Having a car in Singapore is expensive compared to most other countries, so why not make it as easy as possible? Here’s a reader who used to own the cars he drove but is now a firm convert to the benefits of leasing – and he loves his car!
Name: Peter Young
Originally from: UK
Years in Singapore: 7
Here with: Wife and 11-year-old daughter
Job: Private art dealer
What type of car do you drive?
A Volvo XC60 T6, sort of a metallic brown colour. It’s almost an antique now by Singapore standards – but I love it, and don’t want a new car I can “talk to”.
Why did you choose it?
My previous car with Wearnes was a regular Volvo saloon; it went in for servicing, and they gave me this as a replacement. When my car was ready, I refused to give this one back!
What are a few of your favourite features of the car?
Wheels, windows, seats… I’m easily pleased.
What kinds of cars have you driven in the past?
Like many people, I started out at seventeen with old wrecks – cars that broke down on the motorway at 3am. That was in England, and the RAC were my regular friends! After that, I had a Ford Capri (really), various BMWs, then Volvos when we lived in Melbourne for seven years.
What’s your current leasing arrangement with Wearnes?
I give them money each month, and they let me drive their car. Seriously though, I’ve always owned my own car before moving to Singapore, but here that just seemed too expensive and too much trouble. Now, I absolutely love leasing. Everything is taken care of – you just put petrol in and drive.
What are the servicing arrangements? Do you find it convenient?
Wearnes are exemplary here. There’s regular servicing with a replacement car, of course, but for any other problems or breakdowns, there’s a number which is always (always!) answered and the issue dealt with straight away – including an on-the-spot replacement vehicle if needed. The car always comes back fully cleaned as well, which is a bonus.
What do you like about driving in Singapore?
Pure convenience, relatively easy traffic, and the fact that every single car park in the entire country takes payment from the same payment card.
Are you a “car person”? If so, what’s your dream car?
I love driving rather than cars themselves; so, as long as the car works, I’m generally fine with it. Maseratis are beautiful (which is important to me as I work with art), but I’d probably choose a Tesla Model S. That’s clearly the future in one form or another, and apparently they go quite fast too.
If you could do a driving holiday anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Two choices: the Northwest Highlands of Scotland for pure, breathtaking scenery around every corner; but for more variety and better food, from Zurich through Ticino to Northern Italy, ending up at one of the Italian lakes.
Wearnes Automotive
28 Leng Kee Road
6876 5063 | wearnesleasing.com
