With the ever-rising COE prices, owning a car in Singapore is already a stretch – let alone a luxury one. But some Singaporeans have found an alternative: owning a car in Malaysia, which has allowed them to afford vehicles like secondhand Porsches and flashy sports cars.
But with great horsepower comes great responsibility. High-end cars need regular maintenance and proper storage, especially if they’re not going to be used year-round. That’s where Carlogy Malaysia comes in.
Singaporeans are allowed to own Malaysian-registered cars, but cannot drive them into Singapore.
To register a car under your name, just head down to any Road Transport Department (JPJ) counter in Malaysia with your passport in hand. You’ll also need to do a thumbprint verification on the spot. These JPJ offices can be found in most districts across the country.
If you’re buying a second-hand car, make sure it passes a mandatory inspection before ownership can be officially transferred.
And for those wondering – yes, your Singapore driving licence is valid in Malaysia. Just ensure the car you’re driving has valid road tax and at least third-party insurance to legally be on the road.
Carlogy Malaysia is an automotive hub that provides long-term services, including storage, security and maintenance of your Malaysian vehicle. They specialise in handling luxury cars and, for a monthly fee, you’ll get to enjoy perks that’ll keep your ride in pristine condition.
They are also your gateway to purchasing that sweet car of your dreams in Malaysia – reach out to them on Instagram for resources on all the how-tos, including getting insurance.
And if you’re wondering about convenience, the facility is located just a 12-minute drive from Johor Bahru City Square mall, so you can head there straight after clearing customs.
Screenshot from: @artfu_panda via Instagram
When you’re considering buying a car overseas, the first thing that comes to mind is probably parking. The best place to park your luxury vehicle is usually with a trusted friend who can help to keep an eye on it. However, not everyone has friends who live in landed homes or condominiums – basically, estates with tighter security.
Carlogy Malaysia understands the struggle, which is why they offer 2 options: a non-air-conditioned parking lot for RM700/month (~S$213.18) and an air-conditioned parking lot for RM1,000/month (~S$304.54).
The air conditioning is turned on 24/7, with 7 units running simultaneously, along with humidity control to prevent moulding. You can rest easy knowing that your car is being cared for, even when you’re not physically there.
Image credit: @stradale_singapore via Instagram
Safety is also a concern, but Carlogy Malaysia has taken steps to address this by installing round-the-clock CCTV cameras and hiring security guards. The facility is located within a secure gated community, so there’s no need to worry.
Screenshot from: @carlogy.my via Instagram
The thing about luxury cars is that they can be a little high-maintenance. Many Singaporeans understandably worry about having to run them regularly – not the easiest thing to do when you have to cross the Causeway to get to your car.
But Carlogy Malaysia’s in-house team handles maintenance, from starting your car up weekly to giving it a good wash once every month, so it stays in tip-top shape even when it’s off-duty.
All these services are included in the care package that the facility offers.
Screenshot from: @jeep.owners.club.singapore via Instagram
Not only is Carlogy Malaysia a GOAT-ed facility for your prized wheels, it’s also shaping up to be a community hub for car lovers. In the lead-up to its opening, the owners have already hosted several car groups to swing by and check out the space for themselves. They’ve been chatting with car enthusiasts and cultivating a space for the community that’s not just practical, but also fun.One of the first groups to pass through was the Jeep Owners Club Singapore (JCOS). They banded together and drove up to JB with their families, documenting their journey on Instagram. Along the way, they paid Carlogy a visit.
Together, they explored the new space and enjoyed a meal at the cafe next door.
Image adapted from: TK & Cwitz zyz via Google Maps
Yes, there’s a cafe – a vibey one at that – just next to the Carlogy Malaysia facility. Break Room Cafe has an Instagrammable interior and exterior where you can get some aesthetic shots. The overall ambience is also intimate and relaxing, providing a nice retreat for any visitors passing through.
The cafe is also 100% Muslim-owned, serving up a wide range of Western dishes, desserts, and drinks for you to try out.
That Boujee Fillet burger looks bussin’.
Image adapted from: Break Room Cafe by HardlyWorkingCollective via Google Maps
Matcha lovers will enjoy the Strawberry Matcha (RM19, ~S$5.75). Complement that with the Boujee Fillet (RM85, ~S$25.70) – a crispy halibut burger with tartar, cheese, and caviar roe. Other classic western dishes on the menu include Fried Chicken Burgs (RM38, ~S$11.49), Steak & Eggs (RM94, ~S$28.42), and Prawn Aglio Olio (RM38, ~S$11.49).
We don’t know about you, but that menu has us checking the time to see if it’s lunch yet. Check out Break Room Cafe’s Instagram to find out more.
This setup might just be the perfect loophole for Singaporeans. The costs may add up over time, but if you have a dream car and regularly visit Malaysia, this could be a worthwhile investment.
Check out more fun things to do in JB:
Cover image adapted from: @porkyguy & @jeep.owners.club.singapore via Instagram
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