About 5 years ago, I bought a P reg Proton Persona "Penang" Compact from my grandfather, who had bought it new. At the time of buying it, I was quite apprehensive. I was young and hadn't really heard of Proton. The car is an automatic, and this was the first time I had driven one. I was also ... Read review
Advantages: Good looking, great features, surprisingly powerful Disadvantages: Underestimated compared to similar sized cars
...I bought a P reg Proton Persona "Penang" Compact from my grandfather, who had bought it new. At the time of buying it, I was quite apprehensive. I was young and hadn't really heard of Proton. The car is an automatic, and this was the first time I had driven one. I was also concerned about the fact that I was buying it from my grandfather. Would this make me the proud owner of an "uncool grandad car?" I went with it, and bought ... ...is that trying to get Proton parts can be on the expensive side, as they are not as easily accessible as Vauxhall or Ford parts for example. However, one benefit is that the car is very, very similar to the Mitsubishi Colt, and so some of the parts from that car can be used for a Proton at a reduced cost if required.
On the whole, I would recommend this car to anyone wanting a reliable car which is both smooth and sporty, and will ... more
About 5 years ago, I bought a P reg Proton Persona "Penang" Compact from my grandfather, who had bought it new. At the time of buying it, I was quite apprehensive. I was young and hadn't really heard of Proton. The car is an automatic, and this was the first time I had driven one. I was also concerned about the fact that I was buying it from my grandfather. Would this make me the proud owner of an "uncool grandad car?" I went with it, and bought it from him for £1600. Bearing in mind that it was in pristine condition with only 19000 miles on the clock, I thought this was a good time to change my L reg corsa with far too many miles on the clock.
Since I bought the car, and have had the time to actually look at it properly, I keep thinking one perculiar question. What was my grandfather doing at 75 years of age with a sporty hatchback, complete with spoiler and 15" alloy wheels? Suddenly it dawned on me that my "uncool" machine was actually quite a looker.
The model that I've got includes lots of features such as air conditioning, central locking, electric windows, electric mirrors, driver airbag and radio cassette.
The car itself has been very reliable for me over the years I've had it. The only problems I've had with it have been self inflicted, such as my inability to turn the lights off....about 4 times. I have hardly had to have much work done on it at all, so for a 10 year old car, that is quite good really.
It handles tremendously on the road, and is deceptively quick. Before driving the car for the first time, I had preconceived ideas that being an automatic, it would be slow and unresponsive. I enjoy being proved wrong, and I certainly was on this occasion. The car is quick enough to get you out of tight spots if required, and is a very comfortable and smooth ride.
I've always found it to be a very secure car. Although, you might want to bear in mind if you buy one that the rear windscreen is not brick proof, and there are no in-built lasers or tiny robots to stop thieves stealing your golf clubs. I may take these points up with Proton.
One downside I have found is that trying to get Proton parts can be on the expensive side, as they are not as easily accessible as Vauxhall or Ford parts for example. However, one benefit is that the car is very, very similar to the Mitsubishi Colt, and so some of the parts from that car can be used for a Proton at a reduced cost if required.
On the whole, I would recommend this car to anyone wanting a reliable car which is both smooth and sporty, and will get you from A to B in a comfortable yet exhilerating ride, whichever is your preference.
Advantages: Everything!!! Disadvantages: Cost of Mitsubishi parts, and high insurance- but well worth it!
...car.
I have a Proton Compact GLi 1.3 12v
I have had mine 20 months now, and he hasn't put a foot wrong (touch wood).
He is fast - can out accelerate any other 1.3 we have found, and to be honest, can give most 1.6's a run for their money. They look amazing, and come in a nice range of colours (mine is dark metalic blue.) I had had a Mini based Kit car for 2 years, and a Classic Mini for a year. Sadly, I had to get something bigger, so bought a ... ...boyfriend also now had a Proton Compact Sprint (1.5 12v). We both drive and love this car, he had been driving mine, so at the chance of this one, he took it without a 2nd thought. I will say that the insurance is quite high on them (he pays about £1900 3rt party, fire and theft as a new male driver - it should be more, but having me on it takes of £600. These smaller engined models are insurence group 8- so quite high for a small car.
Proton sadly ...
Nic-Nic 27.10.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Proton Persona Compact
Advantages: Cheap, economical and runs forever Disadvantages: Availability and cost of spares
I bought a Proton Persona Compact on a 97 P reg in 1999. After having a Proton Aeroback before this I thought this would be a good move after all Proton is an underestimated cheap car. The model I found was a 1.6 Sei which included the 15” alloys and a spoiler which made this car look quite sporty.
On the inside it came with air conditioning, electric windows, radio cassette and everything else you would expect. The layout was quite simple ... ...main problem with buying a Proton of any make is the availability and price of spares. The nearest Proton garage where I could buy spares was over 25 miles away until it shut down then I had to travel over 30 miles for spares only to find the price was very expensive. There was no major problems though with the car itself only wear and tear items.
On whole this is not a bad little car it is basically a Mitsubishi Colt with a different badge on the ...
anth_harrison 03.12.2003 (04.12.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Proton Persona Compact
Advantages: value for money, safe , 6 year warranty (anti corrosion), mitsubishi/lotus parts, solid reliable car! Disadvantages: some parts are expensive BUT they never break down!
...when buying a second hand Proton unless it has been completely neglected you will be getting a car that will last you and serve you well; the Mitsubishi engine will go on for ever!
The Japanese have some of the best technology in the world for most products so why are we not all buying their cars too!
The Compact is just one of the models available being small yet spacious and ecconomical it is the cheapest of the models but still has all the quality ...
jymwal 08.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Proton Persona Compact
Advantages: Very nippy, Solid car, EXTREMELY reliable Disadvantages: I'll tell you when I find any....
I bought my P reg Proton Persona Compact about 2 months ago and have loved every second with it.
This car is an automatic with alloy wheels, air conditioning, power steering, airbags, central locking...for £1600!
I am extremely pleased with this car as to be honest, I had not heard of Proton before buying this car. Being an automatic, I wasn't expecting much in terms of acceleration from my own previous experiences. This car has since changed my ... ...and the car simply glides round corners that I used to have problems with.
It looks great too. The spoiler on the bag gives it a very sporty look, and the performance compliments that.
For the money this real is great value in a car. If you've never experienced a Proton, now might be the time for you! ...
Goldy999 13.09.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Proton Persona Compact
