Rear seat developed a noise after 2 weeks I bought it.
The door lock made noises because the lock is smaller than the hole, so when I'm driving the car, the sound made me very uncomfortable & unsafe.
Inside the car, all around is very solid plastic. Unlife style. Black color, what a stupid design!
Air-con is not cool at all when in the day time, but at night it's still OK.
Quite high fuel cost for a 1.3. Higher than Vios 1.5 Auto.
When on the highway it's very noisy.
Steering makes a 'jit jit' sound.
I think it is not a good choice to buy a Proton car. If you really want to buy Proton car, you must be ready to accept those problems that you can't avoid.
Overall I'm still satisfied with my Proton, because the price is quite reasonable.
I am also having a few problems with my Iswara: mine is a 1.3 Iswara Aeroback (M). The problems include leaking from the front windscreen and malfunction air-condition system, which I guess resulted from the leaking of the windscreen.
Despite of the above problems, the Iswara has one advantage: its engine is reliable. I have not had any problem with the engine since the first day I drove it.
Looking at the fuel consumption of the car, I guess it is still economical.
The cost of servicing its engine is also quite cheap: it costs me about RM110 for a new oil filter, an air filter, a can of coolant, four spark plugs, Castrol lubricant oil and workmanship fee. The spare parts are also available at any spare parts shop throughout the country.
I get my car serviced at a spare part shop in Batu Caves. It is much cheaper to buy the car parts there, compared to buying ones at authorised Proton service centre.
I would rather say, after using the car quite sometime, that it is a car suitable to those considering to get an economical, spacious car.
I've just purchased an Iswara Sedan (1.5L) - same specifications as taxis. I find it economical to run both in terms of fuel efficiency and spare parts/maintenance cost. On average my mileage is about 13.5 to 14km/Liter. Even if I get stuck in traffic jams my mileage usually doesn't drop below 12.5km/Liter.
However, if you were to compare that to an 1.3L Iswara Sedan, you'll find that the 1.3L Iswara is slightly under powered and mileage isn't as good, typically about 12 to 13km/L.
Yes, there are the occasional squeaks and the trims may not be 100% aligned, but hey, this is a budget car. It's like the saying goes: you get what you pay for. I bought it because I don't mind doing a little of my own DIY fixing now and then, and the price (and maintenance costs) fitted my budget.
Now, if we were to look at the new Savvy it's a different story. From my few weeks of driving I can say that average mileage is about 14.2 to 14.5km/L, the trims/panels are solid and properly aligned, road noise is at a minimum, and road holding quite good. So for those who don't mind getting a slightly smaller car, maybe getting a Savvy is the better choice. After all, the price of a Savvy and an Iswara Sedan are in the same range.
Yes, I also meet some problem as listed above after I brought a new Iswara 1.3 in beginning of year 2005.
But some problems may be solved easily :
the noise from back seat can be eliminated by push the back seat to the lowest level (there got 3 levels for you to choose) ;
sometime the doors of car was not installed properly, can request proton service to adjust it tighter, is may reduce the noise during the run at highway;
while the sound from the door lock is really a problem, even I go to car accessories shop also cannot find a good replacement lock for it, so I had opened the cover of door from inside and push/ adjust the lock to make it tighter to one side of the lock hole, this is work!
I bought my Iswara on August 2004 and I think its fuel consumption is very high. The belting is also noisy, especially on wet roads.
Just bought the Iswara 1.3 recently and for the price during the Feb. promotions, its' great value.
The dash is quite updated although everything is obviously plasticky.
Body is as rigid as anything that came out of the 80s.
But the engine, at 90 bhp with new extractor and rubber-less rear windscreen, it tipped the scale over the 50% mark for a sure buy.
Compared to the base 850cc Kelisa or a Kancil, it beats the rest for size itself.
Surprisingly, I was convinced to buy one after first rejecting it totally.
Dear all, why place your comments on the disadvantages of the old faithful proton saga iswara and forcing yourself to buy and own it. You can purchase any car you like and don't have to grumble much after purchasing a proton. You should be thankful of owning a car (even though a proton). Some people may have to rely on other mode of transportation because they cannot afford to own one. Be thankful please. Many of us have our own ways to deal with squeaky door joints, chair vibrations and they came in handy to deal with the problems. Don't complain while other people can do it. Be ashame of yourself! For your information I own a proton iswara 1.3 aeroback 1998 and it is still running faithfully. No complains when you understand your car and get it serviced regularly.
Hello!
I will be returning home very soon and am planning to purchase my first car. As a young lawyer, I am only able to afford a car that is worth about RM 32,000 and am planning to set aside every month the sums of RM 500 (for installment payment) and another RM 250 (for maintenance and petrol). Having set this budget and thanks to the NAP, it appears to me that I would be able to afford an Iswara 1.3 (A) Aeroback.
Would this be a wise choice for me? I would be very appreciative if other readers could share their views with me. Many thanks.
You are looking at economical versus quality when you plan to buy iswara auto. In my opinion it is worth your pocket money because it is one of the most affordable car in the market (1.3 cc Class). Quality wise is just average. I would not say it is poor. Proton cars are more easy to manage because we can get spare parts almost anywhere. I was always told that maintenance is the most important no matter that car you are driving. Be it a proton or any other branding. For people with many monetary commitments, I truly suggest that you go ahead and purchase it.
I am currently driving a 4WD and planning to purchase an Iswara A/Back 1.3 NPS which cost about RM31K++ because my work do not need me to travel off-road anymore. Please advise me on this matter. I understand that the fuel consumption of the Iswara is not high. What about maintenance and spare parts? I understand the NPS model is without power steering. Can I install the system later? Please advice. Thank you.
Hi.
Can anyone help me by indicating the make (just brand name will be a great help) of Proton Chancellor, Proton Gen 2, Proton Savvy, and Proton Arena fuel tanks.
Thanks in advance.
I am new teacher whom had just been posted to a school. I bought a proton Iswara 1.3 nps. I found it really reliable and the price that I could really afford. All the problems that I have read it seems that shows how ungrateful a person is. I truly prefer to drive a car that is spacious compared to a kancil and don't have to worry when it rains. I think that people who likes to whine about all the problems should just buy a Japanese or European cars if only they can afford it. So just be thankful that you have a car to drive your family coz I really felt sad to see those families who can only afford motorcycle.
I'm using 1.3 M Sedan. Year 1996. Second hand car. But after did a few MOD especially braking system, a bit engine part, Power Side mirror (taken from Nissan Sentra B13), 16" Rims, and finally paint all the car body (inside/outside), it's still quite nice to drive. For fuel consumption, please change the carburetor kit (for 7 year's old cars), so your fuel will save again. All the part's still cheap and easy to get at Auto spare-part shop. So my rate to this car is 80% good compare to other's proton model such as Wira, Satria, Perdana and Waja. The new one Gen2 and Neo still in discussion to buy it.
Hello, i am one of the driver for iswara. this car is not bad, but several complaint must be heard by manufacturer. engine is great, but the body especially doors and roof were rusted after 4 years. may be the dashboard need to be redesign to suitable for our new century. no frame to jeck at the bottom, so mechanics always damage the fuel tank and luggage compartment, become spare tyre push the plywood pad. doors system become worst after one year usage, although with carefull closing door. i give iswara 9/10 to the cabin width.comfort, but need little new touch.bye.
I'd just bought a proton iswara 1.3 a/b (2004) second hand. I am very grateful to have this car that really satisfy me. I had the same problems as others mentioned before. I don't think it's a big deal. As a second hand car I feel like driving the new one. no problem what so ever with the engine and fuel consumption. I think it is depend on the way you drive, if you drive your car roughly the fuel consumption will be higher as well.Overall, it is a good car to fit your budget, and the space is not too bad.ye.
I am driving a proton iswara 1.3 aeroback which was purchased on the year 2003...and I feel the car is still good.. I believe it so because I maintain it well... I don seem to get any sound while driving this also becausem I have tighten the screws that are in the door and body... it works... WHAT CONSIDERS IS GOOD MAINTAINANCE... AND THE CAR when it was manufactured... what you coUld get for a cheap price... and the only ONE PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE A PROBLEM TO EVERYONE IS THE UNDER POWERED ENGINE... WHICH LIKELY WAITING TO DIE WHEN IT IS USED TO CLIMB HILLS... NOT A STEEP ONE, but A SMALL ONE... That's ALL OTHER THAN THAT I COULD GO FOR 73 KM IN RM10 OF FUEL... AND I COULD ALSO REACH THE TOP SPEED OF... 175 JUST WITH A LITTLE EXTRA ACCELARATION... ONE THING I CAN ADVICE YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH ISWARA AEROBACK IS TRY CHANGING YOUR HEAD VALVE TO A 1.5 ONE THEN YOU WILL DEFINITELY GET THE POWER OUT OF IT...