Budget buys

£3,000 Budget Buying

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

May 2002

Budget cars are tempting buys new thanks to generous equipment, good prices and low-interest finance deals, but do they still make sense used? We compare them with earlier mainstream models.
Proton Persona Compact 1.3 GLi 1998 R Unlike the other budget manufacturers represented here, Proton is still walking along the well trodden path of borrowing designs and technology which have been cast aside by mainstream companies.
In the case of the Persona Compact, it's a recycled Mitsubishi Colt with Proton styling ί¿½ which is no bad thing at all. The Persona was cheaper and more generously equipped than its donor when new, and the design still looks modern after 10 years. Reliability is top notch, too, as long as you keep it serviced on time, and even this isn't expensive thanks to reasonably priced and friendly dealers.
Against The Persona is utterly bland to drive and feels its age. Handling isn't helped by Proton parts such as the tyres and suspension, which aren't as good as Mitsubishi's originals.
Keen pricing and a comprehensive warranty mean many are used as courier or learner cars, and will have had a hard life. Some of the non-Mitsubishi parts added on later, such as wheeltrims and painted bumpers, are lightweight and look tatty after minor damage. Interiors are drab, with grey upholstery and poorly finished plastics, while some trim can be brittle, too.
Mitsubishi Colt 1996 N The higher prices for an older car which is virtually identical to the Proton would suggest that the Mitsubishi brand has a significantly better reputation and image. What's more, the Japanese manufacturer seemed to screw its motors together better ί¿½ as a result, it's likely the Colt will be bearing up better than the Persona, despite the difference in age.
Unlike the Proton, the Mitsubishi cost substantially more than rivals when brand new, so buyers tended to be private individuals who were loyal to the brand and treated their car well. Unless it's been really abused, the Colt's reliability is pretty much guaranteed for life.
Against As the youngest of these Mitsubishis are now seven years old, there will be none left in the main dealer system and you'll have to take your chance with a private sale or independent garage ί¿½ so you need to be extra vigilant. Because of the cost when new, most were sparsely equipped lower-spec models.
But your main problem is likely to be finding one. Import barriers in place at the time meant Mitsubishi preferred to use its quota for high-profit Shoguns, and the few Colts sold here tend to be kept until they collapse by mature drivers.
Verdict Proton Persona Compact. It's got to be the Proton. Besides the badge and a few details, the Compact is the same car as the Mitsubishi, yet a younger, lower-mileage model is available for less money. There are more to choose from, too.