Proton Persona Compact Lsi (1997)
1997 Proton Persona Compact Lsi
CarHunch analysed 322 real MOT records for the 1997 Proton Persona Compact Lsi. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1997 Proton Persona Compact LSI is a serious reliability concern, with a first-time pass rate of just 31.8% — less than half the UK average of 80%. Only 6.8% of vehicles ever recorded a dangerous defect, so safety isn't the primary worry; instead, expect multiple smaller faults across electrics, brakes, and suspension that accumulate over time.
At a median mileage of 72,848 miles for a 27-year-old car, these are typical-use examples, yet they're still arriving at MOT with an average of 0.79 failures and 1.3 advisories apiece — suggesting poor durability rather than exceptional wear. If you're considering one, budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with 1990s Asian marques, and be prepared for ongoing repair costs that will likely exceed the vehicle's value within a year or two.
What to check before buying a 1997 Proton Persona Compact Lsi
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 Persona Compact Lsi
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 321 | 31.9% | 0.79 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 0% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Proton Persona Compact Lsi 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 1997 Proton Persona Compact Lsi vehicles fall between 57,206 and 89,637 miles.
MOT History Averages
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