Pre-owned car dealers may seem like a dime a dozen, but the reality is that this industry is a competitive one. There is a sea of firms offering the same models and services, promising great service and having glowing reviews to reassure customers.
Now, what if it's your first time searching for a used car? How do you figure out which company you should go to, and more importantly, how can you tell which one to trust with your hard-earned money?
Reviews and recommendations from friends are certainly one way of doing this, since past experiences can be helpful. But what if you don't know anyone who's bought a vehicle from a used-car dealer or worse, their experiences have been negative?
A key indicator
One factor you can consider is how long a company has been in business. While it's not an absolute guarantee of satisfaction, a firm that's been around for many years is a good sign that it's well-run and has repeat customers.
Faster Auto Trading is a great example of this. The firm, which was founded in 1994 by Thomas Ching, began as a one-man operation. Today, the 30-year-old firm is still going strong, having weathered the highs and lows of COE and the ups and downs of the economy through the decades.
Thomas' interest in cars is what brought him into entrepreneurship. He recalls, "I like cars, so I thought: Why not go into the used car trade?" So, he set up shop in Queensway Shopping Centre, buying one or two vehicles at a time.
Back then, it was also easier to buy and sell cars. Times were simpler because all he had to do was place ads in the newspaper to get more footfall. Today, the landscape is totally different - ads are still needed but these are now online. Videos and social media are required, too.
Faster Auto Trading, however, continues to overcome these challenges. Thomas says half of his business is made up by return customers - yet another sign of a company you can patronise. Centrally located in Alexis along Alexandra Road, there's plenty of on-site parking, as well as access via nearby MRT stations for customers.
Rolling with the times
With the growth in the number of used car dealers and the challenges posed by digitalisation, Faster Auto Trading transformed itself into a one-stop shop, offering customers not just used cars, but insurance, financing, and vehicle servicing as well.
In 2018, the firm also began leasing operations. It recognised the growing segment of consumers that didn't want to commit to vehicle ownership but still required a car on a regular basis.
To offer enhanced flexibility, the company allows customers to lease cars for as short as three days. Clients are also allowed to upgrade models in the middle of their contract should they wish to.
Interestingly, Faster Auto Trading is focussed solely on private and not commercial clients. It does not offer private-hire vehicles (PHVs) for lease, because this operation entails the need for an even larger fleet, so that there are spare cars.
PHVs clock a lot of kilometres and inevitably require more servicing and preventive maintenance to keep them in proper running order. Ditto in the event of mishaps - the drivers need replacement vehicles on short notice.
Solid and simple
So, if you're looking for a used car or wish to lease a vehicle, Faster Auto Trading is definitely a company to consider. It caters solely to private customers, offers flexible leasing terms, and for buyers seeking peace of mind, the company has also won Sgcarmart's Premium Dealer award for the past nine years.
That says a lot about the firm. And it also proves that humble beginnings eventually become continued success not just because of hard work, but also because of its ability to consistently deliver brilliant customer service and value for money.
Faster Auto Trading is located at 354 Alexandra Road, #01-13 Alexis, Singapore 159948, and can be contacted at 6476 1970.
