I am a 22 year old college graduate of computer engineering. Graduated in one of the best engineering school in the country. With friends in the mechanical engineering field in the Philippines, yet, I don;t know how to drive.

Ok, before I start to kill you from laughing I know that it sucks. But I don’t think there is a good reason why I should own a car. For one, I like commuting, I get to see hot chicks on the MRT, talk to them and if fortunate enough, get their numbers. And best of all, its exercise. Ok, nagbibiro lang ako kase wala talaga pambili ng kotse.

Kidding aside, the Philippines, especially Manila, is very crowded, I never imagine myself driving a car and just burning the fuel while waiting for the traffic to move. I know it sounds stupid but I hope you get the point. It would be much more costly if I buy a car.

I’ll get a car loan, be in debt, pay for maintenance. pay for gas and all. I know not all of you are like that as you can easily get your mom or dad’s blessing and they will buy you a new one. The point is, not every Filipino can afford a car.

Now that the bad side has been laid out, lets look on the good site of having a car.

First of all, convenience how. How cool is it to go anywhere, anytime with your car. Places that a bus can’t go, the MRT can go, or pedicab can go. And most importantly, if you have a decent car, most people will go “WOW CHEDENG” or be amazed at how your car is well groomed. Sounds familiar?

Second, pogi points. Yep… This is the best chick magnet for all the kiddos out there. Why do you think girls like those with wheels?

On to the business side of things

Did you know that the car sales in the Philippines since 2006 has increased by 18%. That’s already a whopping percentage. And a lot of cars!

As you can see. The Philippines have it second to the most sales when it comes to cars. The top sales would be appliances and then the car sales second.

Can you imagine? A lot of cars sold in the Philippines and a lot of cars on the streets! That would make it even more practical to NOT purchase a car. :P.

But the fact is, I will let you all decide. Whether you need it for work or you can cover the gas and maintenance expenses go for it. In the long run, what is more convenient for you would be the best way to go. Either to own a car in the Philippines or not.

How to Buy a New Car

This would be a series in helping fellow Filipino car lovers in buying their first car. I know the for a fact that when we try to do things for the first time, we might screw up. Screw that mentality, we’ll help you get the best deal for you with simple guidelines in buying cars in the Philippines.

This will be a series of guide for all so always stay tuned.

Buying Your New Car

Think about what car model and options you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Do some research. You’ll be less likely to feel pressured into making a hasty or expensive decision at the showroom and more likely to get a better deal.

Consider these suggestions:

• Check publications at a library or bookstore, or on the Internet, that discuss new car features and prices. These may provide information on the dealer’s costs for specific models and options.
• Shop around to get the best possible price by comparing models and prices in ads and at dealer showrooms. You also may want to contact car-buying services and broker-buying services to make comparisons.
• Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their profit margin, often between 10 and 20 percent. Usually, this is the difference between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price.
• Because the price is a factor in the dealer’s calculations regardless of whether you pay cash or finance your car — and also affects your monthly payments — negotiating the price can save you money.
• Consider ordering your new car if you don’t see what you want on the dealer’s lot. This may involve a delay, but cars on the lot may have options you don’t want — and that can raise the price. However, dealers often want to sell their current inventory quickly, so you may be able to negotiate a good deal if an in-stock car meets your needs.

Now that you know these suggestions, please take the time to reflect about it and we’ll post some more guides that will help you in buying cars in the Philippines.