Let’s be frank: car COEs are going to stay above $100k. In 2025, we finally saw the average Category A COE go past $100k, and with the number of vehicles on the road continuing to tick up, those six figures aren’t going down anytime soon. Yet, it seems that Singaporeans are more ready than ever to accept these prices as the "new normal" just to have a set of wheels in the parking lot.
It’s easy to see why we feel that pull; traditionally, car ownership has been seen as a hallmark of success and financial stability in Singapore. But for those of us who aren’t made of money, that $100k is a steep entry fee for a depreciating asset. But will it always be this way?
COE history and projected rates
The journey to $100k for Category A has been a steep climb across 2025. While prices fluctuated, Category A premiums reached a staggering record high of $128,105 in October 2025. Even as the year closed, premiums for Category A vehicles remained elevated, finishing at $102,009 in the first bidding exercise of January 2026.
In 2026, industry observers expect COE prices to remain a significant hurdle. Although passenger car COE supply is projected to rise by approximately 20%, persistent demand from electric vehicle buyers is likely to keep premiums hovering around the $100k benchmark, which may even become the market’s new psychological reference point.
If you’re already set on buying a car, there’s nothing I can say that can convince you. But if you’ll allow me to put a finger on the scale, I’d like to show you just how far your $100k can take you.
Things you can buy with $100,000
If you’ve got plans to join the next COE bidding exercise, you’re missing out on:
- An extensive renovation for a 5-room HDB apartment, including hacking, plumbing, partition work, painting, plumbing, and electrical work.
- A 2-room BTO
- 1 high-range wedding and honeymoon
- 400 grams of 999 pure gold
- Up to 3 degrees from NUS
- 40 week-long trips to Tokyo
- 57 iPhone 17 Pros
- 20,000 $5 cai fan meals
Do you really need a car?
The truth is, many of us don't need a car every single day. We need it for heavy grocery runs, rainy day school pickups, or spontaneous food hunts. When you look at current COE prices as a barrier, remember that there are other ways.
With GetGo, you get the Freedom to Drive without the $100k entry fee. You just pay for the time and distance you actually use, while we handle the insurance, the maintenance, and even the petrol. So the next time you hear about rising COE prices, think about the house renovations, essential expenses, or world-spanning adventures you could be funding instead.
Get ready to flex your freedom,
Amanda 💙
(Featured photo: AsiaOne)
