Salary Below RM3000? Here is a list of the 5 Cheapest Car Models With The Best Fuel Consumption

"Can I really buy a car with this salary?"

"Will the bank accept my loan?” 

"What’s the most suitable car for me, with a salary below RM3k?"

These are some of the many questions that cross the minds of many people when they consider purchasing a car. In this article, CariCarz would like to share some important things you need to know about buying a car, as well as a list of the five best cars that can be bought with a salary of RM3000 and below.

The info shared in this article is also suitable for anyone with a high commitment, as the cars listed are among the latest cars offered at the lowest prices in Malaysia.

First things first, how do we calculate car loan eligibility?

Have you ever heard people say that the most suitable car price for us is based on our total income in a year? This means that if your salary is RM3,000, your annual income is RM36,000. Through this calculation, the right car for you is within that price range.

But is it true? 

In all honesty, it's not that simple. In the tips shared, they did not take into account the net salary after deductions from the EPF, SOCSO and so on, especially monthly commitments or expenses. 

All of these things are very important in order to get a more accurate and realistic car ownership estimate figure. Families with a salary of RM3,000 have a higher commitment than single. So, the price of an affordable car is different.

So what is the actual calculation method?

With a basic salary of RM3,000, find the total net salary by subtracting the amount of compulsory deductions such as EPF, SOCSO, PCB and others.

Then calculate monthly commitments or expenses such as home loan payments, other car loans, credit cards and so on. 

Assuming the remaining balance is RM1,000, the monthly payment for a new car that best suits your income is half of that balance, this means that the best total instalment payment is RM500 per month.

Why half the balance and not the entire remaining salary?

This is because, in car ownership, you not only have to cover expenses for monthly instalments, but also other costs such as maintenance, tolls, fuel and others.

You can use the calculator provided by the CTOS website to calculate eligibility based on total commitments.

The car price estimate is made using a car monthly instalment payment calculator that can easily be found online. For a more accurate calculation, you need to know the exact interest rate charged by the selected bank. 

You can use some comparison websites to find out which banks offer car loans and see the interest rates charged as well as the minimum eligibility to apply for a loan.

For this article, the value of the downpayment we used is 10 percent of the car’s price, with a loan tenure of 9 years and an estimated bank interest rate of 3 percent (varies by bank). However, keep in mind that the interest rate charged will be higher if the loan repayment period is longer.

Below is a list of the 5 latest car models that can be bought with a salary below RM3000 or if you have a high commitment. These prices are not inclusive of insurance. 

Perodua Axia

Perodua Axia is the most affordable new car that can be bought in Malaysia. Starting from RM23,367 for the E variant and up to RM41,427 for the Axia's highest variant, the AV.

The colours offered are Sunrise Orange, Lava Red, Midnight Blue, Glittering Silver and Ivory White.

Among the advantages of this car is that it is significantly easy to operate due to its small size and is ideal for anyone who has just gotten their car license. In addition to that, the Axia is also known as one of the most fuel-efficient car models with estimated fuel consumption of around 4.6 litres/100 km.

What Is The Best Variant For Perodua Axia?

The best variant out of the five offered in the author’s opinion is the AV variant. This variant is equipped with Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 technology or Advanced Safety Assistance which consists of four basic functions namely pre-collision warning, pre-collision braking, front vehicle warning moving to front (front departure alert) and misoperation control pedal. Definitely nothing wrong with paying more for security!

This variant is also the only variant that is complete with a reverse camera, a feature that is very convenient for the driver especially when parking.

On top of that, the AV variant also offers more convenience features as compared to other variants such as audio control buttons on the steering wheel of the car. 

If your income does not qualify you to own an AV, you can even opt for the GXtra variant that has many important or interesting features that are not in the previous variant with an additional payment of only RM1455 or a monthly difference of RM15!

For additional info, check out the link below;

Perodua Axia Brochure

Perodua Axia official website

Perodua Bezza

Starting from RM33,456 for the manual G variant, up to RM48,356 for the Bezza's highest variant, the AV.

The colours offered are Garnet Red, Granite Gray, Sugar Brown, Ocean Blue, Glittering Silver and Ivory White. 

Among the advantages is that the Perodua Bezza is said to be one of the non -stingy models offered at a price of less than RM50,000. This is because the previous variant still comes with equipment that is available on the higher variants such as LED lights (front and rear), Bluetooth connectivity, reversing sensor and even signal lights on the side mirrors.

The size of this car is also very commendable, especially the cargo area of ​​the car which reaches up to 508 litres. It is definitely suitable for travel.

What Is The Best Variant For Perodua Bezza?

If you notice, the Bezza is offered in two different engine types, namely the 1.0L and 1.3L. So which engine would you choose? As many know, the car engine has a huge impact on the overall driving experience. The 1.3L engine has a power output of 94 hp, which is indeed higher than the 1.0L. This power provides more driving comfort if the car is full of passengers. Not only that, but the 1.3L model also has a more efficient fuel consumption rate of 4.5 L/100 km.

However, that’s not the only important factor in the selection, we should also consider the safety features offered. If viewed from the details above, the AV variant is seen to be complete with ASA 2.0 in addition to the various security features available on the base variant. As mentioned in previous points, ASA 2.0 encompasses a wide range of important security technologies. If you have a bigger budget, we advise you to choose what is best for the sake of your life and that of your loved ones.

For more information, visit the links below;

Perodua Bezza Brochure

Perodua Bezza official website

Perodua Myvi

From a starting of RM41,292 for the base variant, the G manual, up to RM52,697 for the highest variant of the Myvi, the AV.

The colours offered are Electric Blue, Granite Grey, Lava Red, Littering Silver and Ivory White.

Why is the Perodua Myvi one of the most used car models on the road in Malaysia? 

Targeted more towards the younger generation, this model uses a fairly powerful engine, but! Has an excellent fuel consumption rate, in line with its segment standards. Not to mention the design of this car which is stylish, as well as the size of the cabin is quite spacious. 

What Is The Best Variant For Perodua Myvi?

For the variant that provides the best purchase value in terms of fuel consumption rate, comfort and safety at the most affordable price, the X variant is the answer.

When compared to other variants either lower than it or higher (based on the estimates stated on paper), the fuel consumption rate of the X variant is the best which is 4.7 L/100 km. Other variants have an estimated fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km or 5.0 L/100 km.

For those who enjoy getting into their feels and listening to songs while driving, starting from this variant you get the rear speakers in a more robust version with a larger size and the convenience of audio buttons on the steering wheel. Best of all, for this model you are able to choose whether you want the car to be equipped with ASA safety technology or not.

For more information, visit the links below;

Perodua Myvi Brochure

Perodua Myvi Official Website

Proton Saga

Starting from RM33,954.59 for the base variant which is the Standard MT, up to RM41,147.51 for the highest variant of the Proton Saga which is the Premium AT.

The colours offered are Snow White, Armor Silver, Jet Grey, Rosewood Maroon and Ruby Red.

The Proton Saga may sound like an ordinary car model, but its comfort is undeniable. Among the important features of all variants of the Proton Saga is that the seats are quite comfortable even for long journeys. For the driver, the steering wheel can be adjusted according to comfort. And the best thing is, all variants of this car are complete with Bluetooth (yes, even the manual variants)!

What Is The Best Variant For Proton Saga?

There isn’t much of a price difference for extra comfort which is quite significant when comparing the regular auto variant (Standard AT) and the extraordinary auto (Premium AT). With a price range of only about RM4,000, buyers can receive better security technology as well as increased comfort.

In terms of safety, the Premium AT is complete with an Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) which is essential to save the car from slipping in various situations such as when avoiding obstacles, understeer, oversteer or slippery roads.

Other safety features available on this variant is Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Standing Assistance (HHA), front parking sensor and reverse camera.

More than that, interesting features available in the vehicle is a more robust audio system such as 7 -inch touch screen monitor, 4 speakers and audio buttons on the steering wheel. 

For further information, check out the links below;

Proton Saga Brochure

Proton Saga Official Website

Proton Iriz

Starting from RM37,964.83 for the base variant 1.3L Standard MT and up to RM52,384.27 for the highest variant of Proton Iriz which is Premium CVT.

The colours offered are Ocean Blue, Ruby Red, Snow White, Armor Silver and Jet Gray.

What’s The Best Variant For Proton Iriz?

Out of all the options available, the 1.3L Executive CVT is the best choice in terms of value. This variant is all-inclusive when viewed from the point of safety and comfort. Among the interesting features available on the 1.3L Executive CVT and above is an audio system with a 7 -inch touch monitor, 4 speakers, smartphone connectivity, push-start button, Follow Me Home headlights, DRL headlights, auto headlights, reverse camera and so on.

For further information, check out the links below;

Proton Iriz Brochure

Proton Iriz Official Website

Which car model stole your heart? Myvi, Axia, Saga, Iriz or Bezza? We hope this article helps you make the right choice.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are translated directly from Caricarz’s writer, Sofea Najmi.