KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Buying a new car is often about what catches your attention first. The design, technology, cabin features and the way it feels on a test drive all play a part.

But those are only the beginning of the ownership experience.

Once the car becomes part of the daily routine, what matters more is how easy it is to live with over time.

Servicing should be straightforward, help should be within reach when something goes wrong and maintaining the vehicle several years down the road should not be a guessing game.