Proton Perdana 'Accordana' for RM 50k; Proton price for Honda reliability?

Although it feels like the Proton Perdana has been around for a long time, Proton’s flagship sedan has only gone through 2 generation changes. The latest iteration was affectionately nicknamed the ‘Accordana’ and was discontinued back in 2019. The Perdana is now on sale in the used car market for around RM 50,000, should you get this Proton but with Honda reliability?

Background

The Proton Perdana was the flagship model for Proton for many years, so it sports all the best amenities that were fitted in cars back when the model was on sale. The car was used as the official vehicles for government officials and was the official car for the Prime Minister as well.

Proton introduced the second generation back in 2013 for government use only, the new Perdana was based on the eighth-generation Honda Accord. Hence the massive similarities in looks between the 2 models and the new nickname ‘Accordana’ came around.

Come 2016, Proton introduced the Perdana to the public with unique exterior styling from the units registered for government use. They also launched a smaller 2.0-litre engine variant to sell alongside the already available 2.4-litre engine. Previously, the units for government officials were only powered by a 2.4-litre engine.  

As it was based on a Honda, many lamented the fact that the car missed out on the famed Proton ride and handling experience.

This buying guide is focussed on the second-generation Proton Perdana.

Common issues on the Proton Perdana

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the second-generation Proton Perdana is a reliable car and doesn’t report many common issues when it comes to the engine.

But that doesn’t mean the cars are completely devoid of issues. One common issue is the failing of the hydraulic power steering making the steering very heavy.

One of the causes for this problem is the leaking of the steering fluid. The cost to rectify the issue is around RM 500 and more.

Other than that, the small electronic components in the car also tends to fail, this is believed to be caused by the poor installation quality in the local factory.

The cost to fix the electronic issues can be anywhere from RM 150 and more.

The most common complaint on the Perdana is the failure of the catalytic converter when the car nears its 250,000 km mileage. Replacement cost can range from as low as RM 300.

As the Perdana is essentially a Honda underneath, it is also affected by the controversial Takata airbag recall. Proton had previously issued recalls for the Perdana, to be safe, we suggest checking with Proton if the previous owner has already made the change.

Note that changing the airbag inflator is free.

Proton Perdana on the used car market

The second-generation Proton Perdana can now be found on the second-hand market from around RM 60,000 onwards for the 2.0-litre variant. 

For the price range, a used Perdana is a very tempting offer. So, remember not to skimp and send the car you’re looking at for a thorough check for any possible damages.

Conclusion

Although the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engine would mean higher maintenance cost and road tax, but for RM 60,000 for a D-segment car with Japanese reliability, the Proton Perdana is still a value for money family sedan.