Deciding to purchase a car is a rather long and time-consuming process as there are so many factors to consider. There’s the size, safety features, specifications, brand, design and perhaps the most important of all, the price. Taking all these factors into consideration, it’s small wonder that you feel a headache coming on when it’s time to make a decision. Here we have narrowed down a list of economical cars that are in the affordable range of RM24,000 to RM85,000 for those with numerous financial constraints.

Perodua Axia (from RM24,000)

Perodua Axia (Photo credit: perodua.com.my)

One of Perodua’s latest models to hit the market is the compact Axia which has a surprisingly spacious interior, an energy-efficient engine that’s eco-friendly and also comes with several safety features. While the premium model sets you back about RM44,000, it offers many upgrades compared to the baseline model such as a multimedia navigation system, leather seats that are semi-bucket and a sleek steering wheel wrapped with leather that comes with audio controls for a dynamic, fluid driving experience.

Perodua Myvi (from RM41,000)

Perodua Myvi (Photo credit: perodua.com.my)

The ever popular Myvi has been the best-selling car in Malaysia ever since its first launch in 2005 due to its budget-friendly price and space efficiency. Over the years, Perodua has been giving the Myvi innumerable facelifts and upgrades in order to provide users with a better driving experience. With its practicality, spaciousness, safety features and stylishly sporty look, it’s not hard to see why this car is seen almost everywhere on Malaysian roads.

Proton Saga (from RM33,000)

Proton Saga (Photo credit: carlist.my)

The Proton Saga from our very own home-grown car brand is definitely a crowd favourite due to its sedan size and pocket-friendly prices. This car allows you to commute from point A to point B effortlessly with a fuel-efficient engine that lets you get the most out of your vehicle. If the basic 1.3 models are not your cup of tea, the Proton Saga has a sportier 1.6-liter option with added features for a smoother, more spirited drive.

Proton Iriz (from RM42,000)

Proton Iriz (Photo credit: carlist.my)

A zippy little hatchback model, the Proton Iriz is designed for the fun-loving individuals who want a car that’s practical yet classy. Coming with all the necessary safety features and more, it is a vehicle that offers ultimate accident protection thus dramatically reducing the risk of injury to the driver and passengers. Equipped with modern technologies, this car is powerful, youthful and a vibrantly designed drive.

Kia Picanto (from RM55,000)

Kia Picanto (Photo credit: motoringresearch.com)

An ambitious, upbeat little car produced from the famous Korean brand, The Picanto comes with an impressive list of accessories and specifications all packed into one petite frame. Safety comes first with the Picanto as it is loaded with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, 4-disc brake system and Electronic Stability Control. All these makes the Picanto one of the best affordable cars in the market.

Mitsubishi Mirage (from RM59,000)

Mitsubishi Mirage (Photo credit: mitsubishi-motors.ca)

Produced by international Japanese brand Mitsubishi, the sporty Mirage is a great economical vehicle to invest in. Recently given an update in October 2015, it promises uncompromised safety, unbeatable comfort and a most pleasant driving experience. Perfect for urbanites, this 1.2-liter car sports an edgy body kit that will definitely turn heads on the road.

Honda Jazz (from RM 69,000)

Honda Jazz (Photo credit: honda.com.my)

The Jazz is easily the most reasonably priced Honda in Malaysia but don’t let its price tag fool you into thinking that it has subpar features. In fact, it has a unexpectedly roomy cabin with ultra-flexible seats that you can adjust to your preference. Loaded with a powerful 1.5-liter engine and superior safety equipment, this streamlined car certainly provides a great value-for-money proposition.

Honda City (from RM 71,000)

Honda City (Photo credit: honda.com.my)

Another economical car from Honda that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical is the City. Fitted out with a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, you can do your part for a better environment as well. The Honda City lets you ride conveniently with a host of buttons and switches that provides you with greater control of the system.

Nissan Almera (from RM64,000)

Nissan Almera (Photo credit: carlist.my)

If bigger, sedan-like cars are more your style, a good option to consider is the Nissan Almera which is a B-segment car with sleek, elegant lines and premium upgrades. Utilizing advanced and innovative technology, sizeable interior and sophisticated finishing, this is the ideal car for those who craves more comfort for their vehicle.

Hyundai i10 (from RM51,000)

Hyundai i10 (Photo credit: carwow.co.uk)

This diminutive hatchback makes driving fun again with its colourful interior package and premium safety technology. Whiz around the city in this easy to manoeuvre compact car packed with above average features for a comfortable, convenient ride. Customers can choose between the 1.1 liter or 1.25 liter engine where both types work equally well at maximising fuel consumption to help you save on petrol costs.

Many people daydream about driving a lean, mean, fast supercars on the road but only the truly rich can afford to buy these head-turning vehicles. More than just a mode of transportation, these ostentatious automobiles come with an eye-watering price tag and the specifications to match. It has often been said that money cannot buy you happiness, but its better to be comfortable being miserable in an incredibly expensive car than on a bicycle. Often coveted and definitely lusted after by common citizens, the style, speed and luxury of these automobiles are the stuff of dreams.

Discounting classic vehicles that are auctioned off, these are some of the worlds most expensive cars that are recently sold to the rich, famous and powerful.

Maybach Exelero ($8 million)

Maybach Exelero (Photo credit: autoblog.com)

A unique masterpiece, this advanced machine is a concept supercar that was commissioned by Fulda Reifenwerke, the tyre manufacturer to test out their high-speed tyres. Inspired by Maybachs sleek sports car from the Thirties, the engine packs a punch with twin turbo V12. This powerful engine allows the car to reach the top speed of 350km/h and accelerate from 0 to 95 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita ($4.8M)

Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita (Photo credit: koenigsegg.com)

There are only three units of this particular model in the world and one of them was bought by boxer Floyd Mayweather. One of the main reasons for its hefty price tag is due to its exterior finishing. Made out of resin filled with diamond dust, the paint is known as the Koenigsegg Proprietary Diamond Weave which literally makes the car shine like a diamond. Equipped with a 4.8-liter dual V8 engine, it runs at a top speed of 410km/h and goes from 0 to 95 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

Lamborghini Veneno ($4.5 million)

Lamborghini Veneno (Photo credit: twitrcovers.com)

Another limited edition supercar is the Lamborghini Veneno which is an absolutely stunner that can reach a top speed of 350km/h. Currently there are only three units of this spectacular automobile produced that were especially built to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Powered by a robust 6.5-liter V12 engine, the car achieves 95 km/h in only 2.9 seconds.

Lykan Hypersport ($3.4 million)

Lykan Hypersport (Photo credit: homecartravelers.com)

If you’ve seen the epic action flick Furious 7, you would have spotted this sleek vehicle making a memorable appearance in the movie. The dynamic twin turbo flat-six engine performs marvelously, allowing drivers to reach the top speed of 380 km/h easily. Featuring sparkling diamonds in the headlights and scissor doors, one can see why this car is unforgettable.

Mansory Vivere Bugatti Veyron ($3.4M)

Mansory Vivere Bugatti Veyron (Photo credit: mansory.com)

The prestigious Bugatti Veyron is famed for their much coveted sports cars and the Mansory Vivere is no exception. A vehicle turned into a work of art, it is also touted to be one of the fastest cars in the world. This supercar whizzes by with a breath-taking top speed of 410 km/h, perfect for thrill-seeking speed aficionados.

Ferrari F60 America ($2.5M)

Ferrari F60 America (Photo credit: carscoops.com)

Coming with a convertible top, the F60 lets you feel the breeze in your hair as you drive by, if you’re one of the lucky few rich enough to purchase one of the 10 units built. Created to commemorate the Italian brands sixtieth year in North America, it has the color scheme of the Stars and Stripes decorated with classic racing regalia. Boasting a mighty 6.2 liter V12 engine, one can expect to reach 95 km/h in 3.1 seconds.

Lamborghini Reventon ($2 million)

Lamborghini Reventon (Photo credit: lamborghini.com)

With exterior styling inspired by the fastest airplanes, the Reventon was unveiled in 2007. Lamborghini produced only 20 models of the Reventon, which comes installed with a g-force-meter and three TFT LCD screens in the instrument panel. The dynamic 6.5-liter V12 engine ensures that drivers will accelerate to the top speed of 355km/h.

Aston Martin One-77 ($1.85 million)

Aston Martin One-77 (Photo credit: astonmartin.com)

This British brand has been made popular by the blockbuster spy series James Bond, creating an image of a dashing, sophisticated hypercar that is perfectly matched for a suave gentleman. The fastest car that Aston Martin has ever made, it achieves a maximum speed of 354 km/h with more than a little help from its formidable 7.3-liter V12 engine.

Pagani Huayra ( $1.6 million)

Aston Martin One-77 (Photo credit: astonmartin.com)

Used in the major motion picture Transformers: Age of Extinction, this Italian car proudly carries the Incan namesake of God of the Winds. Putting pedal to the metal brings this automobile from 0 to 95km/h in 3 seconds all powered by the twin turbo V12 engine. Decorated with an awesomely detailed interior and gullwing doors, this is one vehicle that car enthusiasts will salivate over.

Ferrari LaFerrari ($1.4M)

Ferrari LaFerrari (Photo credit: caranddriver.com)

The illustrious automakers original mild hybrid car, this supercar reduces fuel consumption by up to 40% proving that fast supercars can be environmental-friendly as well. Fitted with an electric motor, 6.3-liter V12 engine and supplemented by Kinetic Energy Recovery System, it supplies short bursts of extra power. Striking, speedy and sporty, the LaFerrari speeds up to 95 km/h in under 3 seconds and tops off at 350 km/h.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is how financial institutions rate your trustworthiness in order for them to decide whether or not to lend you money. There are several factors that go into determining your credit score such as the different amounts and types of loans you take on, how you utilize these loans, how well you’ve been managing your level of borrowings and your payment history. Your credit score is reflected in your credit report which is kept by Bank Negara Malaysia’s Credit Bureau. As of today, the borrowing details of about 9 million Malaysians are reported to the Credit Bureau and is updated daily by financial institutions through CCRIS (Central Credit Reference Information System).

How May I Know My Credit Score?

Your credit report can easily be obtained by presenting your NRIC at Bank Negara Malaysia’s headquarters and filling out forms at no cost. Bank Negara will only release your credit report to you. You are not able to request the credit report of others even if it is of the person you are to be the guarantor for. Revising your credit report is also advisable as there is a chance of human error in regards to updating your borrowing details through CCRIS.

Why Is A Good Credit Score Important?

To your bank, your credit score tells everything they need to know about you. Your credit report includes all of your basic details (name, IC, address, etc.) and a comprehensive record of your financial history. It records the date you open your first bank account, entire credit card history, every loan you’ve applied for, even tracking which ones were approved and denied.

From this report, financial institutions will decide how much they are willing to lend you, interest rate, repayment period and methods, or whether they’re willing to lend you money at all. This becomes important for things such as when you want to buy that car or take up the mortgage for a home. Being given low interest rates due a good credit score can save you a lot of money in your future.

Every bank in Malaysia has access to Bank Negara’s Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS). Information is current and updated almost instantly, meaning if you are denied a loan by one bank today, the other banks will already have this information when you try to approach them tomorrow.

How Can I Improve My Credit Score

Your payment track record is the most significant factor affecting your credit score. So paying in full and on time is the best way to improve your credit score. Having a long credit history also increases your trustworthiness. This tells the banks that you’re tested and proven, meaning for first time loan applicants, banks may not be as lenient in regards to your repayment plan and will be hesitant in giving you large amounts of credit. How well you manage and utilize credit provided to you also plays a role in determining your credit score. Maintaining a low balance or minimizing spending on your credit cards shows that you are responsible, thus, improving your credit score. Diversifying your credit portfolio by taking on different types of loans such as personal loans,  car loans and housing loans, also paints a picture of someone who is able to manage their finances well. Of course, this is only if you maintain a good payment track record.

	Ultra Exclusive Credit Cards - Perks of Being Ridiculously Rich Read More
	Why You Must Not Take Your Credit Score Lightly Read More

Ah the joys of owning a credit card. Billionaires and multi-millionaires have every reason to smile. They can travel around the world in private jets, get last-minute tables at Michelin star restaurants, be invited to the most exclusive parties, receive 5-star treatment at the most expensive hotels around the world, and all this will be done by a card they carry in their wallet.

In the pursuit of attracting extremely high net-worth clients, banks around the world have created credit cards that turn dreams into reality.

No Credit Limit

For the mega rich, going shopping with a credit card that has a spending limit of USD$50,000 is like running a marathon without shoes. Shopping for luxury handbags and diamond-encrusted jewelry can easily exceed most credit cards’ spending limits. Athletes and rappers such as Drake and Jay-Z are known to charge night club bills in excess of USD$100,000 to their credit cards.

High net-worth individuals also regularly make multi-million dollar purchases. In 2007, MasterCard and GE teamed up with world-renowned Sotheby’s Auction House to create the Sotheby’s World Elite MasterCard which provides art-collectors a new level of convenience in acquiring expensive works of art.

One of the largest known purchases made using a credit card was back in July 2014, when Chinese collector, Liu Yiqian bought an ancient Chinese ceramic cup, known as the Chicken Cup from the Chenghua Era (1465-1487), for a record HK$281 million (US$36 million). The reward points he received for paying with his American Express Centurion Card? 422 million American Express points or 28 million frequent flyer miles.

Concierge Service

We’ve all heard about credit cards reserved for the rich and powerful that provide 24/7 personal butler or concierge services. But what exactly is a concierge service?

A team of trained individuals that cater to all of your heart’s desires.

Well, almost all. As long as the request is not illegal and does not breach any strict confidentiality agreements, they will do everything in their power to make things happen. A “redditor” from the popular website, Reddit, shared some of his experiences as a concierge for holders of the elite American Express Black Cards.The list of requests include:

-????????? Last minute reservations at Michelin-star restaurants

-????????? Access to exclusive parties to rub shoulders with powerful people and celebrities

-????????? Acquiring NFL Superbowl tickets

-????????? Getting a Nintendo Wii for Christmas when it first launched, after it has been sold out

-????????? Organizing a picnic for a special someone

-????????? Picking up children from school

-????????? Closing down luxury retail stores to shop in private

These services come complimentary with American Express Black Card’s whopping USD$2,500 annual fee on top of the USD$7,500 registration fee. Not forgetting to mention the minimum of USD$250,000 you must have already spent on the American Express Platinum Card before being eligible for an invite to own a Black Card.

When speaking about the level of service provided by the invitation-only Dubai First Royale Card, First Dubai CEO Ibrahim al Ansari, said it best, “You ask for the moon and we try and get it.”

Yachts, Private Jets, and beyond!

Air miles and flight upgrades have become mainstream benefits of many credit cards. Ultra-exclusive credit cards take it to the next level by providing their clients memberships to private jet clubs and easy access to yachts all around the world.

The exclusive Merrill Accolades American Express Card entitles you to a Sentient Jet private membership. Members not only have access to a large fleet of private jets, but also allows them to have full or partial? ownership of these aircraft’s.

The BOSS ROYAL Luxuria Card takes travel perks to insane heights, literally. Upon receivership, cardholders are entitled to a complimentary flight aboard Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft to travel to outer space. One ticket for a Virgin Galactic flight is a staggering USD$250,000. Only 551 people have gone beyond the outer limits of Earth’s atmosphere and now the ultra-rich can too.

We can now say, the perks of owning an ultra-exclusive credit card are truly out of this world.