SST-free prices ending in less than 2 months – which Japanese brand can deliver before June?

Come June and the SST-free car prices will come to an end. SST-free car prices were first mooted in mid-2020 as a way to increase car sales during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With less than 2 months left, let’s take a closer and see which brands can deliver their cars to customers on time.

To get a clearer picture, we visited various car showrooms and spoke to sales people on the ground.

Also Read: If you’ve just booked a 2022 model, chances are you won’t get it until July or August

Mazda

For those who are interested to get a brand-new Mazda, good news for you as sales people we spoke to confirmed that Bermaz Motor will be absorbing the difference in price upon the reintroduction of SST prices by July.

There is a catch – the new car must be booked before the end of May in order for Bermaz to absorb the SST.

Also Read: Can’t get your SST-exempted car before June 2022? MAA confirms one month grace period until July

To as waiting period, it is dependent on actual model and variant specified. Some model / variant have a shorter waiting period than others.

Subaru

If you’re inclined at Subaru’s current line-up, here’s some updates. According to sales people we spoke to, there’s a minimal waiting period for models like the Subaru XV. Deliveries for the model can be done before the SST-free period ends.

However, for those keen on the larger Subaru Forester, the waiting period for this SUV could stretch beyond the SST-free period.

Also Read: After MCO, chip supply shortage is slowing car production in Malaysia

Honda

With the 2022 Honda Civic FE being the rage of town, deliveries before the SST-free period ends is a mixed bag.

Unless you’ve booked your Civic RS on the month it was launched, chances of you taking delivery of your Civic RS before 30-June is very slim.

But for buyers who booked the lower-spec Civic 1.5 E or 1.5 V variants, they can potentially get their swanky new C-segment sedan by June.

As for Honda Malaysia’s other models, the Honda City 1.5 V and 1.5 V Sensing can be delivered before the SST-free period ends. Ditto to all variants of the Honda Accord as well as the lower-spec Honda BR-V 1.5 E.

Toyota

It's a very similar story when it comes to Toyota. If you booked a Toyota Corolla Cross or a Toyota Hilux, don’t expect to get your car until July, or even August.

Other models in Toyota's range, like the Toyota Vios and Yaris also face delays but to a lesser extent.

Don’t wanna wait long? Enter Carsome Certified

If the waiting period for these new cars is a turn-off for you, fret not as Carsome.my is a viable alternative.

While it’s not backed by any manufacturer, buyers enjoy a 5-day no questions asked money back guarantee. Surely that’s more than enough to answer any doubt. And unlike a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned cars outlet, Carsome offers plenty of choices, and buyers can check out the cars virtually thanks to their high resolution 360-degree camera.