Proton Compact Sprint (1999)

166 real MOT outcomes analysed • 37.1% first-time pass rate

1999 Proton Compact Sprint

CarHunch analysed 166 real MOT records for the 1999 Proton Compact Sprint. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1999 Proton Compact Sprint is a seriously unreliable proposition: only 37% pass their MOT first time, versus the UK average of 80%. With fewer than 5% having dangerous defects on record, the danger risk is relatively low, but the sheer volume of faults makes this a buyer concern—most examples will need welding, suspension work, or exhaust repairs before they're roadworthy.

At 67,740 miles on average, these cars have covered reasonable mileage for their age, yet still fail at nearly double the rate of comparable vehicles. With 1.22 failures and 2.2 advisories per test, this model needs a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic—don't rely on a current MOT pass to mean the car is sound.

Below average reliability 42.9% below UK average
37.1%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
65,511
typical mileage
49,737–78,215 middle half
4.8%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.22
avg MOT failures per car
over 4 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1999 Proton Compact Sprint

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 Compact Sprint

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 165 37% 1.21
LPG (1%) 1 50% 4

Mileage Distribution

Most 1999 Proton Compact Sprint 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.

49,737
low mileage
65,511
typical
78,215
high mileage

Half of all 1999 Proton Compact Sprint vehicles fall between 49,737 and 78,215 miles.

MOT History Averages

4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.22
Avg failures per vehicle
2.2
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Proton Compact Sprint?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK