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For some time, Proton was one of Britain's fastest growing marques, selling sensible and affordable cars to sensible, cost-conscious people. The new car model range has increased too, with the family-sized Persona/Wira bringing the Malaysian marque a steady stream of value-seeking buyers, whose needs can't be adequately served by the smaller Compact/Satria three-door hatch.
With sales of all these new Protons registering healthy gains until the end of 1999 (sales have nosedived so far in 2000), the number of low-mileage, pampered examples entering the used market increased at almost the same rate - great news for used family car buyers on a budget.
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What you get
There's flush-fitted glazing, side impact protection beams in all the doors and body-coloured bumpers across the range. Power steering is standard on most models too.
The Malaysians are keen to point out that the Persona is actually larger than most of its direct competitors - its overall length is actually somewhere between a Rover 400 and a Vauxhall Cavalier - meaning that five adults can be accommodated pretty comfortably
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What to look for
Not much goes wrong. Look out for diesel models with a taxi history and loose trim; interior fittings are not of the highest quality.
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Replacement parts
(Based on a 1995 1.5 GLi - approx) A new clutch will be in the region of £160 and a full exhaust about £335. Front brake pads will set you back about £45 for the front set and £38 for the rear, while an alternator will be around £165 and a replacement starter motor about £125.
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On the road
On the move, you won't set the road alight (unless your in the twin cam Coupe) - but you won't be disappointed either. The saloons and hatchbacks are far more refined than their predecessors and respectably quick. Even the baseline 89bhp model manages 0-60mph in 12.1s on the way to a top speed of 108mph.
Around town, you should manage about 30mpg and about 40mpg on the motorway; expect a range of at least 400 miles between refills.
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Overall
There are faster, quieter and more frugal competitors for your used car pounds of course, but they're all pricier. Proton motoring makes a lot of sense.
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