How to Inspect a Used Car in 8 Steps
You don't need to be a grease monkey. A rough guide to inspecting a used car before you sign anything.
2026-09-23
Quick answer
What is the Wheeley Guide?
The Wheeley Guide is a free library of Singapore-specific used-car education written by our editorial team. It covers the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), PARF rebates, paper value, used-car financing, in-house inspection process, and the Singapore used-car market "— written in plain English by people who buy and sell cars here every day.
Each article links to the relevant calculator (car loan, depreciation, COE position, PARF, paper value, buy vs renew COE, is-it-a-good-deal) so you can run your own numbers. When you are ready to apply it to a specific car, message the Wheeley desk.
COE & MARKET
LATEST INSIGHTS
COE Update September 2026 — 1st Bidding Round
September 2026 1st round: every category rose. Cat A $133,009, Cat B $135,001, motorcycle $12,556. What the PQP numbers actually mean.
2026-09-12
2-Year vs 3-Year Short-COE: Which Depreciation Curve Makes Sense?
A 2-year COE car depreciates faster per month but costs less upfront. A 3-year gives more runway. Here is how the numbers work in Singapore.
2026-09-03
PARF Rebate vs Paper Value: What You Get Back at COE Expiry
When a short-COE car's COE expires, the owner gets a PARF rebate plus a pro-rated COE rebate. Here is how the exit recovery works.
2026-09-03
In-House vs Bank Loans for Short-Tenure Vehicles
Most banks cap loan tenure at the remaining COE life. In-house financing may offer more flexibility. Here is how to compare.
2026-09-03
Who Should Buy a Short-COE Car? Interim Motoring vs Buying New
A short-COE car is not for everyone. Here is a decision framework to help you decide if it fits your situation.
2026-09-03
Tide Over the High COE Wave: The Used-Car Option
COE premiums are still high. A late-model used car with a few years of COE left is the move many Singapore buyers are making.
2026-08-06
The Real Value of Your Used Car: How a Direct Buyer Prices It
Paper value is a starting point, not a price. Here is how a direct buyer builds your cash offer.
2026-07-22
Financing a Used Car in Singapore: What to Know
Loan limits, interest rates and LTV — decoded so you can plan your budget without surprises.
2026-07-10
What Is COE, and How Does It Work in Singapore?
If you have ever looked at a car price in Singapore and wondered what the COE is actually buying you, you are not alone. Here is the shortest workable version of how it all hangs together.
2026-07-02
PARF, COE and Paper Value — Explained
Understand PARF, COE and paper value in simple terms. We break down what each one means, how they affect a used car’s price, and what to look out for when comparing cars in Singapore.
2026-06-30