Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions and answers regarding purchasing a new vehicle from us.

What is VAC-Ready?

VAC stands for ‘Vitas Approval Code‘. It is a document issued by the Land Transport Authority that certifies that a car has passed all regulatory tests and inspections and is ready for registration on Singapore’s roads.

In the Parallel Importer industry, this code gives peace of mind to buyers as it ensures that the vehicle they purchase has already undergone testing for approval.

This also means the vehicle is physically available and ready in Singapore for delivery. All left is registering the COE, which can be immediately used on the roads.

When you purchase from any parallel importer in Singapore, you must check that they have VAC-Ready stock, so it cuts down on any waiting time or uncertainty.

Some parallel importers in the past, unfortunately, have been unable to deliver the vehicles or, in worst-case scenarios, shut down and walked away with customer deposits.

We register and deliver well over a hundred new vehicles monthly and have had a 100% delivery rate for the past 30 years since 1989.

What does ‘Parallel Import’ Mean?

Parallel imported cars are vehicles shipped straight from their brand’s origin country and sold in other countries. Parallel Importers, also known as PIs, are alternate retailers and dealers of various brands of vehicles. Often Parallel Importers carry a wide selection of brands and models.

In terms of operations, there’s little difference between a parallel importer and an authorised distributor. Both entities import cars from the same countries or from where the manufacturer is located. 

Vehicles from authorised distributors tend to cost more as they carry a higher overhead than parallel importers. These overheads include fancy showrooms, a much larger payroll, advertising and media costs, and more.

The cars themselves typically don’t differ in terms of specifications and options.

Here at VINCAR, we offer vehicles directly from their origin countries at competitive prices while passing on significant savings to customers. We can also provide and tailor flexible financing plans, services, and value-added options to owners while ensuring we can provide competent technical support for our customer’s cars.

Unlike Authorised Dealers, we are a lot more flexible in our approach regarding the type and brand of vehicle you wish to own under one brand experience.

Over 30% of new car purchases at VINCAR yearly are existing customers looking to upgrade or replace their vehicles. We are happy to provide a hassle-free seamless experience every time.

Can you bring a car if it’s not listed in your collection?

Just ask us, and we’ll do our best to see if you can import in the vehicle of your preference.

We import hundreds of vehicles monthly and are familiar with all customs regulations, documentation, approvals, logistics, restrictions, and registration procedures.

When can I expect to receive my car when I order it?

The fastest we have ever registered and delivered a new vehicle is within seven working days. This assumes all LTA inspections, financing and insurance approvals can be processed without delays.

The specific delivery period for most new car deliveries is within 10-14 days. If your preferred vehicle still needs to arrive in Singapore, it may take 30-45 days. Please contact your appointed relationship manager or us for more details before booking your next vehicle.

I need a vehicle urgently from overseas. Can you speed up the process?

Sure, we regularly provide priority air-freight shipment for some vehicles for some of our clientele. This service will incur additional fees. Please reach out to your relationship manager for more details regarding delivery estimates.

Can you import a used vehicle from overseas for me?

Yes, we can. We can import a used vehicle as long as it is up to 3 years old.

There are some regulations regarding importing used vehicles – primarily taking note that there are shipping and customs costs – including a S$10,000 surcharge (by customs).

For passenger and vintage cars, there is also a 20% excise duty which is levied on the cost of the vehicle. You may also need compliance fees to ensure the car meets LTA’s regulations. These may include tinted windows, unapproved strobes, fittings etc.

I saw a car listed for sale on an overseas website in Japan / the United Kingdom / Hong Kong etc. Can you help me import it?

Yes, we can help you with purchasing and importing the vehicle. We can manage all customs documentation, processing, and logistic matters regarding the car brought into Singapore. So that you know, a service fee will apply on top of the vehicle costs. Other fees may apply.

Please get in touch with us for a quotation about this service.

Can I pre-order a model which has yet to be released?

Yes, we can. We can place your order on our priority list and purchase the first vehicle available (to your specifications) when it is made available. 

Can I use a private hire vehicle (Grab Car Rental or Gojek)?

Yes, you can. Specific models do apply – we recommend that you visit our Private hire Rental Page for more information and details about the type and model of vehicle you can utilise for Private Hire Usage.

Can I rent a vehicle for short-term purposes (from 1 day to 7 days etc.)?

Unfortunately, at this time, we do not provide short-term rental services.

Can I lease a car under my name (or company)?

Yes, we can. You can lease your next car with us under your name or Corporate/company entity. Our Car Leasing programs are for a minimum of 12 months. Most car hires for our clientele are 12-36 months.

For Car Leasing requirements, you can read more on our Car Leasing page.

What should I do if there is a problem (technical issue / global recall issue) with my car within the warranty period?

Bring your vehicle back to us, and we can repair or service it at our dedicated in-house servicing centre. 

We also keep parts, components, and accessories with an experienced team of specialised mechanics, technicians and operation managers to deal with any significant safety recalls or service campaigns. 

What should I do if my car breaks down or has an accident on the road?

Stay calm, and don’t panic. You can call the support number on the VINCAR decal on the left side of your windshield. Our support team will be on standby 24/7 to provide roadside assistance and towing support.

Do you sell used/pre-owned vehicles?

Yes, we do. Check out our pre-owned section for a collection of pre-owned used cars.

Can I trade my car to VINCAR?

Sure you can. We can provide a competitive trade-in value for your car. Could you contact us and provide the necessary details?

Our team will be able to provide you with more details and information within a day.

What accessories will come with my vehicle?

Upholstery, fittings, and accessories can differ from model to model. Please ask your relationship manager about the options and accessories that come with your purchase. So that you know, all items will be indicated clearly in your sales agreement.

Can you provide a 100% loan?

No. The maximum loan amount per financing regulations set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore is 70% if the vehicle’s open market value is less than S$20,000 or 60% if the vehicle’s open market value is more than $20,000.

You can read the article “Rules for Motor Vehicle Loans.”

Can you provide 10-Year financing loan tenure for your cars?

No. The maximum loan tenure is seven years for private passenger vehicles and up to 10 years for personal hire vehicles.

Other dealers and parallel importers offer Zero-Money Down, 10-Year financing, and car services. Why can’t you?

As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true – it usually is. Some dealerships, especially newer and smaller parallel importers, often dangle enticing deals, discounts and offer on social media to entice buyers to contact them.

Often such schemes lead to disappointment as the dealer may require a high down-payment amount, need the user to ‘top-up’ for COE, or quote a COE amount that is not realistically biddable.

Here’s an example. A dealer advertises a car price that is $15,000 below standard market rates. After contacting the dealer – they will say that the expected COE price is likely to be at X amount (which is lower than the average), and at this point, you will be pressured to leave a deposit with the dealer to secure your booking at this ‘special’ price.

When the upcoming COE exercise is completed, and COE prices are nowhere near the promised rate, the dealer will ask you to top up more to register your car, or else you will forfeit your booking deposit. Over the years, we have seen many examples of unscrupulous individuals and companies.

Any advertisements you see on Social Media from other dealers promising 10-Year Financing and Zero money down are also a direct violation of the Monetary Authority Of Singapore (MAS)’s regulations on “Rules for Motor Vehicle Loans.”

I see similarly named car dealerships/parallel importers in Singapore, are they related to you?

VINCAR Pte Ltd operates under one single brand name, with only one other subsidiary (VINCAR Rental and Leasing Pte Ltd).

We know other parallel importers who often set up Facebook Pages and advertisements with similar-sounding names and derivatives to capitalise on our brand name.

This practice could be more straightforward for new car buyers who get tricked into a bait-and-switch situation.

If you have previously contacted such entities, a quick way to check is to ask if the ‘XXX’ company is named ‘XXX’. If the salesman on the line refuses to answer, dodges the question or asks you to visit the showroom address – without providing the company’s name, do be wary.

If the showroom you visited does not match the original brand name introduced to you, could you take it as a big red flag? If these companies are willing to mislead you to visit them with a different name, they will likely not be trustworthy with other affairs.

Can I test-drive a car before I commit?

We may allow test drives for specific models and subject to vehicle availability. Please check with your relationship manager or contact us first.

What kind of warranty do I get?

All new vehicles sold by VINCAR by default come with a 5-year or 100,000km mileage warranty – whichever comes first. Your vehicle’s warranty can be extended to 10 years.

Please look at the sales agreement to see all terms and conditions regarding warranty and service details. All vehicles are serviced in-house at our dedicated car servicing centre located at 24 Leng Kee Road.

Does the warranty cover maintenance?

Typically, vehicle warranties do not cover maintenance fees as they are considered two separate items. However, during our promotional periods, we may include complimentary service packages.

Could you check with our sales department for more information regarding active promotions or packages?

Can I purchase an extended warranty from VINCAR?

Yes, subject to terms and conditions. Please don’t hesitate to contact our sales team to see what active extended warranty package we have.

After purchase, can you deliver the vehicle directly to my home or office address?

Yes, we can. Please reach out to your sales representative for more details.

Where are your showrooms located?

We have showrooms in 3 locations across Singapore. Two are in the Leng Kee Location, 1 in the East (Ubi).

Our Flagship showroom is located at 24 Leng Kee Road, 159096.

Our Pre-Owned showroom is at 237 Alexandra Rd, The Alexcier, Singapore 159929.

Our Ubi showroom is at 61 Ubi Avenue 2 #02-16/17 Automobile Megamart Singapore 408898.

You can see more details at this link https://www.vincar.com.sg/locations.

Where is your servicing and repair centre?

Our car servicing, maintenance, and repair centre are located at 24 Leng Kee Road.

I’m unhappy with my experience at VINCAR; who can I speak to?

We are sorry in advance if we have not met up to your expectations. At VINCAR, we consistently strive to provide the best buying experience with regular staff training and reviews. 

Please contact us, and our management team will review your feedback as soon as possible; contact us, and our management team will immediately check your input.

Who owns or manages VINCAR?

Read more about the history, brand values, and mission of VINCAR on our About Us page.