This is a very good and useful car buying tips written by one of Malaysiaminilover’s editor about buying a Proton Saga. When a person plans to buy either a new car or a used car, many factors have to put into consideration. This article has almost all the factors you need to consider either buying a new car or used car. Hope it helps our readers here. The article starts here.

Here I am looking to buy a Proton Saga. I walked into Proton’s showroom and get to see and test drive the brand new Saga. The car smells good, everything look new, and clean. Now it comes to the price of the car. According to the brochure I get, Proton Saga comes in 3 types but with almost 10 different price tags.

Proton Saga Standard

• Manual Transmission: RM 38,598 / Metallic and RM 38,148 / Solid
• Automatic Transmission: RM 41,598 / Metallic and RM 41,148 / Solid

Proton Saga Executive

• Manual Transmission: RM 42,398 / Metallic and RM 41,948 / Solid
• Automatic Transmission: RM 44,998 / Metallic and RM 44,548 / Solid

Proton Saga Executive 1.6L

• Automatic Transmission: RM 46,549.00 / Solid

The Saga Executive is definitely out of my choice because of the price. Now I am looking to compare the different between Proton Saga Standard and Executive. The difference of price is RM 3800 and the things buyers don’t get in the Standard car are:

1. Driver’s airbag
2. Driver seat height adjuster
3. Electric door mirror
4. Front fog lamp
5. Steering wheel with audio switches
6. Rear spoiler
7. Side Protector Moulding
8. Multipurpose Container

As I look at the list above, other than the driver’s airbag, it seems nothing else really worth the RM 3800. Now I have decided to go for Proton Saga Standard at the price of RM 38,598 with metallic color. The question has come in mind. Do I have the choice to go for a used Proton Saga? Here comes the calculation.

Calculation if purchase a brand new 2011 Proton Saga

• Car Condition and year: Brand new
• Car price: RM 38,598
• Car loan interest rate: 3.2%
• Down payment: RM 4000
• Loan term: 5 years
• Yearly interest: RM 1107.14
• Monthly car payment: RM 668.90

What you get probably like this:

Calculation if purchase a used Proton Saga

• Car Condition and year: Year 2010, mileage probably in between 15000 to 35000.
• Car price: RM 30,000 (Market price is in between RM 27,000 to RM 33,000 and here we take RM 30,000 as the average price for a 2010 Proton Saga)
• Car loan interest rate: 3.6%. Now the problem with used car is that you couldn’t get a good rate (lower rate). However, run few more banks or creditor you may able to get a good rate. Here we use 3.6% for the calculation which is what I get.
• Down payment: RM 4000
• Loan term: 5 years
• Yearly interest: RM 936
• Monthly car payment: RM 511.33

What you get probably like this:

• Car Condition and year: Year 2009, mileage probably in between 35000 to 55000.
• Car price: RM 28,000 (Market price is in between RM 26,000 to RM 30,000 and here we take RM 28,000 as the average price for a 2009 Proton Saga)
• Car loan interest rate: 3.6%.
• Down payment: RM 4000
• Loan term: 5 years
• Yearly interest: RM 864
• Monthly car payment: RM 472

What you get probably like this:

Now the difference between 2011 Proton Saga and 2010 Proton Saga is the monthly payment of RM 668.90 – RM 511.33 = RM 157.57. Now here comes the thinking, is RM 157.57 per month a lot to you and will it hurt your monthly expenses? If it isn’t, buying a new car will be a good choice. Otherwise, a 2010 Proton Saga isn’t bad too by looking at the picture above.

What if you decide to go for a used or second hand Proton Saga? The comparison now is either to buy a 2009 model or 2010. From the calculation above, the difference between 2010 and 2009 model is only RM 511.33 – RM 472 = RM39.33. I believe this amount isn’t big for most of the people. So, if I would to go for a used Proton Saga, I will definitely go for a newer car, which is the 2010 model. 2010 model you get a lower mileage car, less maintenance cost, and newer. There are always great deal out there, some people who won the car from lucky draw, they are willing to let go the new car at used car price, so it is good if you can find one.

In conclusion, is the new design appeared in 2011 Proton Saga attractive enough and you willing to pay a little extra on the monthly installment? If yes then your choice will be the new Saga. If you would like to save up the RM 100+ dollar every month and have something else to spend, then your choice will be the 2010 Proton Saga.