1996 Proton Mpi review from UK and Ireland

Radiator leaking when purchased. Proton dealer wanted £250 for replacement. Had it re-cored for £50 ;-)

General service items..cam-belt, filters,2 tyres, plug leads.

Suspect C.V joint or Diff at current mileage. Not too loud yet...I'll let it soldier on for a bit. (39500)

Can't complain for 700 quid and 23000 miles:-)

Bought this car for £700 with mileage of 16400. One old lady owner from new who had it overly serviced if there is such a thing!

It's the most reliable car I've owned.. it has never failed to start or left me stranded.

I get close to 40mpg on average, cheap tax bracket, low insurance.

These are not cars for image conscious folk, nor people who do a lot of motorway miles. There just isn't the power or refinement by todays standards. Very basic interior and exterior is based on the old Mitsubishi Lancer. Quality of the plastics used isn't great, but I've had more mainstream brands that have disintegrated faster!

Massive boot space, but rear legroom is cramped... Plenty of legroom in the front though.

Handling is bad... skinny tyres and soft suspension.. under-steer in the wet, but it helps if you take it easy. The brakes are good, but no a.b.s, so there is a tendency to lock up under hard braking. Power-steering is light with not much feel to it, but handy in town. You can spin the wheel with your little finger.

I've been all over the place in it, including the hills of Snowdonia loaded with camping gear and it did the job... just a bit slowly!It seems happiest at 60/65 mph and will potter round at 30mph in 5th gear... quite flexible for a little motor.

If you want a cheap to run, reliable, non gadget laden motor, then I'd recommend one of these. Look past the badge on the front and find one with one careful, elderly owner.They've got Mitsubishi engines in em that just go on and on. I know I've said about the worn c. v joint/diff, but I'll forgive it for that.It's a great car for my needs... would love a Rolls Silver Spirit, but this one will do me for now:-)

Just buy your parts from a motor factor and not a main dealer. Same for most makes I reckon!

Cheers.