Depending on who you ask, depreciation can be a good or bad thing. In this case, depreciation has played its part, lowering the car’s price nicely.

In this case, the Proton Saga is one such example. The current-generation Proton Saga, albeit in its pre-facelift form, can be had from as low as RM 29k.

Overview of the 2016 Proton Saga with 1.3L VVT engine

Introduced back in 2016, the third-generation Proton Saga was launched alongside the Proton Persona, Proton Perdana, and Proton Ertiga in what was one of Proton’s more ambitious years.

Still based on the BT3 platform as the previous, second-generation Saga FLX, the new Saga still gets a naturally-aspirated 1.3-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine as before. The difference is that the engine, despite still being from the Campro family, now adds variable valve timing (VVT).

More importantly, the third-generation Proton Saga finally added stability control to its safety suite, a feature that was missing on earlier generations of the Saga.

Overview of 2019 Proton Saga with new 4AT transmission

The Saga underwent a comprehensive makeover in 2019, whereby the affordable A-segment sedan received a host of improvements.

Also Read: New Proton Saga Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM 32,800

Chief among which was the new Hyundai-sourced 4-speed torque converter automatic, which replaces the atrocious Punch-sourced CVT-type automatic transmission. The 2019 model also received improvements in the design department, both inside and out.

Changes to the interior of the post-2019 Saga include a new floating-style 7-inch head unit, better seat upholstery, new tricot headliner, and a different instrument cluster.

Also Read: Top 5 best-sounding in-car audio system we’ve tested

Overview of new 2022 Proton Saga

Three years later in 2022, the Saga received yet another update, encompassing features like keyless entry and engine push start button, boot release button, and driver’s side auto down power window. That said, these features are exclusive to the top-spec Premium S variant.

The 2022 Proton Saga also adds a new air-conditioning panel, which sees the three-dial layout making way for a more modern twin-knob design.

Also Read: Priced from RM 34k, 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift launched with keyless entry and more to fight Bezza

Which variant to pick?

The short and simple answer is to find for a post-updated 2019 model, ideally the top-spec Premium variant, as the overall driving experience with the torque converter automatic is miles ahead of the CVT-equipped model.

In its range-topping Premium guise, the Saga offers features like LED daytime running lights, 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a floating-style touchscreen head unit, a surprisingly decent sound system, and crucially, stability control.

If you can stretch your budget a bit further, you could try to extend your search to include the latest 2022 model year Saga, in which Carsome has several units for sale at the time of writing.

Proton also launched a limited edition R3-kitted Saga back in 2021, which added R3’s signature black and yellow livery and stickers, as well as unique leather seats and yellow trim on the inside.

Also Read: Closer Look: 2021 Proton Saga R3 Limited Edition - still worthy of the R3 badge?

Used Proton Saga market prices

Prices start from the RM 29k mark for a top-spec 2016 Proton Saga, while a 2017 model year example will cost around the RM 31k mark.

As for the recommended post-updated 2019 model year Proton Saga, it is priced around the RM 36k mark, which isn’t too unreasonable for an entry-level sedan. 

Carsome also has several units of the newest 2022 model year Proton Saga, priced around the RM 40k mark for the mid-spec Premium variant.

Common problems with the Proton Saga

Given its mechanical simplicity, the Proton Saga is perhaps one of the more reliable Proton models on sale today.

That said, it is still not without its own issues. Some owners have reported of abnormal engine noises, and this issue is often caused by the canister purge valve (CPV). Often times, issues stemming from a faulty CPV can be solved under warranty at Proton’s authorized service centre, but if a replacement is needed, it costs roughly RM 50 for one.

Another small niggle that owners have reported is issues surrounding the reverse sensor module. Like the CPV, the reverse module can be replaced under warranty. However, if the car is out of warranty, the part costs RM 120 to replace.

How much to maintain a Proton Saga?

Here is a quick price break-down of basic maintenance parts for the Proton Saga:

¹Only applicable for CVT-equipped models
²Only applicable for 4AT models

Also Read: Proton Saga: Just RM 3,000 to maintain it for over 5 years/100,000 km

Conclusion

Given the Proton Saga’s mechanical simplicity and reasonable safety kit, it makes for an excellent starter car, or a second vehicle in your household.

Just remember to manage your expectations with one and keep it well maintained, and the car will chug along relatively trouble-free for years to come.