Used Proton X70: Priced from RM 75k, should this be your first SUV?

The Proton X70 is perhaps one of the Malaysian Tiger’s most successful models. Introduced in 2018 following the signing of Geely as their strategic partner, Proton went on to offer the X70 not just in Malaysia, but also in countries like South Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Overview

When the Proton X70 was launched here in 2018, the C-segment SUV was imported (CBU) from China. The CBU X70 offered a turbocharged 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 184 PS and 285 Nm, mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic that drives the front wheels or all four wheels.

Also Read: 2020 Proton X70 CKD: What's new compared to before?

Two years later in 2020, Proton commenced local assembly (CKD) work of the X70. This is also when Proton swapped out the DSI-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission in favour of a Geely-developed 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, codenamed 7DCT330.

Also Read: The 7-speed wet DCT makes the 2020 Proton X70 CKD faster and more fuel efficient

At the same time, the CKD Proton X70 also saw the introduction of the ‘Generation 3 engine’, which features dual variable valve timing hollow camshaft, dual mass flywheel, and low friction pistons. This engine offers 15 Nm more torque than before, bumping the overall torque figure to 300 Nm.

Earlier this year, Proton updated the X70 once again. Barring the range-topping Premium 2WD variant, every other variant has dropped the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine for a smaller 1.5-litre 3-cylinder unit. Power has also gone down 7 PS and 45 Nm, but Proton said the savings in weight has netted a 7 percent improvement in fuel consumption figures.

Also Read: Old vs New: What else is new on the 2022 Proton X70 besides a smaller engine?

Which variant to get?

For the purpose of this used car buying guide, we will be focusing on 2018 to 2020 units, as the newly-launched 2022 units are far and between.

Right from the get-go, the Proton X70 is generously-equipped.

All variants offer automatic headlights, LED tail lights, keyless entry with push start button, an 8-inch infotainment system, reverse camera, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 6 airbags and stability control.

Going up the hierarchy adds goodies like LED headlights, larger 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather upholstery, ADAS suite, subwoofer, as well as panoramic sunroof.

As for which variant to go for, the Premium and Premium X variants offer all the bells and whistles for not a lot of money. On Carsome, a 2019 example of the Proton X70 Premium is priced from the RM 90k mark, not a lot of money for a C-segment SUV.

Just take note of tyre replacement costs, as the Premium and Premium X variants of the X70 ride on 19-inch alloy wheels. You’re looking at roughly RM 700 for one unit of the 225/55R19 tyre (Continental UC6 SUV), bringing the total replacement cost to about RM 2.8k for all four tyres.

However, if bells and whistles aren’t your thing, then perhaps the Standard or Executive variants would suffice. The Standard variant of the Proton X70 is perhaps the most comfortable variant, owing to its smaller 17-inch alloy wheels with thicker sidewalls. Tyre replacement cost is also on the lower side compared to the Premium and Executive variants. A set of 4 tyres would cost anything between RM 1,500 to RM 2,500.

Also Read: New 2022 Proton X70 is 4 percent more expensive than the pre-facelift

Common issues?

As with most modern-day cars, the Proton X70 is not immune to problems, but don’t mistake it for being problematic.

One of the most expensive parts to replace on a Proton X70 is its DSI-sourced torque converter automatic. There are documented cases of premature malfunction of the 6-speed auto's torque converter which costs approximately RM 3k to repair at a service centre. Symptoms include jerky gear changes and transmission judder in fourth and fifth gear.

Elsewhere, if you noticed that your Proton X70’s engine has excessive vibrations, it would cost RM 1,500 to replace the engine mounts. Continuing in the engine bay, if the radiator fan is noisy, it would be advisable to replace it, costing RM 750.

Proton did issue a recall for the radiator fan assembly earlier this year, affecting imported (CBU) units of the X70 before chassis number L6T7742Z8KU043589.

As for the DCT-equipped Proton X70, considering that all X70 with DCTs transmissions are less than 2 years old and still covered by Proton's 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty, there is a lack of independently verifiable data to determine the actual causes of faults and the repair costs involved.

Most owner complaints revolve around jerky response when setting off in traffic, and when shifting between 1st / 2nd gear - so watch out for these symptoms when test driving an X70 CKD. 

If that happens to you, owners are advised to perform a transmission adaptation / relearning, which for the most part, sorts out the issue. It is also crucial to service the transmission on time to ensure reliable operation of the transmission.

Here’s a table of the Proton X70’s basic maintenance schedule:

It is also worth addressing the numerous complaints from X70 owners about the shortage of replacement parts.

Apart from the vocal few that has poor experiences, there are thousands of owners that have great ownership experience with their X70.

Conclusion

With prices starting from the RM 75k mark, there is a lot going for when opting for a used Proton X70. Compared to many of its rivals, including the Honda CR-V, the Proton X70 offers a quieter and more comfortable cabin.

Granted, the Proton X70 lacks modern-day connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and we’re willing to trade the voice command for being able to view navigation details, listen to Spotify, and reply messages straight from the infotainment display.

With all said and done, it’s hard to find for an SUV that offers better value for money like a used Proton X70 – examples listed on Carsome have depreciated and there’s a decent selection of low-mileage examples, making it an ideal choice for those needing a decently-sized SUV.