Your first 'dating' car, Proton Satria Neo from RM 10k, how much to fix?

With today's Proton hedging its bets on SUVs and mainstream models, past models like the Proton Satria Neo has become all but forgotten. It's safe to say that Proton will not be building another low volume, 2-door hatchback just to satisfy a small segment of the market. 

Having said that, the Proton Satria Neo wasn't without its qualities, although interior build quality wasn't one of its.... qualities. 

That aside, does the Proton Satria Neo make good sense as a used car purchase? Well, I think I can advise from a position of strength, seeing that I owned one before. Let's get into it. 

Which is the best Satria Neo variant?

The Proton Satria Neo was launched back in 2006 to succeed the original Proton Satria. At launch, two CamPro (short for camshaft profiling, which it oddly didn't have) engines were offered: a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder (95 PS, 120 Nm), and 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder (111 PS, 148 Nm). 

Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

In 2009, Proton finally put camshaft profiling into the CamPro CPS (Cam Profile Switching) engine (125 PS, 150 Nm), and fitted it into the Satria Neo CPS, a facelift of sorts. The 1.3-litre CamPro was phased out, meaning all Satria Neos post-2009 has a 1.6-litre engine.

The final round of 'enhancements' made to the Satria Neo was back in 2013, with the Proton Satria Neo R3. It retained the CamPro CPS engine, and was offered with the same 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Production of the Proton Satria Neo ended in 2015.

Throughout its lifespan, there have been a few limited, special editions of the Proton Satria Neo, which you can read about here. However, our focus is on the mainstream models in this buying guide.

Also read: Top Rank: 12 rare and unique Proton Satria and Satria Neo models

These days, you can drive home a 2006 1.6 CamPro Satria Neo for around RM 10k. That said, it's best to avoid the 1.3 models completely.

I'd recommend going for the 1.6-litre, Campro CPS versions of the Satria Neo, which are 2009 onwards models. RM 17k gets you a 2010 Satria Neo CPS, with a manual transmission.

That's what I did in 2010, plumping for a Solid White, manual Satria Neo CPS. 

Reason to buy one - you probably had your first date in one

Honestly speaking, I don't think there's anyone who doesn't think the Proton Satria Neo is a handsome, well-designed hatch. It looks sporty and modern, and a lot more interesting than the regular contemporary B-segment offerings like the Toyota Vios, Honda City/Jazz, or Mazda 2.

Given the asking prices now and the aforementioned looks, the Proton Satria Neo is the perfect car for fresh graduates or university students looking to purchase their first car (not to mention, their first cars to go dating in as well). 

Speaking of dating, it is even possible to ferry four persons at one sitting to go double-dating if you so desire. Yes, despite its 2-door layout, the Satria Neo is pretty adept at fitting 2 more regular adults at the rear seats.

So yes, the Satria Neo does practical as well. Boot space stands at a decent 286 litres, not great but enough for your weekend getaways (when's the last time anyone had that?).

Any good to drive?

Oh yes, all Protons from this era - the Satria Neo included - possessed accomplished ride and handling characteristics, courtesy of Lotus' input in this department. In its segment, there's not many cars that can match the Satria Neo for fun-to-drive factor.

The weakness of the Satria Neo is the CamPro engine, be it the 1.3 or 1.6 versions. It suffered from the infamous 'torque dip' in the mid-range of the powerband, which is where daily driving is done. The only way to drive a CamPro engine is to rev the knackers off it.

Or you can just go for the CamPro CPS-equipped Satria Neos. The CPS engine is much improved in terms of driveability, and elimated that much-maligned 'torque dip'. Best still, the CPS is no less sweet to rev than the original CamPro.

Are these expensive to own?

Not at all. Considering that the Satria Neo comes in 1.3 (CamPro only) or 1.6-litre (CamPro or CPS) engines, and wheels that are not the size of the planet, maintenance is relatively affordable. 

As for common issues, remember that the early CamPro Satria Neos are now close to 15-years-old. Components such as timing belt, head gasket, water pump, fuel pump and suspension components might need replacing.

However, in my own ownership experience with the Satria Neo CPS, I did not encounter any major problems mechanically in the nine years I had with it. When I sold it, the odometer read over 250,000 km and it was still going strong. 

Through the nine years, perhaps there was an alternator change here, a water pump change there, but that's pretty reasonable for nine years of service, right? Oh, it got a new set of dampers too.

Speaking to Ray Wong, owner of Ray Car Care (who also took care of my Satria Neo), he agrees that there's not much wrong mechanically with the Satria Neo. 

"Just budget around RM 5k to 10k for repairs/replacements if you're looking at the early models, circa 2006 to 2009. Otherwise, go for post-2010 Satria Neos models as they're still relatively fine mechanically," Ray shared. 

Conclusion

For many, the Proton Satria Neo represented the first taste of car ownership, of freedom, of.... dating. It was a pretty affordable, practical 2-door hatchback back then. Now, it has become even more affordable, and its appeal to youngsters seeking their first car is as string as ever.

It's a shame Proton won't be making an all-new Proton Satria anytime soon. But, thanks to the secondary market, there are still plenty of Satria Neos to satiate anyone's appetite for a truly Malaysian hot hatch.... sorry, warm hatch.