2006 Proton Jumbuck: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Proton Jumbuck?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Proton Jumbuck than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Proton Jumbuck

  23.8% All 2006 cars

  12.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Proton Jumbuck

  19.2% All 2006 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes7.7× usual
  Proton Jumbuck

  8.5% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.6× usual
  Proton Jumbuck

  12.7% All 2006 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)4.4× usual
  Proton Jumbuck

  9.7% All 2006 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 2.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2006 Proton Jumbuck MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Proton Jumbuck MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  35% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  26% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Proton Jumbuck

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 Proton Jumbuck as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Proton Jumbuck as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 7.7× as often on the 2006 Proton Jumbuck as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?