Getting the keys to your first car is a feeling like no other. But let's be real: for a young driver, the cost of a brand-new car in Singapore can be... a lot. So it’s only natural your quest for a good set of wheels has led you to the used car market.
But hark! Buying a used car is still a huge commitment. We’re talking down payments, road tax, COE, and the big one: car insurance. It’s a lot to handle. But if you’ve done the math and are set on buying, you need a dealer you can trust. After much research, plus conversations with sellers, as well as buyers and dealers of second-hand cars, I’ve put together this guide to help you find some of the best and most reliable used car dealerships in Singapore.
01 • Carro
For the tech-savvy driver, Carro has changed the game by taking a lot of the process online. They’re known for their "Carro Certified" vehicles, which come with a promise of no major accidents or mileage tampering.
Their key confidence-booster is a 160-point inspection, a 5-day money-back guarantee, and a 12-month engine and gearbox warranty on certified cars. This is a great, transparent option for a first-time buyer who values security.
🌐 Website:carro.co/sg
02 • Inchcape Certified Pre-Owned
If your motto is "reliability above all," this is where you go. Inchcape is the official distributor for brands like Toyota, so their pre-owned section is run with a similar level of professionalism.
Every car sold by Inchcape undergoes a meticulous 145-point inspection by factory-trained technicians. To top it all off, their dealers are proactive with their after-sale care, and will follow up with you to make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase. You might pay a slight premium, but it’s for a standard of quality that’s hard to beat.
📍 Address: 1 Chang Charn Road, #01-01 Orchard Credit Building, Singapore 159630
📞 Phone: 6631 1666
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 9am – 6pm | Sat, 9am – 7pm | Sun, 10am – 6pm
🌐 Website: icpreowned.com.sg
03 • Carousell
That’s right, Singapore’s favourite second-hand marketplace isn’t just for gaming consoles and Jordans. While buying a used car there means that you and your seller will have to settle all the paperwork yourselves, you’ll be able to save a few thou if you’re brave enough to try your luck and haggle.
Additionally, cars sold from the carousellcars account are Carousell Certified. This means they’ve gone through a 119-point inspection, come with 12 months warranty coverage, 2 free servicing sessions, and a whole host of other goodies ensuring that you’ll be able to buy with peace of mind.
🌐 Website: carousell.sg/used-cars-singapore
04 • VINCAR
If you want variety, VINCAR is a must-visit. They’re one of the largest dealers in Singapore, with a huge inventory that includes both new and used cars.
For a young driver, their strength is the sheer range of options, ranging from affordable models to luxury cars (plus a respectable truck selection for adventurous drivers). Vincar also has its own servicing and repair centre and can help guide you through financing options, making it a good one-stop-shop.
📍 Address: 237 Alexandra Road, #01-10 to 16 The Alexcier, Singapore 159929
📞 Phone: 6472 1119
⏰ Opening hours: 10am – 7pm daily
🌐 Website: vincar.com.sg
05 • Auto Selection SG
For the ones who can't make a purchase without spending 30 minutes scrolling through Google Reviews, Auto Selection SG, an offshoot of local BMW dealer Performance Motors Limited, is a standout. They proudly advertise their 600+ 5-star reviews across Google and Facebook.
As a dealer since the 1990s, they’ve also got a hefty track record going for them. If you’re on the hunt for a specific car make, be sure to ask for a model wishlist to be notified the instant it becomes available.
📍 Address: 1 Ubi Road 4, Singapore 408607
📞 Phone: 1800 225 5777
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 8am – 7pm | Sun, 10am – 6pm
🌐 Website: autoselection.simemotors.com.sg
So, what’s next?
Buying a used car is a fantastic way to get on the road and can be a major milestone in your journey as a driver. But if you’re looking at the down payment, insurance costs, and servicing fees and feeling a little overwhelmed, just remember you have options.
Whether you're saving up for your car, or you've decided the costs of ownership just aren't for you, GetGo’s here to fill in the gap caused by . We give you the freedom to drive over 3,000 vehicles across Singapore—from EVs to MPVs—all without the commitment. Just book, unlock, and enjoy the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between buying from a dealer and a direct owner?
Buying from a direct owner can sometimes be cheaper since there's no middleman. However, you buy the car "as-is," which means you're responsible for all checks, paperwork, and there's no warranty. For a first-time buyer, buying from a reputable dealer is much safer. You get a professionally inspected car, help with all the financing and paperwork, and most importantly, a warranty.
How much do I need for a used car’s downpayment?
In Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) sets the rules for car loans. For a used car, the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) is typically 60% or 70% of the car's price, depending on its Open Market Value (OMV). This means you should budget for a down payment of at least 30% to 40% of the car's purchase price, which you have to pay in cash.
Is buying a used car in Singapore safe?
Under Singapore’s consumer protections and lemon laws, you can make claims against the seller if the used car you get doesn’t correspond with the provided description, or fails to meet quality standards. And honestly, selling a car that can barely make it through the street is going to be more trouble than it’s worth for many sellers.
That being said, you’ll save yourself a ton of trouble by doing your due diligence. Before signing that paper, be sure to take your car through a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted workshop, and always ask to check its service history to ensure that it's been properly maintained.
Do I need to pay COE for a used car?
It depends. Most used cars have some time left in their COE (this is typically factored into their price). But once this time has run out, you’ll have to renew its COE in the same way you would for a regular car.
What other costs do I need to budget for?
This is a big one! The sticker price isn't the final price. Remember to budget for:
- Car Insurance: This is a legal requirement. As a young driver, this premium will be one of your significant costs.
- Road Tax: A recurring cost paid every 6 or 12 months.
- Servicing & Maintenance: Even a reliable car needs regular oil changes, new tyres, etc.
- Season Parking: If you live in an HDB or condo, you'll need to pay for a parking spot.
(Feature photo from: Carsnap)
