Proton 1.3 Gls (1996)
1996 Proton 1.3 Gls
CarHunch analysed 236 real MOT records for the 1996 Proton 1.3 Gls. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1996 Proton 1.3 GLS passes its MOT on the first attempt only 71.8% of the time, which is 8.2 percentage points below the UK average of 80%—a meaningful gap that suggests these cars need a bit more attention to keep roadworthy. The dangerous defect rate of 11.4% is modest enough not to be a serious red flag, so you're not looking at inherently unsafe vehicles.
These cars are typically showing around 69,000 miles by their MOT test, which is reasonable for their age, though they're averaging 1.62 failures per vehicle, indicating that electrical, suspension, and emissions gremlins are fairly common. Budget for an average of four advisories (minor issues that don't yet fail the test) and plan a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the cooling system and exhaust—the culprits behind most failures on older Protons.
What to check before buying a 1996 Proton 1.3 Gls
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Proton 1.3 Gls
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1996 Proton 1.3 Gls vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1996 Proton 1.3 Gls vehicles fall between 54,633 and 87,265 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Proton 1.3 Gls?
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