Hello, so I'm planning to get the new saga, mainly because it fits under my budget and I do not want to have a higher amount of commitments than this for now. I've been to test drive the car a few times, to my surprise even though it's a A / almost to B segment entry level sedan, the power is sufficient, handling is good, and NVH is decent, fuel consumption is good, no complaints there.

My dad was asking me this morning what car I'm planning to buy, I told him Saga, he said why not consider Perodua ? Because he believes that Proton is not as reliable, in terms of their QC, defects, quality and everything, which is true, I'm also in the Saga MC 3 group, so I can see all issues about it. This is also particularly why I'm waiting for 2nd / 3rd batch of Saga, as yes there's a lot of small - big issues when they launch the 1st batch saga, so I'm still keeping my fingers crossed and hoping they would improve and do well on the QC, quality and every other aspects.

So just putting it out here for discussion, with 50K budget, excluding second hand cars, is this the best value for money car we can get ? I personally love to have some fun drive, and surprisingly according to most car reviewers, if you are on a budget, and you enjoy driving, look no further than the saga.

This post has been edited by Sotsotzaii: Jan 15 2026, 12:25 PM

Follow your dad advise.
I driven proton and peroduo at the entry segments.

From accidents, repairs, to 3rd party support, peroduo win by 10 miles.

Is nice to drive a proton where peroduo really handles like a toy car.

Looking at the financial side peroduo makes the most sense.

Sos: trust me bro I drove / driving proton for 10 years...

If money no issue and comfort is your priority, get proton.

If you are very conscious with money, get perodua.

why? perodua is everyday cars and parts shared between a lot of manufacturer,

proton is like a custom/exotic car. it does not share a lot of part with other manufacturer, last time it was mitsubishi based, then proprietary based (campro) now it is volvo based (geellee owns volvo).

reliability?

if you know cars, or willing to study about car maintenance then no issue for any brands.

if you malas headache go with perodua.

Follow your heart or you will regret forever

if you drive like a good boy go for p2

if you're already keen, just go for it.

qc likely won't improve by much. talked to proton SA friend, mc2 time he show me quite a lot issues from factory even though already close to end of production time.

but yes in terms of reliability and after sales, i've had much better experience with p2 over p1. driven and owned (both personally and family owned) few p2 and p1, p1 gives more headaches but ymmv.

i prefer p2 cars by a lot but 1. im not a spirited driver most of the time, it's a tool, 2. i dont drive long distances much as i live close to where i work. if your situation is opposite of mine, maybe p1 is more suited to you.

in the end, buy whichever that you yourself like more. it's your money, your choice. we give opinions and personal experiences, but tbh it doesn't really matter in the long run. both p1 and p2 are susceptible to lemon units anyways, it's all in the luck of the draw.

No one can answer this for you because the car just launched, it takes time to learn about their problem.

Feature wise Saga win most of the aspect

Next is wherther u willing to try it yourself or not.
Buying car also see your luck one, I got my x50 at launch, 4 years passed I did not face any major issue, small bit of nitpicking yes but they resolved for me.

Parents usually prefer the safe route, if you are curious and ok to risk a bit for possibilities of failure that no one can tell, u can go ahead with the Saga.

My parent Saga FLX have no issue since purchase till now despite ppl calling it problematic, that depends on you I would say.

The lowest risk Saga u can take now is probably the 4AT which is more robust compared to the CVT.

even emas 7 PHEV using saga engine

so if can buy saga at 38k then it is a bargain

Is a mix bag nowadays, some model like Smart (joint venture with Merc), while Proton Saga latest MC3 1.5L engine (X50 4-cylinder) is collaboration between Renault knew as Horse Powertrain. So in term of reliability & long term spare part support, i gonna vote Perodua as they got more align/sharing parts with Daihatsu/Toyota and aftermarket choice (half-cut, performance part) from Japan.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Jan 15 2026, 02:32 PM

if you enjoy driving and travel a lot, get the Saga. if you think driving is a chore just get the bezza or axia.

Thank you all for the opinion and advice.

I've made up my mind, I'm going for the Saga and praying that I get lucky to not get a lemon unit, I know small nitpicking issue is unavoidable in the end but hopefully any issue occur will be easily resolve by Proton.

The reason I decided to go with the saga is after carefully consideration and taking in all the opinion from all of u, I do want a car that allows me to travel and have some fun on the highway, I also value comfort and handling, and good NVH, which saga seems to tick every box.

So I guess at the end is as what many have said, it all comes down to lucky or unlucky, any brand is the same, so hopefully I will be the lucky one to get a car that has no issue whatsoever.

P/S - I'm not closing this thread, please do keep the opinions and feedback coming.

This post has been edited by Sotsotzaii: Jan 15 2026, 03:04 PM

renault again?? omg
downvote p1

not sure what do yall mean fun. by general got modify upgrde baru fun. example r3 and the like.

not modded just a standard vehicle. same applies to every brands

maybe budget a few hundred more to set aside for some basic additional soundproofing on the doors, that will enhance the nvh further without breaking the bank...up to 1k if want to include the hood and rear boot.

congratulations in advance to your soon to be new ride

Yes, that why i until today not really recommend Proton Saga MC3 for b40 or people with low knowledge about cars even tho it improved a lot. Supposing it should be a b40 cars which is cheap to own and cheap to service aftersales, but with the Renault collaboration engine and advance technology i dont think much b40 can pay for the maintenance after warranty end (Just the electric water pump itself can empty most b40 pocket). The latest Proton models if you ask me who is suitable to buy/own, i would recommend those from M40 above and got some knowledge/experience in term of maintaining continental cars then ok, If not sure gonna see and hear a lot of complains after warranty ends.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_Powertrain

The venture holding was established in May 2024 and is equally owned by Renault and Geely (including Geely Holding and Geely Auto). It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

Proton latest 4-cylinder engine is under Horse B15 engine range (BHE15-CFN to be precise for Proton Saga MC3)

This post has been edited by littlefire: Jan 16 2026, 08:51 AM

all cars got potential to be lemon, comparing all might be tedious and not really helps. Quality improve, dont let anyone said otherwise. P1 ka p2 ka. both had quality issues, just some dont want to admit.

Have a Saga BLM still after 15 years coming 16. the worst issue was the drive shaft, stupid overturning will cause the boot to koyak.

Bezza, the gearbox funny, work 1 time stop working the next day. luckily warrranty cover.

yeah both got quirks and irks. just make sure you know your consumer rights and use it.

have fun owning a car. what ever people said here....owning a car is tedious...driving it is fun...owning it is not the fun part....

Glad you value good driving, ride and handling
Wishing you all the best in your upcoming new Proton Saga.

If I were to nitpick, is the full digital meter cluster (I prefer analogue just like I prefer clutch 3 pedals manual cars), but that's no longer the trend
And, tires - which is something easily solvable by end users by just spending a little bit

And, if your requirement aren't too high, who knows even the Atlas/Linglong tires are sufficient?!

1-2 years sufficient to develop an engine?

Volvo Geely Renault Link & Co etc are good.
But not 2 years 1 engine like smartphones THAT GOOD.

p2 accident will be tin milo

i rather pick the new saga vs the tin milo bezza

I also thought about doing soundproofing to even improve further the already decent NVH, but I heard that it affects fuel consumption or it's not significance enough to affect fuel consumption ? Although it's not really a deal breaker for me, but just want to make sure.

Thanks for the good wishes, yeah to each their own, I actually prefer to move along with the modern features and interior hahaha, after all it's 2026.

Yeah the tires is included in my budget to change to a good tires like Michelin, but not right away though, gotta save up for that.

This post has been edited by Sotsotzaii: Jan 16 2026, 09:45 AM

The good Protons were the Mitsubishi engines versions (except the power windows and rust issues). After camtakpro and own platform - reliability to the dumps, spare parts and maintenance price sky high.

The Iswara air cond knobs so cheap, the 1st gen persona air cond knobs panel RM500 just for the part.

Dun get me started on the princess camtakpro engine and the oil leaking issues, take care of car, use fully syn oil and change oil before mileage due, still have oil leak after 5 yrs, you think this is BMW meh....

China Saga - even if got money, sourcing parts will be an issue? Because geli dun want to give bisness to local suppliers and prefer thier own suppliers, so parts are difficult to come by.

It's not about whether you get a lemon unit, it's when you're unlucky and get into an accident, the parts don't come for months and you need the car for daily life - how?

I don't understand how potong can assemble new cars and yet have no parts to repair existing cars.

This post has been edited by AbbyCom: Jan 16 2026, 10:03 AM

Proton got their own soundproofing upgrade knew as comfort package.
This will not impact warranty.

https://www.proton.com/after-sales/accessories

Yes, that why when accident or serious repair need to wait longer period as they wait for shipment from China.
Some i heard cannot wait for original Proton parts direct purchase using taobao/alibaba using Geely part to replace.

Same bro for Proton Saga, Proton Saga even the latest MC3 also just 4 star Aseancap.
Compare to Perodua Bezza got 5 star for the full spec. and 4 star for the normal spec.

Diouble posted.

This post has been edited by Sotsotzaii: Jan 16 2026, 11:03 AM

Yeah i saw this, and many of them said it's chapalang quality, very very cheap quality that doesn't justify the pricing. So I don't really dare to get this package.

I am driving 2021 persona, so far so good, nothing big deal, maybe only issue is low RV compared to Peroduo, I have sit on new Perodua Myvi and Ativa, the rear seat is not comfortable, too hard and flat, and the car feel plastic.

But at least warranty no impact, if outside 1 more expensive but if got anything happen Proton can void your warranty. For me i will go for ori Proton stuff first, only after warranty no more only go for outside aftermarket stuff.

Good advice, will consider. Do you have any idea if adding sound proofing would have any impact on fuel consumptions ?

The same Bezza if get tested again today will not meet 5 star

means both same je.

but safety wise saga premium got 6 airbags, this one even the overpriced bezza AV dont have even though same price. i'd trade the ASA for 6 airbags any day.

have to go for axia full spec baru have 6 airbags. bezza is in dire need of a refresh, or just a new lineup altogether.

out of topic but really want to get this out there

saga premium, bezza av 1.3 2 airbags, axia av 1.0 6 airbags all same price at 50k. go up to myvi 1.5 at 50k still only gets you 4 airbags.

either p2 have to fix their pricing or up their kit.

The most also just drop to 4 star which is also almost the same.
This category of cars you dont have much safer choice for local makes.

For Proton 1, i believe wont impact too much, but for aftermarket 1 those really heavy can add at least 1 adult person weight. Try put 1 adult person weight like example 60~80kg on your ride for a week or 2 you will know how much impact of the fuel consumption.

if comparing p1 or p2 for 50k, i would pick p1.

saga might have higher fuel cost but for me life matters.
i think saga have better car structure.
and also proper car boot is a must ~

owner of iswara later persona

This post has been edited by scyther: Jan 16 2026, 02:20 PM

You mean in proper car boot design izzit?

FYI, Bezza boot space 508L
Saga MC3 boot space 420L

by spec./data Bezza still win, but design wise Proton Saga is more cosmetic better

the fact : more weight means will need more energy to move the object from stationery, no running away from physics, so there will be penalty to fuel consumption.

just start with the simple basic 4 door, that already will be 50% better, and the weight penalty will be negligible just for the doors. I personally don't think it will exceed 20kg (unless you balls out multi layer multi material and add in extra areas)...keeping the tyre pressure right and checking it monthly actually will have more fuel consumption impact compared to some simple soundproofing.

i forgot to mention earlier, if you can splurge a bit more than the 4 doors, consider the roof dampening first. When raining, the tin kosong noise will be very apparent. Since we live in tropical area with lots of rain, that is the next area to look to improve your driving experience where it matters most.

soundproofing is a rabbit hole, you patch one then, another noise source starts annoying you after that and on and on and on.....

This post has been edited by wkc5657: Jan 16 2026, 02:43 PM

Instead of the Saga, I would spend a bit more and get a P2 Traz.

Test drive saga and bezza, u will take saga.
Fuel consumption and engine reliability bezza win.
Handling and solidness saga win.

For rm45k of cource take saga lah 1.5L siap give u reverse camera.
Bezza av rm49k give u blurry reverse camera and unwanted eco idle.

Don't buy the punch cvt version, leceh maintenance the cvt oil pan need to removes to change filter every 60k km then oil leveling then clutch adaption rm500+-. Secondary pulley easily rosak after 150k km, gear slip and brake logo came out in middle drive then pedal tekan kosong like free gear. Goes in INFO IRIZ COMMUNITY (MALAYSIA) facebook see yourself.

seriously

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE BRO!!

A bit more?

Saga 39-45-50K
Traz 76-81K

This is not Kopitiam 🙄

Bezza boot space 508L is huge. Most important thing Bezza boot is practical can fit many large item. Btw among new Saga and Bezza I will take Saga 4AT anytime. The handling is far more better than Bezza. Even though higher fuel consumption but Malaysia fuel price is cheap we do not need over worry about the fuel consumption.

That why Bezza until today still most Grab choice as they really still tops on space & fuel consumption. Data really no lie ya, if you do Grab every single cent save/earn really cost a lot in one month if full time.

bezza boot size comically huge. giving me aunt fanny vibes. one of the reasons i like bezza cuz im a bontot man.

the only car within this price point that can touch this volume is persona vvt at 510L.

after this price point closest is city 1.5s at 85k with 519L of space. not counting any hatchbacks w/ seats folded down.

why not get a 2nd hand vios if you want a car with better reliability but yet not a perodua?
proton's reliability and QC really is quite bad based on the posts on social media. Newly bought Saga MC3 already has IHU screen dead

Have u booked Saga?
I read your thread about potential pet business. If it materialise, please consider hatchback or MPV since some customers might need you to pick up their pets for boarding. Say 3 dogs. Then cars like Alza at 13K more might be more practical

Agree, for business owners which always like to fetch things around is better to get MPV or SUV.
As most of these rides rear seats can fold to extend the space making it a good choice to pick up more stuff if need.

Hello, no I have not jump the gun yet. Yeah, actually getting a SUV is in my mind and probably if this business idea materialize and works out, yeah I may consider getting a SUV, but then I believe my dad will be doing most of the ferrying of dogs as he got a older CRV, so either way we got that pretty much covered, temporarily.

although both 5 star NCAP rating?

Yes, not all 5 star cars are equal.

NCAP test is static, only need to crash with vehicle own weight and specific speed. It is an exam with known standard questions.
Some cars just increase the NCAP test by 5km/h or ferry additional goods in the trunk, or replace the dummy with female specific dummy the test would fails. Not just reduce stars, but fails with fatality.
Then some would pass or at least survive even throw at more extreme conditions.

It is not about the price FYI - Volvo, Geely, Hyundai stands out in the tests below. Put other extreme tests, maybe different cars will shines, who knows.

Anyway between Saga vs Bezza - I would lean on the Saga without a blink.

I know somebody bought 4 Saga last year for company use, consider heavy usage.

Heard 1 car starter have issue starting, waited 2 months for starter warranty and need 2 days in SC, lmao. Not even 1 yr.

Another car, rear door misaligned from showroom, rubbing somewhere till paint got thin.

Edit - Agree P1 much nicer to drive. P2 more reliable. Ya, tin milo. Main problem is at budget price level, is between fire & frying pan. Bolehland less choice.

This post has been edited by trinity3: Jan 28 2026, 10:47 PM

been hearing about it for ages in the past, but this issue persist till now?

you contact's saga with that issue, which year make?

This post has been edited by wkc5657: Jan 29 2026, 09:35 AM

typical Malaysian workmanship, even those CKD Honda also encoutered similar issue. For parts claim, especially now newer engine i believe claim approval, change also take time. More people buy, use, more higher chance of spoilt, claim warranty. SC personnel need to take picture/video to file claims, sent to warranty & claim department (i believe only Proton HQ doing the final approval) at least 1~2 months standard. Unless you dont want to claim and pay money up front then fast.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Jan 29 2026, 01:11 PM

Previously bought proton gen2 many years back, out of the showroom and first turn at traffic light already tak tak sound from the front.. Then go to glennmarie shah alam sc, front absorber defect, then they change to new one, problem solved
Then on the third month engine check light appear on the meter, sent back to glennmarie shah alam sc, they change some sensors, problem solved
After that on the six month old, the automatic transmission lever bush spoilt, they fixed it then back to normal.. After 2 month later same problem and they fixed again
After that everything seems fine.. Until one day out of nowhere without turn on or start the engine, the radiator fan turn on by itself, no choice sent back to glennmarie sc shah alam, fixed the problem
2 months later i sold the car 😐👍😻

Just curous

What was the indication that the AT lever bush spoilt?

Unable to shift gear?

Basically loose shifter which is difficulty engaging or selecting gears