Market Watch: What PARF Cars Can We Buy At S$800 Depreciation Per Month?

A “PARF car" here in Singapore is one that still falls within its initial 10-year COE cycle; they still qualify for a rebate under the Preferential Additional Registration Fee scheme, which is calculated from its OMV and age, if deregistered before 10 years. On the other hand, a “COE car" is one that’s more than 10 years old with a renewed COE, and is not eligible for this rebate.

The PARF route seems the more appealing option, given how COE premiums these days are showing no signs of easing. So let’s look at a couple of options that have up to one year left on the clock.

Given this timeline, there won’t be a requirement to give them a thorough once-over. We reckon that’s the sweet spot from a financial standpoint!

Nissan Note 1.2A DIG-S

COE Expiry: October 2026

While the Nissan Note is classified as a hatchback, we always felt that it was one of the more functional offerings given its raised roofline. Breadvan-like proportions play to its advantage; compared to rear passengers in other ultra-compact rivals like the Mazda 2 and Suzuki Swift, you don't have to soldier on in a slouched seating position in the Note!

This example appears to be in good nick, with fresh paint, servicing records and a mileage that’s not frighteningly high. It’s yours for S$9,300 depreciation per year.

Volkswagen Sportsvan 1.4A Highline

COE Expiry: February 2026

A recipe based on the VW Golf will be predictable, and that’s no bad thing when it comes to the Sportsvan. With a chassis that's surprisingly involving for a family car, it has 20% more grocery space than the regular Golf hatchback; we’re on to a winner with this one.

As with VW Group products, it’s the handy low end torque that keeps their cars brisk in the city. 200 Nm is a familiar figure, accessible from just a light tap of the throttle.

Ford Focus Titanium 1.0A

COE Expiry: September 2026

Those old enough (me included!) to experience the 2nd-gen Ford Focus hatchback in the mid noughties might be surprised by how well it handled corners. A comfort-oriented suspension on a chassis 10% stiffer than the Mk1 made it as dynamically capable as the Mk5 Golf, which in hindsight was a brilliant achievement.

We have its successor here - one that was engineered to house a larger 2.0-litre engine. This example might be the less muscular 1.0-litre turbo variant, but it's never going to be short of pulling power in city applications.

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