COE & MARKET2026-07-02 · 1 MIN READ
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COE and how does it work in Singapore?
COE (Certificate of Entitlement) is a Singapore government-issued certificate that gives a car the right to be registered and driven on public roads for 10 years. COE prices are determined by open bidding twice monthly in 5 categories: Cat A (small cars up to 1600cc / 130bhp), Cat B (large cars over 1600cc / 130bhp), Cat C (goods vehicles / buses), Cat D (motorcycles), and Cat E (open category — can be used for any vehicle). Bidding closes on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at LTA. After 10 years, owners must either renew COE (paying the prevailing COE premium, typically S$30,000–S$80,000), scrap the car (receive PARF rebate + remaining COE rebate), or export the vehicle.
How is COE price determined?
COE price is determined by bidding: LTA sets a quota (total COEs available in each category that month), and buyers bid up. The quota = total deregistrations in the past 6 months minus any previous COE quota. The price = the highest successful bid (everyone at the same price gets the COE). Cat A bids are typically S$80,000–S$130,000; Cat B S$100,000–S$140,000; Cat D (motorcycles) S$8,000–S$12,000. COE prices rise when demand exceeds quota, fall when quota exceeds demand. Current bidding history is published at motorist.sg 2-3 weeks after each bidding date.
Should I renew my COE or scrap my car?
It depends on three factors: (1) Car condition — high-mileage cars needing S$5,000+ of repairs are usually better scrapped; (2) Brand residual — strong-residual brands (Toyota, Honda, Mercedes) justify renewing; (3) Your plans — if you'll keep the car 2+ more years, renewing may yield better total return. For most 2-3 year COE cars, scrapping is more economic than renewing at current COE prices. Wheeley Auto buys cars at all COE stages — sell, scrap, or renewal-decision support. Free 15-minute valuation at /sell or WhatsApp +65 8448 2023.
What happens when COE expires?
When your 10-year COE expires, your car cannot be driven on public roads. You have three choices: (1) Renew COE — pay the prevailing COE premium for another 10 years (typically S$30,000–S$80,000 depending on category and demand); (2) Scrap the car — receive PARF rebate (if under 10 years from registration) + remaining COE rebate, scrapyard tows for free, PayNow same day; (3) Export the car — sell overseas to recover more value for high-end models. Wheeley Auto handles all three paths — call +65 8448 2023 for a free 15-minute consultation.
When is the next COE bidding result?
LTA COE bidding closes on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 16:00 SGT. The next bidding result is published on motorist.sg 2-3 weeks after the bidding date. To get the latest result before public release, follow @wheeleyauto on Telegram — we publish COE bidding result cards the same day as bidding close, with context on what the price means for sellers.
Does Wheeley Auto pay for cars with expiring COE?
Yes. Wheeley Auto specializes in cars with 2-3 years COE remaining — the band where most owners find themselves stuck. Direct buyer since 2020. Free 15-minute valuation, PayNow same day, loan handled. WhatsApp +65 8448 2023 or visit /sell to start.