[pugc]

Can someone tell me what to look out for when purchasing a used Proton
Tiara ?

1) from which year the car is stable and has initial problems solved
2) what are major problems
3) what are the common problems
4) spare parts pricing - is it expensive and hard to find ?
5) is the car prone to rusting ?
6) what else to look out for ??
7) how much i need to budget to spend typically to bring it up to good
working condition ?

[kilyoy]

better buy kancil

[Kiamtiap]

Hi pugc.

Some say those produced late 1990s are better. However, I speak from my
own experience driving a 1997 model. Todate (after 10 years), I have only
spent about RM2k+ on repairs (not counting oil and battery change). Got
it new in 1997.

I can even remember the things I've done to the car:
1) Drive shaft rubber boot - all 4 (few hundred RM): Second year of
ownership, ok till now.
2) All radiator hoses and flush coolant, brake, gear oil, spark plugs and
cable (preventive maintenance) : RM1000
3) Clutch cable - RM160 (piece of rubber at gearbox linkage): 6th year -
bought cable but only replaced rubber only.
4) Gear knob RM50 (6th year).
5) Driver door lock mechanism (RM250) - 8th year.
6) Distributor (RM170) - 8th year.
7) Gear knob (RM15) - aftermarket wood type: 10th year.

Now just need to repaint. Still keeping it as spare car for the family.
Trusty little car. Just have to drive it every other day to keep battery
healthy. Sufficient pickup, no regrets as entry level car back in 1997.
Mileage now 85k.

[thekop555]

85k mileage?..no wonder lor.
my wira 11 years old 440,000km.

u really treat it as 2nd car though.

to thread starter, better buy kancil instead of tiara. the coolant itself
will cost u RM50 for 2 bottles (u cannot pour even a drop of water into it)
and yes, u must use citroen coolant only.

just my 2cents. tq

[Kiamtiap]

BTW, I have 100% tap water in my radiator since year 2. No problem
whatsoever. Just flush and refill every year or so (similar treatment to
coolant).

What's the price of Kancil in comparison to Tiara? RM2k to RM3k?

Kancil engine oil is different too... do consider that. Size? Pickup? All
must consider... match according to your requirement.

Speaking from my personal experience, at 85k mileage without any engine,
gearbox, suspension, or chassis problems before (all orignal stock
standard), I think is good enough.

[ketusam]

I've owned a tiara for 5 years now and all I needed to change was the
driveshaft back in 2005. It cost me RM580.00. Other than that is just
normal servicing. I bought the car 2nd hand in 2002 and the mileage now
is 80000km. To me, the car is reasonably well built and the ride is even
better than Kancil. However, most people might hate its looks and the
three studded wheels. I've converted mine to 4 studs wearing sport rims
and lowered suspension now. The FC is relatively low at 13km/litre or
RM0.14/km for city cycle. All in all, I'm satisfied with the car. I think
it gives good value for the money..