Proton Compact (1999)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 57 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,261
£188/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1834cc Petrol
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £2,261/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Proton brand average of 70%.
93% of MOT tests on Proton Compacts from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 57 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 89,215 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
89,215
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 1999 Proton Compact had 89,215 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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About the 1999 Proton Compact
The 1999 Proton Compact is a family car. Our records list a 1834cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 57 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 89,215 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Proton Compact owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1999 Proton Compact Fuel Costs
The 1834cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 Proton Compact?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,261 (£188/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1999 Proton Compact
At 27 years old, the Proton Compact is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 57 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 89k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1999 Proton Compact stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton Compact(1999) | 93% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,261 |
| Ford Focus(2001) | 68% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428+£167 |
| Mazda MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328+£67 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1999) | 71% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£300 |
| Honda Civic(2001) | 70% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£33 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1999 Proton Compact
Is the 1999 Proton Compact reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MOT tests on 1999 Proton Compacts ended in a pass, from 57 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1999 Proton Compact cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,261 a year (£188 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Proton Compact?
93% of 57 MOT tests on the 1999 Proton Compact ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 22nd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 7%).
What is the average mileage for a 1999 Proton Compact?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Proton Compact is 89,215 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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