I want to buy a Proton

[ACCYSTAN]

I know, they are Malaysian junk

But I have always wanted to own a Proton and with a dwindling number in the UK, it’s now or never.

Just one question, which model to go for.
Not allot of choice but the Gen2 & Savvy most widely available.
The Savvy is horrific and so I can’t go with that.

The Impian have a lot of faults so I don’t want one of them.

Any advice or recommendations appreciated.

[joropug]

Why? Low numbers because not remotely desirable to anyone surely ?

The only one that is mildly interesting is the Satria GTI

I wouldn't be seen dead in one!

[Speed Badger]

You don't need to buy a Proton; this is not the car you're looking for...

I had a Satria GTi.

Very overrated car, and its not even mega highly rated anyway.

[anonymous-user]

You could buy literally any other car and end up in something better, bar perhaps an old Perodua.

Buy a Vauxhall.

[Nickp82]

There is only one acceptable solution to this;

[ACCYSTAN]

I did consider the pick up but I need 5 seats on occasion so it’s no good.

Why a proton?

I’ve always had a soft spot for them

If I don’t do it now I will live with that regret, the same regret I have about never owning a Honda Civic type R which will be my next car after the proton for a year or two.

[anxious_ant]

Aren't Protons knock-off Mitsubishis?

Only good thing about the Malaysian carmaker is the Lotus ties...

[ACCYSTAN]

The decent early ones where based on Mitsubishi cars

Then Proton got all nationalistic and proud and went their own way and the cars where terrible


About 5 years back they purchased the tooling for an old model of Honda Accord from Honda (who else?) and sold it as a rebadged Proton (it may still be on sale) and the first year they sold more than expected.
I don’t recall all the details but I’m sure they even purchased Honda engines for a set period to put in it while they worked on their own transmission and engine to fit the accord.

Even the Malaysians knew a rebadged old Honda is superior to an equivalent home market developed motor.

[ACCYSTAN]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_Perdana_(se...

Still on sale

And Proton never got round to developing their own engine and transmission to fit in the rebadged Accord. This is no bad thing as the 2 Honda units on offer are both fantastic engines.

[anxious_ant]

Fair enough. I've actually hired a Perdana many moons ago whilst on a business trip in KL. IIRC the engine was a V6 and to be fair it's pretty decent.

[jonwm]

I bought a s reg proton coupe from an elderly neighbour circa 2003, it was great fun, had recaro seats and was quite nippy.

I joined the proton owners club (still going) and went to a few car meets, best £150 I ever spent on a car.

Used to know a fair bit about them but it's all a distant memory now.

[Mercury00]

I always thought the Gen 2 was a funky looking thing. I dunno if they're any good though.

[alabbasi]

Are they still making re-badged Mitsubishi's?

[ZX10R NIN]

Just go & buy a Type R you'll never think about the Proton again once you've driven the Honda & the only regret you'll have is that you started a thread about buying a Proton

[aka_kerrly]

Speed Badger said:

You don't need to buy a Proton; this is not the car you're looking for...

I had a Satria GTi.

Very overrated car, and its not even mega highly rated anyway.

Are you sure? Silverstone and Castle Combe both used to have a few Proton GTI's and the instructors that I was with rated them highly, Lotus tuned suspension is one of the selling points , truth is it didn't feel like driving a FWD Lotus but they were just as good/certainly no worse
than the Ford Focus & MG ZR that were also used at the same time.

[FA57REN]

Mercury00 said:

I always thought the Gen 2 was a funky looking thing. I dunno if they're any good though.

It and the Satira had decent handling but not much else of merit, according to reviews at the time. Wheezy engines and ABS only on posh trim levels. Except for the Satira GTi which Evo quite liked.

joropug said:

I wouldn't be seen dead in one!

On the contrary if I met someone in a Proton I'd be intrigued and impressed that they showed some individuality.

Edited by FA57REN on Thursday 30th July 05:35

[anonymous-user]

Satria Gti is the only remotely desireable Proton. My friend had one but I always preferred the drive of my mk5 fiesta zetec-s and it was just as quick despite the statistics.

[A1VDY]

joropug said:

I wouldn't be seen dead in one!

Image? Really??
Branded clothes and trainers/shoes as well maybe?

[Belle427]

I’m ashamed to say I used to own a Proton back in the 90’s. I was desperate for a car and it fell into my lap.
It was a complete weapon though, not much would touch it, especially in the corners.

[Jonny_]

Belle427 said:

I’m ashamed to say I used to own a Proton back in the 90’s. I was desperate for a car and it fell into my lap.
It was a complete weapon though, not much would touch it, especially in the corners.

Yes, if you're going to own a Proton, go Full Proton. Although finding a solid and roadworthy Aeroback might not be easy...

Used to see a lot (relatively speaking) of Protons on the roads when working around East Yorkshire. Humberside Police even used them as patrol cars for a while.