Proton

Proton Wira (2001)

1,719 real MOT outcomes analysed • 69.7% first-time pass rate

2001 Proton Wira

CarHunch analysed 1,719 real MOT records for the 2001 Proton Wira. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2001 Proton Wira is a below-average performer with a 69.7% first-time MOT pass rate well short of the UK's 80% benchmark, and a fifth of owners have encountered dangerous defects—a genuine concern for buyers. This Malaysian-market car shows real durability problems: it averages 3.06 failures and 6.7 advisories per test, suggesting systemic wear rather than isolated niggles.

At just under 56,000 miles on average, these Wiras aren't high-mileage runners, so the high failure count reflects the model's age and inherent fragility rather than hard use. If you're considering one, budget for remedial work before purchase and expect ongoing maintenance costs; prioritise a pre-buy inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, and walk away if it's already racked up multiple MOT fails.

The 2001 Proton Wira has a below-average first-time pass rate (69.7% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
69.7%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
20.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.06
Over 9.5 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
52k
Middle half: 40k–67k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 6.7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,719 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,719 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 45.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 41%
Oil leak · Horn not working
Suspension & steering 34.5%
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split · Offside Steering rack gaiter split · Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 26.8%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Parking brake lever has no reserve travel
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 19.8%
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2001.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,719 Proton Wira cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2001 Proton Wira

Based on MOT data from 1,719 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 20.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (96%) 1,654 69.7% 3.08
Diesel (3%) 56 70.4% 2.86

Colour Breakdown

Based on 5,733 Proton Wira vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 39.5%
2,262
Green 21.4%
1,224
Gold 10.5%
602
Silver 9%
516
Red 7.1%
409
Grey 5%
284
White 3.4%
194
Purple 3.4%
193
Maroon 0.9%
49

Mileage Distribution

Most 2001 Proton Wira vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

51,876
typical
40,069
low mileage
66,663
high mileage

Half of all 2001 Proton Wira vehicles fall between 40,069 and 66,663 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 40,069 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
40,069–66,663 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2001 Proton Wiras sit.
Over 89,995 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2001 Proton Wira — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 8% of 2001 Proton Wiras are still active.

Numbers are declining — 30 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2020 (8% of peak).

370 30 2014 2020

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2020.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

9.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.06
Avg failures per vehicle
6.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Proton Wira: All Wira years → Which year to buy? →
2000 2002 2003 2004

Or browse all models: Proton →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2001 Proton Wira stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on