Parallel Importers VS Authorised Dealers | Backseat Driver | sgCarMart Reviews

[@derricktang83]

I went to both PI and AD when i bought my new car. Was attracted to the price advertised by PIs which was like 30k lower. However when I try to match the features that AD was providing, for example electric seats and safety features, the country (UK) where PI import the car from can't provide just the ala carte features that i want. For example, if I want the electric seats, it has to come with the sunroof as a package. Similarly I cant opt for the safety features that AD was providing, I have to go for even higher spec one if i want the safety features. So in the end, the price was similar or even higher for PIs compared to AD. Eventually I settled for the AD car because they offered much better trade-in price for my existing car. The price I paid after trade in was not much of a difference from PI car (advertised price), but it did come with the specs i need. In addition, if you get a PI car especially continental cars, the navigation system provided by the PI car may not even work for Singapore context, as it will come with UK map instead, so you can just hope that outside workshops can help you "jailbreak" and load SG/MYR maps instead. So it is important for you to compare both AD and PIs before you decide, since the lower advertised price by PI may not end up being a better deal. Finally AD may also give you better freebies such as branded in-cam, branded car mat or 3M solar film etc...

[@janicekoh3042]

I’ve had both my fair share of experiences from the AD as well as the PI. Adding on to what Idris had mentioned for AD; besides not being able to see what they are doing while servicing your car. It’s also the waiting time- I spent almost 5 hours idling at the “posh-lounge”. And they weren’t able to find out the issue of my car eventually. For the PI, I really count my blessings as the company which I bought my car from went busted 1 month after I collected my car. So yes! No matter how many freebies they offer, it’s really vital to check their background first. I’m sure you had done a thorough background company check when you purchase your car, James😊

[@andychong9]

should do a first hand vs second hand car video too!

[@ngivan7238]

An episode on the cars you guys are driving!

[@sgcarmartreviews]

Oooooh that is an interesting idea. Let me float this to the rest of the guys! - Jon

[@ZhongHeng]

Agree with Idris, workshops outside are usually better than ADs, if you ignore the lavish lounge and "nasi lemak" service. Just go to a nearby canteen/coffee shop or if there's a cafe near the industrial area (like east side's workshop) just sit there quietly and Netflix. The cost for the lavish treatment is irrelevant and of course, being in business, everything adds up eventually to your ultimate cost which I don't need. Most importantly, like what you guys mentioned, you can't even see your car or enter the workshop. I would like to know how my car is doing and how it's even parked down to the last detail and before I leave, I like to see who is handling the car. If you're nice and polite to the workshop, they might even help you source good 3rd party parts at a cheaper price. My Jag's brake pads need to be changed almost annually (usually 11months), and they cost around $700-800 for 4 usually depending on the time of the season you find them (supply-demand from workshops' supplier). My workshop mechanic (also the son of the boss, he is training) will find 3rd party parts that are superb and reliable (he got me some German brand and made pads but I forgot the brand), what's more, he even fulfilled the request I got for him - to reduce brake pad dust (the 3rd party pads are much better than Jag's original ones). Oh yes, the German pads wear out around 11 months as well (as the car weigh just shy of 1.9 ton by a few tens of kg and of course, I like to step harder), it cost around less than $300 for 4 pads, saving me a tremendous amount (and of course better brake pad dust reduction).

[@heryadiothman4951]

Is true, P.I and AD have their own advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day it depends on what model of your car you want or needs. Specification of car can bee varies depends on the model as you mention e.g MX-5 We just need to know on the P.I company background before your purchases and purchase agreement before any down payment is made, there is few cases P.I close shop and the down payment is gone. A.D have their own reputation and it represent the brand of the company, the have proper procedure and even when you collect your new car they have their standard procedure to follow

[@kkwong5283]

Hi guys, really informative on the topics y’all have covered so far! Could y’all do an episode on the different types of transmissions like CVT/IVT/DCT etc, what’s each pros and cons? Thanks in advance!

[@geneliu88]

I had good and bad experiences with both. Dont place too much consideration to costs first. Always get familiarised with the packages your AD and PI offers. Next know the trends of COE pricing. Third, once target acquired. Nego for price, insurance, features, etc. Lastly, pen to paper. Make sure all things discussed are in black and white on paper. And read carefully all terms and conditions. For PI make sure you must inspect car. I drove one with some engine mounting problems, etc within 1st week. Anything not right. Go back return car. Get your hard earned money first or a replacement vehicle confirmation. One more advice if you dont have a good car mechanic you trust. Best dont prioritise PI.

[@sgcarmartreviews]

Good advice!

[@TheFoxho]

To summarise AD is like buying an insurance, PI is to be self insured. If you want to squeeze the most out of your money, PI. If you want to be worry-free, AD. I have always been buying from ADs, but with enough homework done to know about its common problem, maintenance, common sales procedure, legal notes i went for PI and saved 70k!

[@CalvinK300]

I have experienced both ADs and PIs and I would go for reputable PIs without hesitation. The most important advice should be ‘research, research, research’. I bought once from AD (C&C) then subsequently I have been buying from PIs (Hua Yang, Richburg & Vincar). Once I have decided on a model, I cross check with the AD and the PIs. The prices are different due to different features and also the OMV (which then affects the scrap value). Servicing is dependent on the quality of the technical supports and not the posh lounges.

[@kingkangkong85]

Well done James on the jammies.

[@jameskarlchan]

Hoping for a pyjama sponsor, but don't think that's happening 🤣

[@zxmedicxz]

This should be called a discussion instead of a review

[@muhammadnurhizanbinmohdhaz6943]

How about video on buying 2nd hand cars. What to look out for, etc.

[@travisporter194]

James: If you're looking for a car that AD don't offer, PI is a good choice. Like duh! Not as if you got any other choice unless you're that rich to ship in that one particular car in. Anyway, I think the common reason why people buy cars from PI is the down-payment. AD follows the mandatory MAS guidelines on the maximum loan quantum. Depending on the OMV, you're allowed to take a maximum loan of 60% to 70%. Take a car priced at $100,000 and OMV worth more than $20,000. You'll have to fork out a lump sum of at least $40,000. Not everyone can afford or feels comfortable to spend the amount at a go. PI dealers, tend to be more flexible when it comes to down-payment. You can even purchase a car with zero down-payment. Of course we factor out the 'drive-away' cost which is definitely affordable. Having said that, it's not all music to the ears when when buying a car with their in-house loans. Their interest rates are exorbitant. Some are twice of the banks interest rates.

[@jameskarlchan]

I was a bit of a Captain Obivious huh? 🙊

[@travisporter194]

As obvious as your facial expression regarding the body kit in the previous video. 😁

[@travisporter194]

I own a continental car and bike. I agree with you regarding the parf. But when it comes down to pure enjoyment, riding a superbike is my choice. I don't mind spending abit for it.

[@gabriellim2293]

Please continue backseat driver even after this whole pandemic!

[@sgcarmartreviews]

We will definitely do so :) - Jon

[@erickhoo6826]

Hi Guys , thanks for doing these few episodes for Backseat Driver despite CB period n unable to do any car review. Love to see u guys to do the car review soon. Since this episode talking about PI vs AD. Are you guys able to do some review on PI cars which AD dont bring in at all. eg Honda Freed Hybrid, Toyota Raize, Honda Shuttle n etc.... I would like you to have a review on Ford Mustang 2.3 ecoboost in the coming episode.. Maybe u all can also discuss on how COE bidding works, Car loans n Insurance for those 1st time buying car for backseat driver... Continue your good works.. A very geninue n honest review....

[@cjsamtab7]

Having experienced two purchases from a PI, the sales assistance and service standard is top notch. But, after you have your car parked in your garage, you're on your own. Remember this this saying ; Good Things No Cheap, Cheap Things No Good. However, before committing to a PI purchase, KNOW the the brand and model you are interested in, find out who else can service it properly besides the Warranty Clause on the servicing of your car ; PI will use sub-par quality EO, 3rd party Oil and Air Filters, and the mechanics assigned to service your new car are understudies - newbie. As for AD, I once had one of my past vehicle damaged because they replaced the Dipstick with a shorter one meant for a different model variant of the same make.

[@lewisthong3462]

There are so many dealers offering promo and flash deals now. Can you do a summary and see which is best deal now for sedans, SUVs, hybrids, etc?

[@mohdshahizan7819]

Can u guys do a top 3 or 5 recommended MPVs discussion video?

[@benbean1000]

I always buy from AD for european car. With more electronic gadget in the new car, not sure if the PI workshop has access to the latest software update. However the margin of the premium car AD is getting absurdly high, I may look at the PI and take the risk on the upfront savings for the downstream repair work. If I were to buy Japanese car, the PI route is less risky, I think. My 2cts.

[@jayz6922]

AD has the "bai tao", they have everything under one roof: showroom, test drive, after sales support like servicing and spare parts and even leasing division. But sometimes one will feel threatened that your warranty will be voided if you service your car outside, you will be forced to service your car with them, AD servicing is not cheap and long waiting time! There was once I had to replace my turbo and I called AD to enquire on the price, I was quoted $4k+!!!! Excluding workmanship! I tried to call the turbo manufacturer and was referred to their agent in Singapore, they told me MOQ 10 pcs!!!!! What?? To sell the other 9 pcs on carousell? Finally I found the OEM manufacturer in China for less than SGD800 door to door! With workmanship it just adds up to slightly more than 1k compared to AD's quote of 4K! AD's turbo lead time is 2 months, while I got mine is less than 3 weeks. Another experience with another AD, got my car for less than a few months, licence plate light blown, drove there and got them replaced, charged me for $15 for a simple light bulb. I asked them I just got the car and you are charging me for this light bulb? They said sorry but it's wear and tear. I said so you are saying the bulb will blow every 2 to 3 months? No experience with PI, so can't comment. But I don't mind trying PI for my next car.

[@sgcarmartreviews]

That's rough man. Glad that you found the OEM manufacturer, not many people have the patience to do so. - Jon

[@towerguarder]

I agree with Julian for the most part. Its totally dependent on the car for me. My Dad bought from PI, because AD didnt carry the model he wanted.

[@1astword]

Really appreciate all these insightful discussion videos! Maybe can do one with COE predictions/opinions and car buying after Circuit Breaker

[@jameskarlchan]

That's a good one!

[@1astword]

@@jameskarlchan thanks James, keep up the good work!

[@tw.4g188]

Thanks for the info

[@carr16k]

I will definitely go for AD but the one AD I wouldn't recommend is Borneo motors. Not saying they do not offer good services, but just simply base on the lack of variety and lower specs/trims cars they bring in. And they usually priced it at a premium. Compare the trim levels of the CHRs, the camrys, and the corollas between AD and PI, and you will see the ones by Borneo's are very basic. I just dont think the value is there.

[@zaseermohd]

I like these kind of concept like talking comparison but some times I feel like its going out of track. More talking on the concept of the topic please.

[@bryantpck8]

If given a comfortable budget then no hesitation to buy from AD. If AD don't bring in the model of car and u seriously want to buy it, means only choice is PI.

[@haydenlim1087]

Very good topic! Learned a few things from this video

[@jameskarlchan]

Thank you! If you have any suggestions for topics you're interested in, don't hesitate to ask away okay?

[@haydenlim1087]

James Chan one topic I could think about will be a comparison between ICE, hybrids and electric cars and which is best suited for sg roads

[@jameskarlchan]

@@haydenlim1087 okay I'll ask my producers.

[@jmengpang]

If looking for reliable and reputable PI, do check out Shin Automobile and look for Ken Wong. Highly recommended.

[@benjaminong9854]

Wow, Go to AD to test drive the car and then go to PI to buy the same car 😂

[@markgalvez1704]

I hope you can review the Rav-4 once CB is over, please discuss more on the infotainment system, because initial online reviews on the infotainment were not so good.

[@alvinmah6148]

The salesperson (Sarah) from Performance Motor told me the difference between the pi and ad bmw is that the BMWs parts from Performance Motor customised to suit local climate. I think that’s really some BS hardcore sales tactics.

[@limgenesis1976]

I order a car from a reputable ID Car***** during cb and every week they change the contract terms till I fedup and cancelled the whole damn thing

[@jameskarlchan]

Hope your did not forfeit your deposit!

[@anything4food748]

Which conpany is it?

[@limgenesis1976]

Luckily only pay $100 deposit for loan application. I find ID have limited knowledge of their own car spec as too many different models. No more IDs for me. Going for lexus now. Piece of mind.

[@desmondlky]

Merz A class and CLA from C&C is lower spec compared to PI and more expensive. Eg. no rear aircon and no dual climate control. Find out why C&C don’t want to bring in the better spec cars.

[@erickhoo6826]

Very simple answer to your question. If bring in more specs car, profit margin w b lower...

[@pohjoel1]

i had the same experience, and even when i wanted to add the options, i was encouraged not to... went to check CLA from PI and was offered the full specs.. more value for money for the purchase. but then you have to be comfortable with the maintenance from 3rd party servicing companies.

[@murdani6816]

More a psychological thingy, AD = safe/trustworthy.

[@jackkowloon]

James on PJ? Seriously! 😅

[@jameskarlchan]

Like a boss (but not a boss). No la, I was on leave that day.

[@Nahduge]

Lol let me guess Idris poor AD. TAN CHONG MOTORS

[@LightBringer888]

This guys don't know anything about cars lol 😂