PROTON PERSONA (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 45 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1299cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £1887/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1299cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the PROTON brand average of 70%.
At 27 years old, 78% of PROTON PERSONAs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 45 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,071 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,071
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 PROTON PERSONA has 70,071 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 PERSONA
The 1999 PROTON PERSONA is a small family car with a 1299cc petrol engine. 45 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 70,071 miles at 27 years old, PROTON PERSONA 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 PERSONA Fuel Costs
The 1299cc 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 1999 PROTON PERSONA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1999 PROTON PERSONA
At 27 years old, the PROTON PERSONA 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 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 PROTON PERSONA'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.
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 PERSONA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROTON PERSONA(1999) | 78% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| FORD FOCUS(2001) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£140 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£130 |
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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