Comments: 1-15, 16-19
Respray left rear door within first week of delivery.
Odometere and speedometre disconnected before delivery. Mileage therefore dubious.
Uneven body panels.
Rear seat fastener broken from 1st day.
Optional tint had bubbles.
Factory standard brakes can barely slow car down.
Water pump failure. Had to replace.
Wipers shudder.
Washers, near windscreen, is missing.
Proton endorsed anti-theft security system breaks side indicator light mountings causing them to fall off while driving.
Paint so thin even minor scratches cause damage.
Body so thin it dents easily.
Can smell vehicle exhaust through air con even when set to recirculate.
Brakes make scraping noises non-stop.
Very high petrol consumption.
Suspension can barely support cars weight. More than two people and this car scrapes even the lowest of speed bumps at crawling speed.
Build quality and fit appalling. My previous 12-year old car was quieter inside.
After-sales mainteinance and service is appalling. Generally indifferent and arrogantly so. No clear explanation given for anything.
Plus more.
This is not a car. It's either a bad practical joke or a headache on wheels. for the first year of ownership I sent it back to service centre so often they new me on a first name basis. And that's no mean trick coming from technicians who generally don't care about anything past what time their next 'teh tarik' break is. How does proton expect the public or any foreign investor to take it seriously? I personally would rather put myself in debt for a more expensive imported car or foreign make. I will never buy Malaysian again. I can't believe that Proton has the gall to say that it practices strict quality control. There wasn't any in the first place. I strongly believe they bought into their own PR spin.
I totally agreed with you mate!! The quality of Proton cars is considered the worst among all car manufacturers worldwide -- especially models meant for local market. What is the point of manufacturing cars that do not satisfy customers, while endangering people's lives, all the while throwing millions of ringgit on advertisement, promotions and acqusition of prominent brand companies such as LOTUS... claiming that cars are tuned by Lotus, etc. To me it is totally rubbish!! They are just out to cheat us on believing it. In reality, they are ripping profits out of cheap poor quality standard cars to us, Malaysians. We, Malaysians are supposed to shout out and support the theme "MALAYSIA BOLEH!!" Yes, boleh/can. Yes certainly, boleh/can give us this kind of products that totally ignore our safety!!
Don't we Malaysians deserve to own cars that have safety features such as ABS & airbag with a cost that is affordable to the locals when actually Proton is manufacturing and selling it in our own countries? Where did all this cost savings and life endangering cost go? To foreign countries? Are they more important than us if Proton were to get our support and respect!!
Please don't tell us it is the standard or guidelines that must be followed for cars going into foreign country . . . it is totally an excuse and utter rubbish!! I wonder how Koreans can manufacture cars that have European and Japanese Designs, quality and features, but are still able to produce with a cost that is lower than our Proton cars!!! Korean cars are now selling like hot cakes, more so than our local makes . . . and that is why our NAZA is going to be more succesful and get better support from us.
Please Proton, you've been in the car industry for so many years. Why are you still producing cars with 90's quality, features and designs, but with a 2006 price. Where is all the profit going? R&D? Totally out of date designs . . . Giving out royalties? No more . . . Acquiring Lotus, Agusta and the racing bike's? For what? Wasting money with no improvement . . . Why are we having so many service centers when they're not capable of solving your problems even after being trained by Proton and having all the right equipment specific to Proton cars?
I don't mind forking out more money to buy a Proton car if it has good quality, up to date design, good safety features, etc. But none of the above are up to standard. Please wake up Proton! Malaysians do wish to be proud if Proton were to have the name like Merz, BMW and etc....
Hi Guys, have you ever check what does WIRA stands for?
W = WHY
I = I
R = REPAIR
A = AGAIN
China took merely 10 years to develop a very good a reliable car like Cherry and ZhongHua.
Many of you may not have such an opportunity to own one of these china made car, but I worked in China for years and have many friends owned these models, never heard any complains like this CRAPPY WIRA.
Wira has been launched at least 12 years ago and still selling now. We do not really understand what is Proton marketing strategy? The power window is the most notorious problem for over decade. Such a simple design flaws even cannot be remedial over a decade, what else can Proton ensure us in terms of quality control?
Also, why export version has a much stringent quality control as compare to local ones? Does that means our lives are not as important as the Europeans? Why are we treated differently ? Why government allow this happen ??? WHY WHY WHY ???????
Strategically, to Malaysia government allows Perodua to produce 1.5L and above capacity car, Proton will go to "Holland" at no time!
If you think that you want to keep your car for the next 10 years or more, then invest on non-proton cars. I predict "proton" will be "potong" after 2011.
All Proton owners, if you read the history of this forum, you will see that the complaint starts since 2004, and now we are Aug 2006! The comments is getting worst, what Proton management have done to listen to this forum??? What they can do is to get some idiot lady speaks on their behalf on the TV and still talking dream words.
If you stay near Klang valley, dump your Wira into Klang river. If you stay in Penang, dump your wira into Penang sea at Penang bridge. If you stay in Johor, dump your crappy Wira into Muar river!! Or while you are trying to go across to Singapore, dump your car into the sea before your car get arrested by Singapore authority due to such a poor quality standards car!
I am extremely furious on Proton not because I am not patriotic, it is just that I have spent endless time and exorbitant money on the stupid crappy Wira of mine. I have enough of this nonsense, and I am going to burn it soon!!!
Bought Wira 1.5 (M) from Eon during Merdeka festival. There is a discount of RM4k. Was driving Iswara previously and already had a lot of trouble. But refused to believe I'd be bad luck for twice. Here is the list of problems (car is under 1000km mileage)!:
1. Wiper shudder - EON finally admitted problem could be due to the glass which is not under warranty!
2. Squeaky sound from day-1
3. Serious under-power. Driving my wife's Kelisa is 1000x more responsive than this kura-kura
4. High FC
5. Rear door (opposite driver side) has to be banged to close
6. Tight gear shift
7. Signal indicator switch is so tight that I have to let go of my right hand to activate it!
8. Front lamps not aligned - one high and one low
9. Complete lack of after-sale service. Brought all these issues to EON and they just casually say they'll look at it at the next service. If it isn't for the warranty, I'd never step into EON service again.
Conclusion: Don't be a fool twice like me!
Funny little car. I rented one on a business trip to Malaysia recently. The temperature control on the dash went from blue to... umm, blue. No red. I guess in a tropical location, heat isn't even considered. The first impression was that I was driving a used Hyundai built 20 years ago. It was a two-year old, well used rental car. Built with old Mitsubishi tooling, Proton is a small car company in a developing country. It was actually a better car than any US or European built car from the 1970's, so I Give 'em a break. They are trying. I upgraded to a Waza (It was worse) and then a Perdonna. The Perdonna was actually tolerable to an American used to 200+ horsepower.
I was seriously considering Proton Wira, an upgrade from my Iswara AB 1.3S. After reading all the comments before this, I rather stay away from all Proton cars. My Iswara is still running fine and road-worthy after 10 years. It seem that Proton is cutting cost by reducing the workmanship of the vehicle.
The power window stories seemed not to be getting any attention from Proton's management, and it's a laughing matter throughout stories about Wira and the subsequent models.
Hi all.
I have a Proton Iswara Sport 1.3 AB. Bought it at December 2005. Reason I bought this car because it is cheap and it looks sporty. By the way, it was my first car and I was so happy to bring it back home.
Guess what, lots of problem really occurs in the fort month.
I have few minor problems which is under warranty and I thought that it was OK as I still can repair it for free from the EON centre at Subang EON centre (Glenmarie). But what really makes me upset is the exhaust smell which I have no idea where is it coming from.
I sent to the EON service 5 times and the problem still persist. Each time I need to waste my annual leave to fix this problem. The gas which emits into the car is very dangerous to human for long term. I might get brain damage or lung cancer.
Each time when I sent to repair the same problem, they don't have the initiative to really check. They keep claiming that they can't smell anything and said that I'm the first customer that have this problem. But actually, someone from the EON centre actually knew the existing of this problem and the mechanic told me that they really do not know how to solve this even they know this has already a well known issue.
Currently I'm looking for solution for this problem. If anyone know how to solve this problem, kindly drop me an email at (kennyooi31@hotmail.com) to teach me how to fix it.
Else, I need to sell the car, but that will be a pain in the ass as I need to top up additional RM5-6k to pay the bank.
Like what other said, burn the car; dump to the river or invest on imported car which I totally agree with.
To be honest, other country has evaluate our Malaysian local car and it was really disappointed.
I really hope that the government can feel our pain and make changes to the quality of the local car. OR ELSE, I promise my self to migrate to other country where by RM30 can buy a much more better and reliable sport car.
*Note: do drop me an email if any one knows how to solve the exhaust smell in the car. (kennyooi31@hotmail.com)
The only good thing about Proton is the air-conditioning system. Always delivers cool air even on a very hot Malaysian afternoon. :D
If only all the other parts are as good...
I own a 1997 Model Proton Wira 1.5 GL (Auto). I have paid a big sum of money on repairing this car since the first day I bought it. There are endless problems. I just list some of them below : (a) noisy engine and high petrol consumption, (b) front windows frequently jammed, (c) headlights and signal lights blown off frequently, (d) clearance too low when loaded with 4 passengers causing difficulty in going over bumpy roads, (e) bumpers easily cracked and dropped off in minor accidents, (f) auto window switches spoiled easily.
Honestly speaking, I really regret for having bought this problematic car.
Anyway, I am still a stong supporter of our national car. I hope Proton will not remain stagnant but instead continue its research to produce higher quality cars.
What to do?.. up until now, proton still living in their own fantasy. Believing that they are one of the top automobile company in the world. So proud of their sawi, I mean Proton savvy because it passes whatever German crash test. So proud of buying that ailing Lotus and moreover so proud that they design cam pro all by themselves (is what they claim) which that kind of technology is like a century ago. I don't think we expect proton to be as good as Toyota or Honda, ETC ETC, but at least they should first learn from their mistake AND ADMIT IT (for goodness sake!!).. and wake up from their fantasy. Lets start of with making a quality car by learning from the best on how to manufactured a quality car. Then when quality issue had been rectify, began with design which is up to date, at the right place in the right time and for the right purpose. Then, starts pouring money on R & D. Tell you the truth, English people can't be bother when we purchase their Lotus. To them we are helping them to ease their financial burden. So, proton please don't be so naive thinking that you got yourself a good deal. Making a quality car takes time and effort, sweat and blood and lots of patience.. So, I am willing to wait to the day that proton can become one of the most RESPECTED MOTOR COMPANY.
I bought my WIRA auto in 2001 and sold it in 2006 for a WAJA after using it for 5 years. No trouble at all.. in fact when I traded the car on Friday the next Monday someone bought it already. My WAJA? Still no problems at all better than my friend's expensive Japaneses car that has problems with its breaks, power mirrors and axle.
I had a wira 1994 model. it was tolerable to drive, not refined, but takes you around. I had the classic power mirror failure and the engine oil leaking problem. given a choice I believe many malaysians will stay away from proton, but the truth of the matter is the government controls the pricing of the cars so all you can afford is proton.
Something for all of us to ponder :
Proton, financially has loss 600 millions ringgit over the past 9 months. In other words, 2 millions loss per day.
Millions of complete cars was unsold, and left under the hot sun waiting for potential buyers.
Under negotiation with numerous overseas car makers, until now, there is no progress due to the protectionism.
A simple power window problem was started since day 1. So, what do you expect much from Proton?So, what hope do we have??
I drive WIRA since 1999, only minor problem happened. Quite surprise when I read the information in this column.
MY Wira still on the road, total mileage shut up 180K, hopefully he still can continue serving my family.
Just to inform every body, if you are in the motor industries, I have been with most of them... infact the RM 300XXX also have defect. Please refer to recall campaign.. worst than Proton.