The heat, the humidity, and the hustle of Singapore can make getting around a challenge, especially if you have kids in tow. Many expats face the same dilemma when they move here – should you buy or lease a car? We’ve scoured the expat forums to bring you the real scoop. Some expats swear by buying, saying that it could save you money. But others regret the decision. When something goes wrong, you’re on the hook for repairs. Leasing, on the other hand, definitely has its perks. Got a flat tyre? Someone will fix it for you and quickly. Hearing strange noises? The leasing company will swap your car for a loaner while they sort it out. It’s convenience at its best.
Why Leasing A Car In Singapore Makes Sense. The COE In Simple Terms.
Owning a car in Singapore isn’t as simple as just going down to your local car dealer and buying one. You’ll need what’s known as a Certificate of Entitlement (COE). This is a permit that allows you to own and use a vehicle for 10 years. The COE is part of Singapore’s Vehicle Quota System (VQS), which controls the number of cars on the island.
Here’s how it works. Each month, the quota is released. COEs are then auctioned off twice a month. You need to register and bid to register a vehicle, and everyone pays the lowest successful bid. For example, if you bid SG$125,000 but the lowest bid is SG$95,000, you’ll pay SG$95,000.
There are five COE categories as shown in the table below. The categories are based on engine power.
Categories C and E can be transferred once, if held by an individual, but A, B, and D are non-transferable.
You can check if your bid is successful through this website here. If you don’t want to handle the bidding process yourself, you can use a company such as Carro to handle it for you.
Another thing to consider is that COE prices have been rising. As of January 2026, the cost for Category A is SG$109,501 (up over SG$7,000), and for Category B, it’s SG$121,634 (up over SG$2,000). That’s before you even buy a car!
If the COE sounds daunting, leasing might be your best bet. Here are some of the top companies for car leasing in Singapore.
Presto Expat Motoring understands that you might not yet know the local roads or rules. Their service is designed to be a helping hand rather than just a transaction. They offer what is known as "long-term car leasing Singapore" packages that are very popular. Their team is friendly and approachable. They will walk you through the entire process from choosing a car to understanding the insurance coverage. They often have cars that are popular with families, such as larger SUVs and sedans. It feels like having a friend in the car business.
Presto Expat Motoring, 0491B River Valley Rd, #14-03 Valley Point Office Tower, Singapore 248373, +65 6732 7737, https://www.prestoexpatmotoring.com/
Kinto One Singapore is a popular choice for those looking for long-term car leasing. An all-in-one solution, their package includes insurance, maintenance, road taxes, and even wear-and-tear. Plus, with no hefty upfront payment, Kinto is definitely an option to consider. They have a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to luxury models, all with flexible leasing terms. Whether you need a car for a year or longer, Kinto has options to suit your needs. Their customer service is highly rated, and they’re known for their quick response times.
Kinto One Singapore, 22 Sin Ming Lane, #01-77 Midview City, Singapore 573969 , +65 8876 1523, https://carleasing.kinto-sg.com/
SGRentACar is another favorite. They pride themselves on offering affordable rates without compromising on quality. Their fleet includes a variety of cars, from budget-friendly options to premium vehicles. Plus, their leasing packages often include maintenance and insurance, so you can drive worry-free. With a 24-hour emergency breakdown service, this is another reason you should check out their offering.
SGRentACar, 1 Bukit Batok Crescent,WCEGA Plaza, #02-53, Singapore 658064, +65 6684-5583 or +65 8181-0736, https://www.sgrentacar.com.sg/
ComfortDelGro Rent-A-Car is a household name in Singapore, with over 40 years in this field. They offer short and long-term lease options as well as a wide range of vehicles for individuals and companies. They are also well known for their excellent customer service. Their leasing packages are comprehensive, covering everything from maintenance to insurance, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.
ComfortDelGro Rent-A-Car, 205 Braddell Rd, Singapore 579701 +65 6882 0888, https://www.cdgrentacar.com.sg/
Prime Group stands out with its commitment to quality, convenience, and customer flexibility. Their fleet ranges from the newest sedans to luxury models, available for both short and long-term needs. With delivery right to your doorstep, Prime makes driving in Singapore straightforward and stress-free. Their transparent rate system and emphasis on service have earned them top industry awards and glowing feedback from expats and locals alike. Hear from Teresa about her experience with Prime. Whether you are after monthly flexibility or a multi-year lease, Prime offers high standards and competitive prices for families seeking a first-class experience.
Prime Car Rental, 50 Serangoon North Avenue 4 #01-23 First Centre Singapore 555856, +65 6386 8633, https://pscr.com.sg/
FASST Leasing is a dedicated division of the respected Sime Motors Group, offering tailored premium solutions for both businesses and individuals. They specialize in long-term car leasing, providing options for both brand-new and pre-owned vehicles to suit a variety of needs. They offer a transparent and competitive pricing structure with no hidden fees. Insurance, servicing, and road tax are all taken care of, and 24-hour roadside assistance is included.
FASST, 1 Ubi Rd 4, Singapore 408607, 1800 734 4646, https://www.fasst.simemotors.com.sg/
Carro LEAP offers a monthly, usage-based subscription programme for car leasing. Choose from either a range of new or pre-owned cars. They have an app where you can manage your entire subscription, including assistance, servicing, and maintenance, so they're very tech-savvy. You can even swap your car at the end of your leasing term and choose another.
Carro Leap, 28 Sin Ming Lane, #01-134 Singapore, 573972, +65 6714 6652, https://carro.sg/leap
Alpine Car Rental is known for its reliability and convenience. They offer flexible car subscriptions or long-term leasing options, making it easy to find the perfect car. Their cars are well-maintained, and the customer service team is always ready to assist.
Alpine Car Rental, 7 Ubi Close, Alpine Centre, Ground Floor Annex, Singapore 408604, +65 6553 2122, https://alpinecarrental.com.sg/
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