How Much is Your Net Worth?

[Temperament]

Try not to leave your car with workshop over nite if you do not know them very well.

I believe you know what i means? Go to agent for a peace of mind. U know they use original parts and they don't steal your original part from your car.

One of my friend learn this the hard way. After repeat problem arise, he got no choice but send to agent. Agent told him many parts are not original. So want to save, end up pay even more. This is a true story i share with you.

If one want o save, make sure you know the other party well enough. It is true some good thing are cheap. But most are cheap for hidden reasons hor...

That is sure way to reduce your nett worth by many digit.

Your story may be true 100 %. So far there are 100s to thousand of motor workshops in this "Little Red Dot" and no such case surfaces. Touch wood.
Still your advice is not out of the "commonsense".
Of course if i can afford to own an "exotic car", will i send to any Tom and Dick's" work-shop for servicing?
Nevertheless, in Singapore, there are non-agent workshops who specialise in servicing BMW, MERCE and what not Exotic cars. Other cars please go to other workshop hoh!
Little RED DOT is very small, we can choose a "Reputable Workshop" accredited by "AA" after doing a little homework. So not necessary every time send car to agent like Borneo Motor for small little repair. You know how much agent charges compare to non-agent workshops.

And if you own a car it's better to know something about your car and service and maintenance. Just like if you want to be in the Stock Market, you better keep learning and gather as much knowledge as as possible about Stock and Market or about Market 1st then stocks. i think i learn Market 1st then Stock. i still do.
YMMV.

[yewkim]

Thank you for all your points.

[orangetea]

Your story may be true 100 %. So far there are 100s to thousand of motor workshops in this "Little Red Dot" and no such case surfaces. Touch wood. Still your advice is not out of the "commonsense". Of course if i can afford to own an "exotic car", will i send to any Tom and Dick's" work-shop for servicing? Nevertheless, in Singapore, there are non-agent workshops who specialise in servicing BMW, MERCE and what not Exotic cars. Other cars please go to other workshop hoh! Little RED DOT is very small, we can choose a "Reputable Workshop" accredited by "AA" after doing a little homework. So not necessary every time send car to agent like Borneo Motor for small little repair. You know how much agent charges compare to non-agent workshops. And if you own a car it's better to know something about your car and service and maintenance. Just like if you want to be in the Stock Market, you better keep learning and gather as much knowledge as as possible about Stock and Market or about Market 1st then stocks. i think i learn Market 1st then Stock. i still do. YMMV.

I concur.

I usually go for second hand cars because it is considerably within my budget. Though these days used cars carry external workshop warranties, but the repair and service is not up to par...and they gain back their cost of warranty by "carrot chopping" owners with higher charge of non covered parts and fluids.

As i have been irked by the quality of repair works and costs by "conglomerate" repair shops and mechanics, i have taken to educate myself and acquiring tools from amazon and direct spare parts buying from local dealers.

Henceforth the driving of my car now is an experience of both fun and joy - to track the car operation as well as my handling and foot to pedal. Much like investing.

Similarly, the quality of repair knowledge and equipment here vs the US is similarly comparable with SG and US stock market. There is more depth in know-how with mechanics there compared to here. In sg, it is stuffed mostly by malaysians who once know jow the repair is done, they leave. The turnover rate is high and the depth of skill retained here hits a ceiling. Local sg don't take up learning nor graduates do these repairs because of surpressed potential wage in jap, korean cars. Dang, we don't even plumb our pipes at home.

My car maintenance sharing is at orangehonda.tumblr.com

Just for the auto enthusiasts....

[Temperament]

Your story may be true 100 %. So far there are 100s to thousand of motor workshops in this "Little Red Dot" and no such case surfaces. Touch wood. Still your advice is not out of the "commonsense". Of course if i can afford to own an "exotic car", will i send to any Tom and Dick's" work-shop for servicing? Nevertheless, in Singapore, there are non-agent workshops who specialise in servicing BMW, MERCE and what not Exotic cars. Other cars please go to other workshop hoh! Little RED DOT is very small, we can choose a "Reputable Workshop" accredited by "AA" after doing a little homework. So not necessary every time send car to agent like Borneo Motor for small little repair. You know how much agent charges compare to non-agent workshops. And if you own a car it's better to know something about your car and service and maintenance. Just like if you want to be in the Stock Market, you better keep learning and gather as much knowledge as as possible about Stock and Market or about Market 1st then stocks. i think i learn Market 1st then Stock. i still do. YMMV.

I concur.

I usually go for second hand cars because it is considerably within my budget. Though these days used cars carry external workshop warranties, but the repair and service is not up to par...and they gain back their cost of warranty by "carrot chopping" owners with higher charge of non covered parts and fluids.

As i have been irked by the quality of repair works and costs by "conglomerate" repair shops and mechanics, i have taken to educate myself and acquiring tools from amazon and direct spare parts buying from local dealers.

Henceforth the driving of my car now is an experience of both fun and joy - to track the car operation as well as my handling and foot to pedal. Much like investing.

Similarly, the quality of repair knowledge and equipment here vs the US is similarly comparable with SG and US stock market. There is more depth in know-how with mechanics there compared to here. In sg, it is stuffed mostly by malaysians who once know jow the repair is done, they leave. The turnover rate is high and the depth of skill retained here hits a ceiling. Local sg don't take up learning nor graduates do these repairs because of surpressed potential wage in jap, korean cars. Dang, we don't even plumb our pipes at home.

My car maintenance sharing is at orangehonda.tumblr.com

Just for the auto enthusiasts....

Spot on.
When i did minimum maintenance of changing belts drive & associates, i purchased complete set from Borneo motor. When i changed my front disc brakes, brake oils, in fact any things that i want to change or need to change, i always buy the originals. Even then you have to make sure who sell the originals as originals. This concerned the safety of your life man. No copy cat spare parts.
And i learn all these from my brother-in-law (he is a ship's engine technician). And of course some knowledge from the Internet.
Finally you have to find a reliable W/S who is willing to charged you for labour only.

[yewkim]

Your story may be true 100 %. So far there are 100s to thousand of motor workshops in this "Little Red Dot" and no such case surfaces. Touch wood. Still your advice is not out of the "commonsense". Of course if i can afford to own an "exotic car", will i send to any Tom and Dick's" work-shop for servicing? Nevertheless, in Singapore, there are non-agent workshops who specialise in servicing BMW, MERCE and what not Exotic cars. Other cars please go to other workshop hoh! Little RED DOT is very small, we can choose a "Reputable Workshop" accredited by "AA" after doing a little homework. So not necessary every time send car to agent like Borneo Motor for small little repair. You know how much agent charges compare to non-agent workshops. And if you own a car it's better to know something about your car and service and maintenance. Just like if you want to be in the Stock Market, you better keep learning and gather as much knowledge as as possible about Stock and Market or about Market 1st then stocks. i think i learn Market 1st then Stock. i still do. YMMV.

I concur.

I usually go for second hand cars because it is considerably within my budget. Though these days used cars carry external workshop warranties, but the repair and service is not up to par...and they gain back their cost of warranty by "carrot chopping" owners with higher charge of non covered parts and fluids.

As i have been irked by the quality of repair works and costs by "conglomerate" repair shops and mechanics, i have taken to educate myself and acquiring tools from amazon and direct spare parts buying from local dealers.

Henceforth the driving of my car now is an experience of both fun and joy - to track the car operation as well as my handling and foot to pedal. Much like investing.

Similarly, the quality of repair knowledge and equipment here vs the US is similarly comparable with SG and US stock market. There is more depth in know-how with mechanics there compared to here. In sg, it is stuffed mostly by malaysians who once know jow the repair is done, they leave. The turnover rate is high and the depth of skill retained here hits a ceiling. Local sg don't take up learning nor graduates do these repairs because of surpressed potential wage in jap, korean cars. Dang, we don't even plumb our pipes at home.

My car maintenance sharing is at orangehonda.tumblr.com

Just for the auto enthusiasts....

Spot on.
When i did minimum maintenance of changing belts drive & associates, i purchased complete set from Borneo motor. When i changed my front disc brakes, brake oils, in fact any things that i want to change or need to change, i always buy the originals. Even then you have to make sure who sell the originals as originals. This concerned the safety of your life man. No copy cat spare parts.
And i learn all these from my brother-in-law (he is a ship's engine technician). And of course some knowledge from the Internet.
Finally you have to find a reliable W/S who is willing to charged you for labour only.

If part are not original, it causes problem later, and it is not lasting too. Always go for original part. Imitation part are rampant in the market. Imitation brake pad are not effective, and it is safety in concern. Why save and risk your life and that of your loved one?

So when you bring your car to workshop which you do not know them so well, they could cheat you, calling you to pay for imitation part as original.

It is cumbersome that we has to know everything in life. How is that possible? So I always go to agent , no worry anymore. Yes, it is expensive, but it is reliable. I don't means one cannot save money, yes, provided you know the workshop well enough. There must sure be some honest one around. But just like a good stock, they are gem, hard to find. LOL

After some lesson learn then I decided that enough is enough. Maybe you guy are so far lucky. Wish you guy all the best. Let get back to stock. When we make enough, our nett worth will increase multi fold, so we need not be so calculative anymore.

I don't means to be little other, if cannot afford, then settle for a cheaper one and so of course the part and service will be cheaper, thus we need not worry about going to agent, better than get cheat by bengkia, like your local call them.

In Singapore, if one want to live it up, then you got to pay more. That is unavoidable. Food, or anything.

The only way to increase your nett worth is by gg to NYSE and oversea market, SGX is tank. Look today, 90% over of the market are dead. Look at my counter in US, 30%, 50% and one got me 200% over. Why should invester put their money here, when they are spoilt for choice the world over. SGX is a big yawn. Sometimes I thought my computer hang up, because most of the counter are not flickering at all. hahaha. But u look US and HS, non stop flickering still market close.

Make hay while the sun is still shining, soon it will be all over, winter coming. Good luck.

[Temperament]

Your story may be true 100 %. So far there are 100s to thousand of motor workshops in this "Little Red Dot" and no such case surfaces. Touch wood. Still your advice is not out of the "commonsense". Of course if i can afford to own an "exotic car", will i send to any Tom and Dick's" work-shop for servicing? Nevertheless, in Singapore, there are non-agent workshops who specialise in servicing BMW, MERCE and what not Exotic cars. Other cars please go to other workshop hoh! Little RED DOT is very small, we can choose a "Reputable Workshop" accredited by "AA" after doing a little homework. So not necessary every time send car to agent like Borneo Motor for small little repair. You know how much agent charges compare to non-agent workshops. And if you own a car it's better to know something about your car and service and maintenance. Just like if you want to be in the Stock Market, you better keep learning and gather as much knowledge as as possible about Stock and Market or about Market 1st then stocks. i think i learn Market 1st then Stock. i still do. YMMV.

I concur.

I usually go for second hand cars because it is considerably within my budget. Though these days used cars carry external workshop warranties, but the repair and service is not up to par...and they gain back their cost of warranty by "carrot chopping" owners with higher charge of non covered parts and fluids.

As i have been irked by the quality of repair works and costs by "conglomerate" repair shops and mechanics, i have taken to educate myself and acquiring tools from amazon and direct spare parts buying from local dealers.

Henceforth the driving of my car now is an experience of both fun and joy - to track the car operation as well as my handling and foot to pedal. Much like investing.

Similarly, the quality of repair knowledge and equipment here vs the US is similarly comparable with SG and US stock market. There is more depth in know-how with mechanics there compared to here. In sg, it is stuffed mostly by malaysians who once know jow the repair is done, they leave. The turnover rate is high and the depth of skill retained here hits a ceiling. Local sg don't take up learning nor graduates do these repairs because of surpressed potential wage in jap, korean cars. Dang, we don't even plumb our pipes at home.

My car maintenance sharing is at orangehonda.tumblr.com

Just for the auto enthusiasts....

Spot on.
When i did minimum maintenance of changing belts drive & associates, i purchased complete set from Borneo motor. When i changed my front disc brakes, brake oils, in fact any things that i want to change or need to change, i always buy the originals. Even then you have to make sure who sell the originals as originals. This concerned the safety of your life man. No copy cat spare parts.
And i learn all these from my brother-in-law (he is a ship's engine technician). And of course some knowledge from the Internet.
Finally you have to find a reliable W/S who is willing to charged you for labour only.

If part are not original, it causes problem later, and it is not lasting too. Always go for original part. Imitation part are rampant in the market. Imitation brake pad are not effective, and it is safety in concern. Why save and risk your life and that of your loved one?

So when you bring your car to workshop which you do not know them so well, they could cheat you, calling you to pay for imitation part as original.

It is cumbersome that we has to know everything in life. How is that possible? So I always go to agent , no worry anymore. Yes, it is expensive, but it is reliable. I don't means one cannot save money, yes, provided you know the workshop well enough. There must sure be some honest one around. But just like a good stock, they are gem, hard to find. LOL

After some lesson learn then I decided that enough is enough. Maybe you guy are so far lucky. Wish you guy all the best. Let get back to stock. When we make enough, our nett worth will increase multi fold, so we need not be so calculative anymore.

I don't means to be little other, if cannot afford, then settle for a cheaper one and so of course the part and service will be cheaper, thus we need not worry about going to agent, better than get cheat by bengkia, like your local call them.

In Singapore, if one want to live it up, then you got to pay more. That is unavoidable. Food, or anything.

The only way to increase your nett worth is by gg to NYSE and oversea market, SGX is tank. Look today, 90% over of the market are dead. Look at my counter in US, 30%, 50% and one got me 200% over. Why should invester put their money here, when they are spoilt for choice the world over. SGX is a big yawn. Sometimes I thought my computer hang up, because most of the counter are not flickering at all. hahaha. But u look US and HS, non stop flickering still market close.

Make hay while the sun is still shining, soon it will be all over, winter coming. Good luck.

From car to any kinds of thing if you are willing to pay, of course go for everything "original" from parts to services.
As for market the more volatile the market the better for active traders. And not necessary for "long-term" investor. Err... i meant long-term traders.

[edragon]

Let me jump in.
My friend's Father-in-law is a car mechanic.
My friend told me that his father-in-law cautioned him, "Out of ten mechanics out there, nine will cheat you".
I suppose he has cheated many too.

[paullow]

Let me jump in.
My friend's Father-in-law is a car mechanic.
My friend told me that his father-in-law cautioned him, "Out of ten mechanics out there, nine will cheat you".
I suppose he has cheated many too.

I was reading this thread. Let me contribute my own experience.

I have driven lexus and benzes before and now. Going to the agent is not only a hassle but also expensive. I find cycle and carriage tend to overdo things. Simple pulley system faulty they go change the entire system. Thus, I do not go back there.

I go to my trusted workshop, which charges about 1/3-1/2 of what the agent charges me.

1) I am normally very casually dressed...slippers and shorts. No rolex watches or expensive accessories both on the car as well as on myself.

2) I try to establish rapport with workshop owner as well as worker who's doing my car. Speak their language. Be their friend. Once they start talking about other than cars to you, you know you have gained a friend.

3) Small gestures like asking them whether they have taken their breakfast or buying them coffee works wonders.

4) Hao lian behaviour and talking is a no no.

Now, the workshop owner buys me coffee, which I feel a bit pai sae.

[CY09]

For cases where you dent your car bumper, Mechanics will charge you labour + replacement for bumpers. However, heard some mechanics will attempt to recycle this bumpers by pouring hot water, then try restore it to its original shape. Then they will use the "brand new" bumper for the next client who needs his dented car bumper (similar model) replaced. Therefore all mechanics have to do is rinse and repeat a few times over to earn money. Thats what I call recycling inventory!

Here is the online tip for car owners to save the money on car bumper dents.
http://lifehacker.com/fix-dents-in-car-b...1562508423

Back to the main topic, personally I feel net worth tabulation can be calculated via two ways: 1) the usual Net book Value method or 2) PV calculation. The second methodology is extremely useful if an individual is working in the civil service. All you have to do is assume wages rise 3% annually and you get 3 months bonus.

[LionFlyer]

I know I am moving off tangent from this topic, but among my facebook friends are two retirees who are ex-civil servants whom I had worked with early on in my career. Not high level level guys, just normal "farmer" degree holders who worked through the system.

One has relocated to Thailand, while the other is happily retired with grandkids and manages his portfolio (he was one of my early shifus who pointed me to value investing). While astute planning (financial and family) has enabled them to enjoy their retirements, I feel that their barriers of entry were significantly lower when they started working in the 1970s/80s.

Having a degree was a considerable leg up in that era, costs were generally low, and certainly they didn't sent their kids to Montessori schools back in the day. While I agree that the general principles of prudence, careful planning and investment is still relevant, I can't help but feel that the bar are loaded against us nowadays.