Proton SE (1990)
1990 Proton SE
CarHunch is tracking 1,443 1990 Proton SE vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.
The 1990 PROTON SE is a reliability disaster: just 1.3% of these cars pass their MOT on the first attempt, compared to the UK average of 80%. This isn't a case of minor wear—these vehicles are essentially non-functional by modern MOT standards, with almost every car failing on its initial test.
At a median mileage of 68,739 miles for a 34-year-old car, these are relatively low-mileage examples, yet they're still failing at an extraordinary rate. If you're considering one, understand you're buying a restoration project or parts car, not a working vehicle—budget for extensive mechanical work before it will pass an MOT.
We have 1,443 1990 Proton SE vehicles on record but don't have enough MOT test data to show reliable statistics for this cohort.
What to check before buying a 1990 Proton SE
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 SE
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%) | 1,442 | 1.3% | 0.02 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1990 Proton SE 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 1990 Proton SE vehicles fall between 57,911 and 86,077 miles.
Most Common MOT Issues — 1990 Proton SE
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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15.3%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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13.7%
Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split
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13.1%
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
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12.6%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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12%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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11.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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11.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
11.5%
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1990. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Proton SE?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.