KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 15 -- For many Malaysians, buying a luxury car is no longer just about status or performance. It is now a more considered decision - one that factors in how well a car holds its value over time.

This shift is driven by rising living costs and greater financial awareness. With cars being one of life's bigger investments, buyers are asking: will this still be worth something when it is time to upgrade?

Resale value is the new status symbol

A car's ability to retain value is becoming a major buying factor. Carsome Malaysia reports that some vehicles retain up to 70 per cent of their value after three years. In the luxury segment, brand reliability and ownership experience can make a big difference.

Globally, Lexus cons...