment could go toward paying for something more useful.

With one child, it was easy enough getting around via public transport, though it did train our fitness somewhat to carry around a diaper bag, stroller, and weekly groceries. It did get a little troublesome if we were caught in the rain while carrying a heavy load, but we always had our trusty taxis to depend on when necessary.

When our 15-month-old (nicknamed Kwazii) was born, however, we found that commuting with two kids was much more challenging, especially as we needed to get our four-year-old (“Barnacles”) to pre-school by 8am and for several of his classes after school hours. We felt that a daily bus commute with a toddler and a baby just a couple of months old would be quite taxing for one adult, as well as tiring for two young children.

Not wanting to splurge on a brand-new car, we got a 10-year-old car in good condition and renewed the COE. We have been driving this car for a year, and although it had previously been well maintained, we did find that we had to take it to the workshop a few times for maintenance.

In the event that we do have to get a new car in future, we came up with a wish list ideal for a family of four. Singapore being one of the most expensive countries to own a car in, it was quite a challenge for us to come up with a list of cars under S$100,000, and we narrowed our search to the following trio. For us, after price, safety is a key concern when choosing a car, followed by boot space (to hold our single and double strollers), fuel efficiency, and legroom.

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra has a stylish continental look. (Photo: Hyundai Singapore Facebook)
The Hyundai Elantra has a stylish continental look. (Photo: Hyundai Singapore Facebook)

To us, the 1.6 GLS (A) has a “continental” look and, based on its price, it can be a good option if a high-end sedan is out of your budget. We like the Elantra’s spacious interior – you will still find some space (albeit slightly tight) in the middle after fitting in two child seats on both sides. As all three back seats have three-point seatbelts, we also found that a small booster seat could fit in the middle, so this car is also a possibility if you have three kids, if one is tall enough for a booster seat. There is also ample boot space to fit a tandem stroller and a luggage bag if you wanted to go on a short drive up north. The Elantra averages between 12-13km/l and is priced at about S$98,000*.

Kia Cerato K3

The Kia Cerato K3 ups the ante with an impressive makeover. (Photo: Kia Singapore Facebook)
The Kia Cerato K3 ups the ante with an impressive makeover. (Photo: Kia Singapore Facebook)

In the past, we had the impression that Kia cars were a bit like “tin cans” and thus not very safe. However, our opinion on this car brand has done a 180-degree turnaround. The Cerato K3 has certainly upped the ante with its own facelift, with a stylish continental touch on the exterior, and spacious legroom for the front and rear seats which will grant you a comfortable ride. One of the features we like is the air-conditioning vents at the rear which provides some relief for the kids on scorching hot days! Its fuel efficiency and boot space is comparable to the Elantra but one big difference is the Cerato K3’s price starting from about $86,000*.

Mitsubishi Lancer EX

If you prefer a “Made in Japan” sedan, then the Mitsubishi Lancer EX could be an option. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Singapore Facebook)
If you prefer a “Made in Japan” sedan, then the Mitsubishi Lancer EX could be an option. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Singapore Facebook)

As Japanese products are all the rage, from foodstuff to household products (like our favourite store Daiso), here is a “Made in Japan” sedan at a competitive price. However, as with many other Japanese products which tend to be “daintily” packed (which perhaps is part of the appeal), the Lancer EX’s legroom for the front and rear seats feels slightly smaller than the other two cars, and there is no space in the middle once you fit a child seat on either side of the backseat. Its boot capacity is also the smallest at 400l compared to the Elanta (420l) and Cerato K3 (482l). This means you will have to travel light if you plan to go on a family road trip. However, if you are someone who prefers a “Made in Japan” sedan, then the Lancer EX could be an option – at about S$87,000*.

From the three cars described, we would go with the Kia Cerato K3, which is reasonably priced and its ample interior and boot space will definitely help when you have two kids in tow. Even though we try to pack light, we somehow end up with so many things we need to bring along for the kids on a full day out! We leave you with a photo of our current boot which will describe why space is important to us:

*Average price indicated includes COE

Mummy and Daddy Daycare are the pseudonyms of a Singaporean husband and wife who are raising two young boys aged four and one, nicknamed Barnacles and Kwazii from the children’s Octonauts series. Get into the minds of this couple who describe parenthood as a lifetime adventure – you are always learning something new! Whoever said parenting was a walk in the park?

Other articles by Mummy and Daddy Daycare:
When should your toddler start potty training?
How to enjoy a restaurant meal with toddlers in tow
Nurturing a love for books in children