Things to keep in mind when
buying a car in Malaysia
1. There are almost no reliable cars below the
RM5000 mark. Cars that are sold below RM5k often need repairs which could
easily add a couple of thousand ringgits. Be prepared to pay at least RM7.000
to RM10.000 for an old (10+ year old) car.
2. A new car easily costs over RM100.000 in
Malaysia. If you want to drive an American or European brand then be prepared
to fork up a few hundred thousand ringgits. Even a BMW of at least 5 years old
may cost well over RM150.000.
3. Most common brands in Malaysia are Proton,
Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. Most common European cars are BMW and Mercedes. Audi
is currently gaining popularity (weird enough some locals have the impression
that Audi is of less quality compared to BMW and Mercedes).
4. Banks are usually eager to give out (new) loans.
Expats usually have a bigger income compared to locals, though expats also
often stay less long in Malaysia. Loans are available but there may be
restrictions in place (like a shorter payback time which means higher monthly
costs). When you take up a loan there is usually a down payment of at least
10%. To get the loan you need to bring along bank statements (that proves your
income), your passport with work-permit and often a company letter. A general
rule of thumb is that you must have a salary of at least 3 to 5 times the
monthly payment in order to get a loan. The interest rates for a new car are
usually between 2% and 4% per year (second hand cars between 4% and 8%). Loans
that can be applied are typically for around 10 years in case of a new car.
5. Proton, the national car of Malaysia, is perhaps
not the best or nicest car to drive; however it is a car that everybody drives
in Malaysia. This means that there is much knowledge at repair garages and
parts are also less expensive. If you are on a tight budget, you are probably
best off with a Proton car.
6. Make sure you bring along a local that at least
speaks Bahasa Malayu. Chinese is often even better (as the 2nd hand car market
is mostly dominated by Chinese Malaysians).
7. Check the service record to verify the vehicle’s
history and mileage.
8. Have the vehicle tested by an independent
service/repair shop and use the outcome to haggle on the price.
9. Use places like Mudah.com.my to get an
impression on prices for a certain type, year and model. If you see a car for
sale for half the regular 2nd hand value then ask yourself the question what
might be wrong with it. Believe it or not; it is not uncommon to see stolen
cars offered for sale.
10. Don’t believe most of the unique selling
points. In Malaysia every 2nd hand car only had 1 previous owner, who is always
76 years old and always used to be a school teacher that only drove 50.000
kilometers in all those years.
11. Take the car for a test drive. Check whether
essential functions like brakes, tires, clutch, gearbox, visors, lights, doors,
electric windows (if any), central door lock and air-condition are working.
12. Cars keep their value more in Malaysia then in
other countries. If you buy a car for RM15.000 chances are that two years later
the car is still worth around RM13.000. Brand new cars do lose value
immediately after buying the car (around 30% max).
13. Please check that the vehicle is actually owned
by the seller. This can be done at JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan).
14. When you are buying the car you head over to
JPJ near Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya just outside KL city center to have it
registered under your name.
15. Only after you have registered the car under
your name (and made sure up front that there are no outstanding loans, warrants
and after the official car inspection) you will do the payment.
16. In Malaysia people can take up a loan (similar to
a mortgage) on a car that is transferable after the sale. This means you can
buy a car with an outstanding loan. Always check the background or history of
the vehicle if possible before deciding to buy the vehicle for sale.
17. If you bring your car to a regular repair shop;
always join the mechanic for a short drive to test the car. Our experiences are
that they tend to fix the problem(s) at hand, but often do not look further
than that. This means that there is a chance that you will run into new problems.
Always be alert and always ask how many days of warranty come with the repairs.
18. If you run into trouble on the road be sure to
have proper insurance. Our experience with Axa is pretty good. We ran into
troubles a few times with our cheap car and we never had to wait for more than
two hours for the towing company to arrive. Be sure to keep the number of your
insurance company at hand.
19. Never rush into buying a car. Also try and find
a trustworthy source first that has no ties with a dealer (or seller)
whatsoever. Do not put too much trust in the advertisements you often see along
the roads. Always make sure all the documents are in order and there has not
been tampered with the car.
20. If you are selling your car (private sale) then
always make sure payment is done in cash on delivery. There have been many
cases of expats being fooled without any time left to actually solve the
issues.
Source : WonderFullMalaysia
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers
Once
the initial shock of a mesothelioma diagnosis has passed, patients and
loved ones are often left wondering how they can afford expensive
treatment and other financial hardships. Choosing the right mesothelioma
lawyer to represent you is an important first step in ensuring your
family’s financial future.
Statutes of limitations vary from state to state, and you may be running out of time to file a lawsuit for compensation. That’s why it’s important to learn about your legal options as soon as possible.
Not all lawyers are created equal. Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex and time sensitive. A lawyer with a history of successful asbestos litigation makes the process simple and hassle free, giving you more time to focus on what matters most: Your health and family.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will handle your case from start to finish and explain your options along the way. They are familiar with other avenues of compensation and will help you make the right decision.
Bankrupt asbestos companies have set aside billions to compensate people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos trust fund claims are filed out of court and can get those injured by negligent companies the compensation they deserve — often quicker than a traditional lawsuit.
Military veterans exposed to asbestos during service can file a disability claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A qualified asbestos attorney can help veterans navigate the complicated VA claims process as well as legal routes.
Reasons for Hiring an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
Better Resources
Asbestos
law is complex. Only specialized mesothelioma lawyers have the
resources and experience you need for such an important undertaking.
Because every claim is different, your lawyer will explain the types of
compensation available for your situation and evaluate how much money
you can receive.
Compassion and Understanding
An
asbestos lawyer will be compassionate during the hard time you and your
loved ones are going through. A representative from the attorney’s firm
will travel to you when gathering information for your case. The law
firm will work hard to make sure you don’t have to spend a day in court
unless it is absolutely necessary.
Knowledgeable
Mesothelioma
attorneys are familiar with the companies that used asbestos. They know
which job sites caused significant asbestos exposure and which products
contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral. Identifying when
and where you were exposed to asbestos is crucial to winning your claim.
Winning Track Record
Asbestos
industry defenders always put up a tough fight. You need a national law
firm with a proven track record of winning asbestos lawsuits or large
settlements. Qualified attorneys know the best jurisdictions for filing
claims, and they are also well versed in the asbestos trust fund claims
process.
What Expenses Can Be Covered by Legal Compensation?
A
trustworthy attorney will never guarantee an outcome, a settlement or a
successful jury verdict. However, finding a mesothelioma lawyer who can
offer a high probability of successwill make it easier to obtain
compensation.
In
addition to expensive treatments not covered by your health insurance,
other common expenses for mesothelioma patients include:
- Common expenses for mesothelioma patients
- Lost wages
- Caregiver costs
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Funeral expenses
- Therapy and grief support
- Other expenses not covered by insurance
It
is important to save all your medical and financial records so your
lawyer can have updated information about your expenses. In addition to
compensation to cover expenses, mesothelioma lawsuits may include
punitive damages to punish the defendant and award the plaintiff for
their pain and suffering.
Differences in Legal Options
Asbestos
exposure is often the result of someone else’s negligence, making
mesothelioma an almost entirely preventable cancer. Many companies knew
of the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn their employees. Lawsuits
hold these companies accountable while providing much-needed
compensation to those diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.
A
qualified asbestos lawyer will help you decide if it’s better to file a
lawsuit or pursue another type of claim, as well as estimate the
potential value of your claim.
Depending
on your situation, it may even be possible for you to receive
compensation without stepping foot in court. Many people have
successfully done so through asbestos trust claims, VA disability claims
and out-of-court settlements.
Filing a Lawsuit in Court
There are two types of asbestos injury lawsuits: Personal injury claims and wrongful death suits.
Specific
rights in these lawsuits depend on the county and state where the case
is filed. A mesothelioma lawyer will help you determine which of these
lawsuits is best for you or your family.
Personal Injury Claim
An
individual diagnosed with mesothelioma can file a personal injury claim
against one or more companies that may be responsible for their
illness. Many cases are settled out of court.
Wrongful Death Suit
The
family of a person who died from the asbestos-related disease can file a
wrongful death lawsuit. There is a possibility they may need to appear
in court.
Filing a Trust Claim Outside of Court
More
than 60 trusts have been established on behalf of asbestos companies
that filed for bankruptcy reorganization to avoid future lawsuits. The
U.S. government requires these companies to fund these trusts with
enough money to pay out current and future claims.
It is estimated that asbestos trust funds contain more than $30 billion in total.
Filing for VA Benefits
Military
veterans can apply for VA benefits such as health care and monthly
disability compensation. The surviving spouses and children of veterans
who died of service-related disabilities can apply for a monthly
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit.
According
to the 2016 Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables, an unmarried
veteran without children can receive more than $2,900 per month, while a
married veteran with at least one child can receive nearly $3,200 per
month.
Lawsuit Settlements
You
may file a lawsuit and win compensation without having to go to court.
The vast majority of mesothelioma lawsuits never go to trial. Although a
jury verdict may result in a larger reward, mesothelioma settlements
are guaranteed compensation and a quicker resolution to a case.
Trials
can be lengthy and some plaintiffs might not receive compensation until
months after the verdict, depending on an appeal. An experienced lawyer
will explain the strengths of your case and help you decide whether to
settle or seek a verdict.
Can I Afford an Attorney?
In
asbestos lawsuits, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This
means you pay nothing until you receive compensation and nothing at all
if your case is not successful.
Contingency
fees protect you because they usually are based on a percentage of any
compensation you receive. Be sure to discuss this percentage during your
first meeting with an attorney.
Mesothelioma Verdicts
Mesothelioma
lawsuits have helped hundreds of thousands of people seek compensation
from companies that negligently exposed them to asbestos. The ultimate
goal is to put money in the hands of someone who needs help reducing
financial hardships during an illness and providing a more stable future
for loved ones.
$250 million
A
retired U.S. Steel worker from Indiana won a 2003 mesothelioma trial
after alleging the company was responsible for exposing him to asbestos
insulation for decades. U.S. Steel was expected to appeal the $250
million verdict, but instead settled out of court for an undisclosed
amount.
$115 million
In
1998, a Texas jury awarded $115 million to 21 steelworkers who
developed asbestosis while working at an Alabama steel mill. Carborundum
Company, the manufacturer of an asbestos-containing grinding wheel used
at the mill, was ordered to pay $100 million in punitive damages.
$18.6 million
A
Dallas county jury awarded $18.6 million in 2014 to the family of a
tire builder who died of mesothelioma. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Co. employee was repeatedly exposed to asbestos over 30 years while
working with Goodyear tire machines at a plant in Tyler, Texas.
$1.74 million
In
2011, the Delaware Supreme Court awarded damages to the family of a
mother and son who died of pleural mesothelioma after exposures at a
family auto shop. Four surviving family members received $1.24 million
for pain and suffering and $500,000 in a wrongful death verdict.
Mesothelioma Legal Myths & Concerns
There
are many misconceptions about the mesothelioma legal process and why it
is important to hire a specialized lawyer. Don’t let these
misconceptions prevent you from seeking important legal help.
I Should Focus on My Health Now and Speak with a Lawyer Later
Although
investing your time and energy into treatment and feeling better is
important, mesothelioma lawsuits are time sensitive. Depending on your
location, state laws may prevent you from filing a claim one or two
years after learning about your diagnosis. In addition, the sooner you
seek legal help, the sooner you may be able to receive compensation to
cover medical expenses.
I Don’t Want to Choose the Wrong Lawyer
If
you’re concerned about the cost of legal counsel, you should know most
mesothelioma attorneys offer free consultations. It’s possible to
discuss your case with a qualified lawyer with no obligations, giving
you a chance to find someone you are comfortable with at no cost. If you
decide to file a lawsuit, you only need to pay your lawyer if you
receive an award from a settlement or trial verdict.
I Don’t Want to Sue the Government
Mesothelioma
lawsuits are filed against companies that produced and sold asbestos,
not the government. If you were exposed to asbestos during military
service, you may have the option to file a lawsuit against a company
that supplied asbestos-containing products to the armed forces. If you
don’t feel comfortable filing a lawsuit, you may be able to recover
funds by filing a VA claim.
Any Lawyer Can Help Me File a Claim
Because
mesothelioma lawsuits are complicated, you want to have an experienced
lawyer on your side. Attorneys who are well-versed in these types of
cases know the ins and outs of filing a claim. They offer you the best
chance of winning compensation to cover treatment and provide for your
family. Make sure your lawyer has a proven track record of success. This
includes winning verdicts in the courtroom, should your case go to
trial.
