Proton SE Auto Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Proton SE Auto car check
Is the Proton SE Auto reliable? We analysed 1,413 real MOT tests across 295 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Proton SE Auto? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Proton SE Auto is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include constant velocity joint gaiter split, tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm and brake pipe excessively corroded. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Proton SE Auto.
Proton SE Auto Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Proton SE Auto. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Proton SE Auto MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Proton SE Auto to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Proton SE Auto Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Proton SE Auto fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Proton SE Auto Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Proton SE Auto owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Proton SE Auto MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Proton SE Auto year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 584 | 68.8% | 57,678 | 73,738 | 90,820 |
| 1992 | 463 | 69.8% | 51,952 | 67,043 | 87,354 |
| 1991 | 263 | 71.1% | 47,520 | 59,986 | 79,400 |
| 1990 | 63 | 71.4% | 44,543 | 47,882 | 61,049 |
How Long Does a Proton SE Auto Last?
Based on 295 Proton SE Auto vehicles on UK roads.
Proton SE Auto Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Proton SE Auto MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Proton SE Auto
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
71.4% MOT pass rate from 63 tests
68.8% MOT pass rate from 584 tests
The best year to buy a used Proton SE Auto is 1990, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 71.4% across 63 tests. The 1993 model year has the lowest pass rate at 68.8% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Proton SE Auto Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton SE Auto THIS CAR | 69.8% | 1,413 | 68,034 mi | 36 yrs |
| Proton Persona | 66% | 104,196 | 68,588 mi | 32 yrs |
| Proton GEN-2 | 70.5% | 59,272 | 46,580 mi | 22 yrs |
| Proton Wira | 70.1% | 57,151 | 47,970 mi | 26 yrs |
| Kawasaki Zx 1000 Hdf Abs | 90.6% | 1,531 | 13,547 mi | 13 yrs |
Compared to the Proton Persona (66.0% pass rate) and the Proton GEN-2 (70.5% pass rate), the Proton SE Auto sits in the middle of the pack on MOT reliability.
Found a Proton SE Auto you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Proton SE AutoShould you buy a used Proton SE Auto?
The Proton SE Auto has an overall MOT pass rate of 69.8% across 1,413 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Proton SE Auto are constant velocity joint gaiter split (153 recorded failures), tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (78), and brake pipe excessively corroded (64). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Proton SE Auto owner drives around 3,302 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Proton SE Auto models stay on UK roads for around 36 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.