Proton Persona Compact (1999)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 37 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,328
£194/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1597cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Proton brand average of 70%.
76% of MOT tests on Proton Persona Compacts from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 37 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 75,185 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
75,185
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 1999 Proton Persona Compact had 75,185 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 Persona Compact
The 1999 Proton Persona Compact is a small family car. Our records list a 1597cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 37 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 75,185 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Proton Persona 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 Persona Compact 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 £1,398 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 Persona Compact?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1999 Proton Persona Compact
At 27 years old, the Proton Persona 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 37 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.
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 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 Persona Compact(1999) | 76% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328 |
| Toyota Yaris(2001) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£175 |
| Ford Focus(2001) | 68% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428+£100 |
| Mazda MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328same |
| Volkswagen Golf(1999) | 71% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£233 |
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 Persona Compact
Is the 1999 Proton Persona Compact reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1999 Proton Persona Compacts ended in a pass, from 37 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1999 Proton Persona Compact cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Proton Persona Compact?
76% of 37 MOT tests on the 1999 Proton Persona Compact ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 169th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 1999 Proton Persona Compact?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Proton Persona Compact is 75,185 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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