2008 Proton Persona A/T H-line 1.6 gasoline from Indonesia

Summary:

Affordable sedan with a bunch of features

Faults:

Very low rattling noise from somewhere on the dashboard (sometimes).

Suspension (?) is squeaking when braking, maybe something under the car need to be tightened.

Front brake pads has to be replaced at relatively low mileage (20.000 kilos).

General Comments:

I just bought this previously owned set of wheels last month as my family got bigger. I need a car with boot spacious enough to carry the baby stroller and other things (my previous car was a city car with no boot).

For its second hand price (or even the fresh and new price), this car is hard to beat. Four-door sedan, 1.6, DOHC, auto transmission, disc brakes on all wheels, ABS and EBD, dual airbags, immobilizer, etc., lots of features.

Performance is OK, similar (if not better) with my previous car. Superb handling. More affordable spare parts.

Actually, I don't travel a lot. But, for my daily driver, I'm very satisfied with my decision to purchase this gem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2010

2008 Proton Persona M-Line 1.6M IAFM from Malaysia

Summary:

Average saloon car with excellent driving dynamics

Faults:

- Interior started rattling after a few months

- Steering audio button malfunctioned (fixed)

- Pinging / shrilling engine noise (fixed by changing tensioner belt)

General Comments:

I've used it for nearly two years now, and has no problems so far, aside from the niggling quality issues.

The driving position is awkward, either the pedals are too near or the steering is too far.

The interior is spacious and quite, but the design and quality leaves a lot to be desired. It simply looks and feels cheap.

Space for front passengers is just fine, but not so for rear passengers - legroom is somewhat limited, because the space is taken by the cavernous boot, it's just huge! Personally I'd prefer that they sacrifice a little boot space for rear passenger legroom.

It must be said that despite the relatively soft suspension, the car is very stable at high speeds and is a joy to drive on twisty roads. I really enjoyed driving this car. Confidence inspiring while being comfortable. I'm not sure what the Proton guys did with the chassis / suspension, but it works brilliantly!

The engine feels somewhat underpowered in stop-start traffic, most of the power are upwards of 3500 rpm. On the bright side, the engine feels effortless on highways where most of the time it will be in its sweet spot - 3000-4000 rpm.

I am very satisfied with this car, I'd say money well-spent. I would definitely recommend it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd February, 2010

18th Jan 2013, 10:19

Updates two years after I posted my original review - currently entering 4 & 1/2 years of ownership:

The car has now clocked 95 000 km, and a few things have gone wrong with it so far:

1) A/C gas pipe leaked - cost me RM 250.

2) Front disc brakes have warped, causing to steering to vibrate horrendously under braking - cost me RM 700 for a new set.

3) Engine gasket leaked - replaced it for RM 150.

4) Air conditioning knob has gone wonky - fan speed has a mind of its own, depending on how hard you were cornering - not repaired yet.

5) One of the door levers has jammed, can only be opened from inside the car - not repaired yet.

And a few wear and tear stuff like brake pads, battery, timing belt and tyres.

To be honest, I didn't exactly babysit the car - there have been more than a few occasions where I floored the throttle and revved to the redline.

Despite all the problems though, I still enjoy driving it down the motorway or along the twisty back roads, like I did four years back when it was new.