A car salesman recently shared a story on social media about a 27-year-old man whose visit to view a 2018 Honda Civic TC-P became about much more than just a simple purchase.
The young man, who earns RM3,800 a month, had been working for five years and commuting solely by motorcycle. Although he had managed to save some money, he admitted that meeting clients on his bike often left him feeling insecure.
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According to the salesman, the man’s opening words were simple but honest: he was tired of being looked down on because of his mode of transport.
Breaking down the costs
Initially, the customer assumed that owning the Civic would cost upwards of RM1,200 a month in instalments. However, once the salesman broke down the figures, the car was priced at RM65,800, with insurance and road tax totalling approximately RM3,090. With a 10% deposit, the estimated monthly instalment came to about RM800.
After factoring in insurance, road tax, and regular maintenance, the total monthly commitment was calculated at roughly RM1,100.
Rather than rushing into a decision, the young man took two days to deliberate. The salesman described him in a viral Threads post as someone financially prudent and not prone to making impulsive choices.
More than just a status symbol
Three days later, the man returned with a straightforward justification for the purchase.
“I’m not buying this to show off. I just want to feel like I’ve moved up a little in life,” he stated.
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The purchase was completed that same day. A month later, the customer sent the salesman a message of thanks, noting that his confidence had soared when meeting clients and interacting with peers.
While many view expensive cars as a luxury rather than a necessity, the salesman believes that for some individuals, the right vehicle plays a vital role in personal growth and professional self-assurance.
What car do you drive, and do you think your confidence levels are attributed to your choice of vehicle?
Also read: “Can I have it for RM100K?” – Gen Z M’sian With RM1.7K Salary Wants to Get a Car That’s Worth RM163K
