Anecdotally, the majority of Malaysians prefer sedans over hatchbacks if given a choice. Now, before you start raging on the keyboard citing your preferences and the number of Myvis on our roads, it’s as mentioned – anecdotal – which is based on personal account rather than research.
From acquaintances to relatives, the favour skews towards sedans for reasons including looks or even safety, as they believe sedans provide better protection when it comes to rear impacts.
Regardless, if you’re amongst those who prefer sedans and budget is limited to say, RM 20k, and you intend to take a bank loan, then your choices are limited.
The sedan would have to within 10 years old as the maximum age of car upon completion of loan is 13 years (15 years is possible but rare, depending on the bank’s discretion). With these criteria, an obvious candidate would be the Proton Saga FLX.
Overview of the Proton Saga FLX
The Proton Saga FLX was launched circa 2011 as an update to the Saga FL that came in 2010, to which is the facelift of the Saga BLM. We’re avoiding the Saga BLM and FL for 2 main reasons – they’re both too old and both lack even the most basic safety feature that is ABS.
Back to the Saga FLX, the main change from the FL was the introduction of the now infamous Punch-sourced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that replaced the 4-speed automatic transmission. That, and the inclusion of ABS and EBD in the Executive variant.
At launch, it was offered with a sole 1.3-litre engine but was later joined by the Saga FLX SE with a 1.6-litre engine.
This writer has had a Saga FLX in the family and frankly speaking, the CVT is a terrible execution and a poor example of what a CVT should be. It’s whiny, lurchy, and slow to respond. However, one’s driving style can be adapted to make the best of the CVT and once used to it, it becomes a characteristic trait.
There’s also a minor update to the Intake Air Fuel Module (IAFM), which saw the addition of the plus suffix (IAFM+). This was said to address quality issues of before and to match the CVT. The 1.3-litre CamPro IAFM+ engine makes 95 PS/120 Nm while the 1.6-litre unit in the Saga FLX SE makes 110 PS/150 Nm.
Which variant to pick?
There were 2 variants of the 1.3-litre model offered – Standard and Executive. With ABS and EBD only in the Executive variant, we’d highly recommend it.
Between the 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre SE model, the differences in equipment are fairly minor; mainly the exterior body kit, smoked taillamps, larger 15-inch wheels, and leather seats.
If you’re concerned about the 1.6-litre model’s fuel consumption over the 1.3-litre, owners of both have reported a fuel consumption that’s rather similar, averaging close to 8.0-litre/100 km in mixed driving conditions. Differences in driving style will have a greater effect than the difference in displacement.
We reckon it’s down to preferences between the two and we’d have no objections either way. From the looks of it, the Saga FLX SE does have the bonus of more grunt.
Well, a quick survey on the used car market revealed the average prices to be around RM 25k for a 2016 model. Also, it’s common for these listed prices from used car dealers to omit ‘processing fees’ which can amount to about RM 4,000 to RM 5,000.
Considering that a brand-new Proton Saga with an automatic transmission is priced at RM 35k, a used 2016 Saga doesn’t seem to offer the best bang for the buck at the moment.
What should I look out for?
Speaking to Zaman Carcare Services, the Proton Saga FLX is said to be generally reliable. Issues related to the CVT have been reported, but are generally due to poor maintenance.
If there is a transmission warning light that appears on the instrument cluster, it may not necessarily be due to the CVT. Instead, the cause could be a problem with the third brake light not lighting up.
For some reason, the transmission warning light is linked to the third brake light. Apart from that, brake pump issues could also trigger the warning light.
Should the CVT be at fault, a replacement would cost north of RM 3k, while replacing the third brake light costs less than RM 40. So it’s best to have the aforementioned items checked first in the early process of elimination.
It is also worth finding out the timing belt's age to ensure that it is within its operating range. The owner’s manual states 100,000 km but most would have it changed at 80,000 km as a precautionary measure.
Other wear and tear parts to look out for are the valve cover gasket which tends to leak and rubber-related items like engine mounting and bushes. You may refer to a comprehensive list of parts and prices here.
Proton Saga maintenance cost
Valve cover gasket
RM 48
Engine mounts (per piece)
RM 80
Suspenion lower arm
RM 192
Shock absorber
RM 318
Timing belt
RM 355
Note that the prices listed above are the official prices. You may be able to source the same parts for lower prices.
Also check all fluids including transmission fluid, radiator coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. At the same time, check for signs of repairs to identify if the car you're looking at has been in a flood or a major accident.
At under RM 20k, choices for an age-restricted sedan are rather limited. The Proton Saga FLX fits the bill and offers the space and practicality expected from a sedan.
Granted, the CVT has received its share of flak over the years, but as a dependable sedan to travel from point A to point B, the Proton Saga FLX does that job quite well.
The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.
