Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I'm genuinely mystified as to why these cars are rated so badly. I paid £600 for my Proton with service history and a year's MOT. In that time it hasn't cost me a single penny in unexpected repairs.

The car is basic, only having power steering as an option, but I can live without toys. Fuel economy is excellent; I can achieve just over 50 MPG on long journeys, which is amazing for an old 1300cc petrol engine allied to quite a large car, although I would prefer more torque for hills and overtaking.

The ride is a little crashy over bumps and potholes, but I find the seats comfortable for long trips and there is decent leg and head room, and the boot is also a good size. Visibility is superb all round due to the large glass area.

I have been all over the country in my Proton, and it has never let me down (six monthly services do help, but I do that with all my cars). It's also of no interest to thieves or vandals. I once left it unlocked overnight on a South London street, and it was still there the next morning.

The only reason I am selling is the cost of tax. Because of the age of the engine, it is quite a high polluter and the tax is a hefty £143 for six months, a figure that will only rise in future. A shame really, as it has been the cheapest and most reliable vehicle I have owned. The motoring websites and magazines that reviewed the Wira have either never driven it, or are just slaves to anything German; I can't think of any other reason why it is so maligned.