Launched in 2016, the Perodua Bezza was the company’s first sedan and answer to the stalwart Proton Saga, offering a practical, efficient and superbly priced sedan for the Malaysian masses.

Six years on, the Perodua Bezza continues to be amongst the most popular cars on the road, having received some great updates in its facelift model, launched in 2020.

Given its range of attributes, the Perodua Bezza appeals to wide range of customers from first-time car buyers, second-car buyers and even e-hailing drivers. With many options on the used market at competitive prices, this is what you need to know about owning and maintaining a used Perodua Bezza.

The Perodua Bezza range in Malaysia

The Perodua Bezza was the first fully in-house developed product by Perodua, based on a heavily modified platform of the Perodua Axia.

At launch the (D63D) Bezza was available in five variants across two engine choices – the 68 PS / 91 Nm 1KR-VE 1.0-litre and 95 PS / 121 Nm 1NR-VE 1.3-litre engine – mated to either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.

At launch, prices ranged between RM 36k for the 1.0 Standard ‘G’ MT up to RM 49.1k for the range-topping 1.3 Advance AT.

Though the lower variants were pretty bare bones – the range-topping Advance variant offered impressive features (for its price tag). Crucially, it was the first Perodua to offer Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction control, alongside other key features including Hill Start Assist, a multimedia system with navigation, Smart Link, reverse camera and power-retractable side mirrors.

In 2020, the updated (D42L) Perodua Bezza received some much-needed upgrades to face the reinvigorated Proton Saga, crucially with respect to safety and convenience features.

The improved features brought about some justifiable price increases depending on the variant – prices ranged between RM 34,580 for the 1.0L ‘G’ MT to RM 49,980 for the top-spec 1.3L ‘AV’ AT. The variant count dropped to four, however, with Perodua axing the Bezza 1.3 Premium ‘X’ MT variant.

The 2020 Bezza crucially introduced active safety features for the first time – packing Perodua’s Advance Safety Assist (2.0) which carried Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedal Misoperation Control and Front Departure Alert.

Also read: New 2020 Perodua Bezza facelift launched in Malaysia - cheapest sedan with AEB, priced from RM34,580

In terms of aesthetics, the facelift 2022 Bezza featured redesigned LED headlamps, new front and rear bumpers, two-tone side skirts and new 15-inch wheels, depending on the variant. On the inside, the 2022 Bezza carried new dashboard trim options, a revised gear shifter and instrument cluster.

The variant to buy and current market prices

Used units pre-facelift of the Perodua Bezza range between RM 30k to RM 38k, largely the 1.0-litre variants trade at lower prices, with the 1.3-litre units typically starting around the RM 35k mark. 

Manual variants will typically trade between RM 1k 3k lower than automatic variants with the same engine and production year. 

As for the facelifted 2020 Bezza, prices typically range between RM 38k to just over RM 43k. Given used car prices are inflated at the moment, especially for models with long waiting periods, used 2020 Bezzas actually trade for close to brand-new prices, and stocks are limited as well. 

Also read: Up to 13.5 months waiting period for a Perodua Bezza, here's the waiting period for other 2022 models

Though we can expect these prices to normalise within a couple of months (once waiting lists shorten) perhaps the best variants to go for later pre-facelift 1.3L Advance units (2018 -2019 MY units) which offer substantial savings whilst being relatively new. 

Besides deciding on a suitable price range, the other major consideration is choosing between 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre variants, pick the 1.0-litre if you primarily travel in the city, or the 1.3-litre if you plan to drive longer distances on the highways. 

With cars such as the Bezza, prioritise lower mileage vehicles that have been cared for well. With many cars being used for ride-hailing services, it is paramount that your chosen vehicle doesn't have a tired looking interior and exterior. 

Alternatively, check out these immaculate examples on Carsome, which are offered with hard-to-beat cash discounts for a limited time only.

Maintenance and common problems?

Let's put it this way, this section is going to be very short. The 2022 Bezza's popularity is in no uncertain terms tied to its reputation for reliability and fuel economy. 

With adequate care and timely maintenance, newer Perodua Bezza and even preceding-year models are known to serve their owners well, even after the 200,000 km mark.

Also read: Bezza more fuel-efficient than Axia? Top 5 most efficient cars under RM 100k

Also read: Used Honda Civic FB for under RM 65k Newer and better than the Civic FD, how much to maintain and repair?

Here’s a simplified table of the basic maintenance schedule of a 2020 Bezza:

Service costs for the Perodua Bezza are about cheap as they come, which explains why many Perodua owners keep going back to official service centres for scheduled maintenance. 

With that said, there are a few issues that owners have noted with regard to the Bezza, and keep in mind, this may cover older units, primarily regarding the AC system. 

The AC evaporator coils are known to prematurely leak (circa 90k km), which ultimately requires replacement, as well as a complete removal and service of all AC components.

Drivetrain and suspension components will start to signs of ageing around the 120k km mark. Here's a short list of typical issues to look out for. 

Besides the above, there are sporadic cases of automatic transmission speed sensor failure which can cause reduced transmission smoothness, prompt an engine check light, or in worse cases scenario, cause the vehicle to stall. 

However, owners report that these are promptly solved by Perodua if the car remains under warranty. 

Conclusion 

The Perodua Bezza is an impeccable choice for first-time car buyers, ride-hailing drivers and even small families, given its blend of space, overall value for money and superb fuel efficiency. 

In many cases the decision may come down to choosing between the Perodua Bezza or Proton Saga - put simply, choose either one and you won't go wrong. The same goes for buying one used, at even cheaper prices. 

Also read: Used Proton Saga vs Perodua Bezza, which entry-level sedan to buy?

However, be mindful that like any other car, the Bezza isn't without certain issues that may require some work from time to time. 

As always, take your time in looking for well presented and maintained car, or leave it to the experts at Carsome, when finding your next dream car.