Answer first
In a quotation that explicitly uses the legacy flat method, the rate is calculated against original principal for every year. Current reducing-balance facilities require different inputs.
How to decide
For a legacy flat-rate document, first reproduce its flat-interest schedule. Then calculate an effective rate from the amount actually received and the dates and amounts of all payments; do not double a flat rate as a shortcut.
A practical process
Confirm the method in each current provider disclosure. When comparing quotations, keep vehicle price, deposit, term and included charges identical and use a reviewed cash-flow solver.
Limits and next step
Maybank states that it adopted reducing-balance hire purchase from 1 August 2026. No current provider effective-rate comparison is published here. Check the linked primary source and its captured date before making a commitment.
Malaysian worked example
Show the working
Inputs
- legacy RM72,000 quotation
- 3% flat
- 7 years
Calculation
- legacy flat interest = RM15,120
- monthly = RM87,120 ÷ 84 = RM1,037.14
Illustrative resultThe legacy schedule totals RM87,120 before other charges.
Maybank states that it adopted reducing-balance hire purchase from 1 August 2026. No current provider effective-rate comparison is published here.
Sources
- Source checked on 2026-09-14Maybank
Hire Purchase/-i and reducing-balance framework
- Effective
- 2026-08-01