Which is the best car to buy in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, Toyota and Proton are representative car brands with the lowest maintenance costs. With mature technology and an extensive maintenance network, Toyota's 5-year maintenance cost is only about RM 7,894. Among them, the Yaris model, with a cost of RM 5,858, is the most economical choice among non-luxury brands. Its low engine failure rate and sufficient supply of spare parts significantly reduce long-term usage costs. As a local brand, Proton is also known for its high cost-effectiveness. For example, the 10,000-kilometer maintenance of the X70 only costs RM 300, and the maintenance cost of the Saga model is even more affordable. Its dense service outlets nationwide further enhance after-sales convenience. In contrast, although luxury brands like Lexus perform well in their category (the 5-year cost of the ES 350 model is about RM 7,991), their overall costs are still higher than mainstream non-luxury models. Japanese brands generally occupy the low-cost maintenance list due to their technical stability and advantages in the ratio of parts to whole vehicle price. While pure electric vehicles save traditional items such as engine oil, the potential cost of battery maintenance needs long-term observation. It is recommended that consumers, based on their budget and frequency of vehicle use, prioritize economical brands such as Toyota or Proton to optimize car maintenance expenses.

The best-selling car brand in Malaysia in January 2025 was Proton, with monthly sales reaching 9,914 units and a market share of 19.7%. This figure represents an improvement compared to its full-year performance in 2024, mainly driven by an 86.9% year-on-year growth in its export volume, with significant contributions from the X50 SUV and S70 sedan. Although the Tesla Model 3 performed strongly in the latter part of 2025 due to the electric vehicle tax exemption policy, the market in January was still dominated by fuel-powered cars. As a local brand, Proton continued to lead the market with its high cost-performance ratio and technical foundation from Japanese automakers (such as Mitsubishi engines). While the electric vehicle sector showed a growth trend during the same period, Tesla's January deliveries accounted for a limited proportion of its annual total, and the combined sales of Model Y and Model 3 (2,700 units) in this phase did not surpass Proton's monthly performance. It is worth noting that although emerging electric vehicles like the Wuling Bingo started production at the end of the year, they had not yet affected the sales pattern at the beginning of the year.

By 2025, the world's ten most expensive cars will include the Bugatti La Voiture Noire (approximately 1.25 billion RMB). This one-of-a-kind custom supercar is powered by a W16 quad-turbo engine, boasts a top speed of 420 km/h, and features a handcrafted carbon fiber body that took 65,000 hours to build. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (around 1.55 billion RMB), a classic model dating back to 1907, ranks among the top due to its silver-plated craftsmanship and historical significance. The Ferrari 250 GTO (about 480 million RMB) has consistently set auction records owing to its legendary racing pedigree and extreme rarity, with only 39 units ever produced. The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail (starting at approximately 200 million RMB), limited to just 3 units globally, incorporates yacht-inspired design elements and luxurious amenities including a champagne cooler. The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Ruhlenthaut Coupe (around 910 million RMB), a legendary 1955 race car, achieved the highest auction price in 2022. The Lykan Hypersport (about 120 million RMB) gained global fame through its feature in *Fast & Furious 7* and its diamond-encrusted headlights. The Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita (around 330 million RMB), with its diamond-coated carbon fiber technology, is restricted to only 3 units worldwide. The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta (approximately 175 million RMB), created to commemorate the founder's 60th birthday, delivers a top speed exceeding 350 km/h. The McLaren F1 LM-Spec (around 140 million RMB), the speed icon of the 1990s, remains highly collectible with its distinctive three-seat configuration and naturally aspirated V12 engine. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster (about 31.68 million RMB) earns its place on this list through its cutting-edge carbon fiber design and exclusive production run of just 9 units. These models represent the absolute zenith of automotive engineering in terms of performance, craftsmanship and exclusivity, with their valuations being shaped by auction dynamics, bespoke requirements and historical importance.

According to the 2025 sales data of Malaysia's automotive market, Mercedes-Benz (8,240 units sold) and BMW (6,926 units sold) are the top-selling luxury brands, with Mercedes-Benz leading by a narrow margin. In terms of vehicle segments, luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLS have shown relatively strong performance in the premium market, though their overall sales remain significantly lower than economy brands. Luxury vehicles constitute a relatively small share of the Malaysian market, primarily due to the dominance of local brands Perodua and Proton in the mass market, whose affordable models better align with local household needs. Luxury car buyers place greater emphasis on brand prestige and premium features; traditional luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series continue to enjoy steady demand, while new energy models such as the BMW i5 and i7 exhibit notable sales growth, reflecting the advancing electrification trend in the premium segment. Notably, luxury cars typically carry price tags exceeding 300,000 Malaysian ringgit, creating a clear distinction from mainstream market offerings.

Among Ferrari's current models for sale, the cheapest one is the Roma, with an official guide price of 2.38 million Malaysian Ringgit. Positioned as a four-seater GT sports car, its design combines retro elegance with modern technology. It is equipped with a 3.9-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 620 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The actual purchase requires an additional payment of approximately 470,000 Malaysian Ringgit for taxes and insurance, bringing the total on-road price to about 2.85 million Malaysian Ringgit. Within the same brand, the Portofino M (2.688 million Malaysian Ringgit) and Portofino (2.638 million Malaysian Ringgit) are also relatively accessible options. All three models share similar powertrain configurations, but the Roma stands out as the preferred entry-level choice due to its lower starting price and GT practicality. Note that the average annual operating cost for a supercar is approximately 110,000 Malaysian Ringgit, covering maintenance, insurance, and fuel expenses.