2010 Proton GEN-2 1.6L Petrol · AO10 EEM

A pattern of rear brake pipe corrosion dominates the mechanical history of this 2010 Proton GEN-2 and warrants the most serious attention from any prospective buyer. The 2024 test flagged both rear brake pipes as corroded under advisories, and by the June 2026 retest the deterioration had progressed sufficiently that both pipes were classified as excessively corroded and resulted in a Major failure alongside an inoperative engine management warning lamp. A clean pass was subsequently achieved on 5 June 2026, but this simply confirms that remedial work was carried out between the two closely spaced tests rather than indicating that the underlying corrosion issue has been permanently resolved. Given the vehicle's age and the rate at which the rear pipe condition deteriorated from advisory to Major within roughly two years, the new sections of pipe, the surrounding underfloor metal, and the brake unions at the wheel cylinders or load-sensing valve should all be physically inspected for further corrosion, particularly in the wheel arch and chassis rail areas where salt ingress is most aggressive. With 50,597 miles recorded over sixteen years, this Proton averages around 3,162 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and indicates either consistent light use or extended periods off the road. The MOT history does not reveal any obvious testing gaps, with annual tests recorded from 2020 through 2026, but the consistently low annual accumulation means many service items such as timing belts, coolant, brake fluid, and drive belts may not have been renewed on a mileage-driven schedule. Any prospective buyer should request documentary evidence of time-based servicing rather than relying solely on the MOT record, and should pay particular attention to the condition of rubber components including coolant hoses, drive belts, suspension bushes, and CV joint boots, all of which deteriorate with age regardless of mileage covered. On a physical inspection, the rear brake pipe repair carried out prior to the June 2026 pass is the single most important area to examine, looking for fresh underseal, fresh pipe clips, and any sign that the surrounding chassis metal required additional treatment. The front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in May 2025, so disc and pad condition should be checked and a feel for binding or pulling assessed on the test drive. The engine management light that was illuminated at the May 2026 failure should be investigated through a diagnostic readout, as the fault that triggered the MIL may still be present even though the lamp was cleared for the test; a rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, or unusual fuel consumption would be consistent symptoms. The nearside front tyre edge wear noted in 2024 should be monitored, as uneven wear on a single edge typically points to a worn suspension bush, ball joint, or strut top mount rather than a tyre defect alone. During a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, and feel for any vagueness or wander in the steering that would suggest worn front linkages. Check that the brake pedal feels firm and that the vehicle stops in a straight line without pulling to one side, as the recent brake pipe replacement should have resolved any sponginess but the calipers and rear drums may not have been inspected at the same time. Inspect the engine bay and underbonnet for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover or valve cover gasket, check coolant level and condition for any signs of emulsification, and verify that the exhaust system is secure with no blowing joints. Finally, examine the underside closely for any fresh underseal that might be concealing corrosion around the rear axle area, sill jacking points, and front subframe, as the rate at which the rear brake pipes deteriorated strongly suggests that other underfloor components may be approaching a similar condition.