2005 Proton Waja 1.6 Mitsubishi from Malaysia

Summary:

A good car. Should improve on the durability of its fittings

Faults:

Power window mechanism failed after 2 years on the driver's side.

Reverse sensor failed after 2 years; had it replaced.

Brake pump started leaking after 130,000km; replaced for a whopping RM380.

Brake disc rotors; all 4 replaced after 80,000, charged 200 per disc by the thieving Proton service center, then after another 60,000km was asked to replace the front 2 disc rotors; this time RM235 per piece.

Replaced radiator after developed overheating problems in 166.000km. Also replaced thermostat, temperature sensor, and both radiator and condenser motors. All in cost was about RM800. Was done with a mechanic near my home; Proton would have charged a bomb, as they seem to have the blessing of the authorities to rip off the Malaysian Public.

General Comments:

Generally this is a very reliable car, other than the problems mentioned above, and is a pleasant and stable car to drive.

It has covered many Km in relation to its age, just touched 5 years about 1 month ago.

Parts cost should be made cheaper, shame on you Proton.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2011

21st May 2014, 00:36

Very fair and information review of the Waja.

I had a 2004 1.6 (before Campro) and generally I was pleased enough with it. But it had one very big problem - if the fuel level reaches the yellow light (and there's at least a quarter tank left), the engine would sometimes cut off while driving. Now this is dangerous! Just imagine this happening at night while you are on the right lane... and this has indeed happened to me a few times. In countries where driver safety is prioritised, this would have warranted a recall.

Then the cheap, rough and sharp plastics inside. What a letdown! The plastic on my father's 1994 Wira 1.5 (dashboard, doors) is way better than the Waja, which is supposed to be `premium' when compared to the former. Then the air filter's latch which has broken. Proton must give the particular vendor the boot - they are responsible for creating a bad name for Proton. Driver's power window unit is also a common issue. Very low quality!

But there are pluses. The engine and transmission are very good, and the car feels stable at 130 km/h. The seats are surprisingly comfortable.

Maintenance costs are significantly higher than a Wira and especially the Iswara. The air conditioning components, for instance. But this is "comparatively" - I also have a 1999 Mercedes E200 and the Waja "feels cheap" to maintain when compared to this Merc :-)

This Waja was stolen in Bukit Raja, Klang in 2012. Apparently, it's not too difficult to steal. Would be advisable to invest in a good quality wheel or gear lock and make it a lot more difficult for these thieves. Fortunately, I had first party insurance cover and the company (Etiqa) paid in full (RM24k).

This is a car I'd buy again should there be the need.

2005 Proton Waja 1.6 from Malaysia

Summary:

Perfect

Faults:

No problems whatsoever.

General Comments:

Love the handling. Feels firmly planted on the road, compared to other makes. Interior is nice and spacious.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th December, 2007

2005 Proton Waja 1.6 MT petrol from Malaysia

Summary:

Waja... could be a malaysian sportcar

General Comments:

The car is great and it can drift and turn at the speed of 70 km/h without skidding and the brakes are great... it can accelerate fast and the rpm and gear response are quick... it's possible to do a j turn with a Waja...

I drove my 2005 Waja at the speed of 170 km/h without any problem... If Proton created a Waja with a turbo, DOHC engine, 16" disc brakes, 17"sport rims 215/45R17, ABS and sport springs it would be a MOST WANTED Proton car in the world.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2006

8th Oct 2006, 20:55

Wow.that must be powerful car. Need lots of modification. By the way, saw earlier comment when you mentioned drift, does it apply to front wheel drive car like Waja?.

7th Nov 2006, 10:58

Proton Waja can drift??? A front wheel car can drift??? Seriously you must be joking. I think you mean power-slide dude. Waja's a nice car except for the cheap plastic interior and lousy door handles which is common among all Protons.

13th Mar 2007, 09:43

YES...Waja can drift... u just know how to control your speed and handbrake... if honda civic can drift why not waja...

6th Jul 2007, 06:40

Yes, WAJA can drift! just look at Tengku Djan Ley Waja's... it's overwhelming! although he using RB20 engine (nissan) and convert from FF to FR, it's still a WAJA...

29th Nov 2015, 16:08

That's a power slide then.