PROTON GEN-2 (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 62 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1597cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
66% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 16 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1597cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the PROTON brand average of 70%.
At 21 years old, 66% of PROTON GEN-2s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 62 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,422 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,422
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 PROTON GEN-2 has 69,422 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2005 sits between the two at 66%.
PROTON GEN-2 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 PROTON GEN-2
The 2005 PROTON GEN-2 is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 62 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 69,422 miles at 21 years old, PROTON GEN-2 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.
2005 PROTON GEN-2 Fuel Costs
The 1597cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 PROTON GEN-2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
PROTON GEN-2 Reliability Trend
Newer PROTON GEN-2s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 PROTON GEN-2
At 21 years old, the PROTON GEN-2 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 76%. Note: with only 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 PROTON GEN-2's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2005 PROTON GEN-2 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROTON GEN-2(2005) | 66% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| VAUXHALL ZAFIRA(2007) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
| SUZUKI WAGON-R+(2004) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| VOLVO V40(2004) | 66% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£60 |
| CITROEN C8(2007) | 62% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217+£60 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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