The all-new 2026 Proton Saga (MC3) represents the biggest leap in the model’s history. By ditching the aging 1.3L CamPro VVT in favor of a new 1.5-litre i-GT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine (120 PS / 150 Nm) paired with an Aisin 4-speed AT or CVT, Proton has completely revamped the Saga’s long-term maintenance profile.

Crucially, the 2026 model introduces a Timing Chain and Electric Power Steering (EPS), effectively eliminating two of the most infamous long-term maintenance costs (timing belts and hydraulic steering pumps) from the previous generation.

Maintenance Cost Verdict: 5 Years vs. 10 Years

(Estimates assume an average driving distance of 20,000 km per year, tracking scheduled maintenance and wear-and-tear consumables—excluding fuel, insurance, and road tax).

[ 5-Year Ownership Horizon  ] ──> Factory Warranty Period (Predictable, fixed schedule)
[ 10-Year Ownership Horizon ] ──> Post-Warranty Lifecycle (Wear-and-tear refurbishment)

Cumulative Estimated Maintenance Cost Summary

Expense Category	5-Year / 100,000 km (RM)	10-Year / 200,000 km (RM)
Scheduled Servicing (Pre-Paid/Standard)	RM 2,994 – RM 3,094	RM 6,000 – RM 6,300
Tires (14-inch / 15-inch)	RM 1,100 – RM 1,600 (1–2 sets)	RM 2,500 – RM 3,400 (3–4 sets)
12V Batteries	RM 450 – RM 650 (2 units)	RM 1,000 – RM 1,400 (4–5 units)
Brake Pads & Wiper Blades	RM 350 – RM 500	RM 800 – RM 1,200
Suspension, Drive Belt & Mountings	RM 0 – RM 150 (Drive belt only)	RM 1,500 – RM 2,500
Total Estimated Maintenance Spend	RM 4,894 – RM 5,994	RM 11,800 – RM 14,800
Average Monthly Maintenance Reserve	~RM 85 – RM 100 / month	~RM 100 – RM 125 / month

5-Year Verdict: Highly Modernized & Budget-Friendly

• Financial Commitment: The new 1.5L i-GT engine requires fully synthetic oil, but thanks to the removal of the 1,000 km break-in service and wider replacement intervals for coolants and filters, routine servicing stays very cheap. Putting aside roughly RM 1,000 to RM 1,200 per year will cover all scheduled servicing and consumables.
• Reliability Factor: Protected by a 5-Year / 150,000 km warranty. Buyers can even opt for Proton’s prepaid maintenance plans upfront (RM 2,994 for 4AT models; RM 3,094 for CVT) to lock in service prices against inflation.

10-Year Verdict: The Best Long-Term Saga Yet

• Financial Commitment: Because the 2026 model uses a timing chain (saving RM 330+ at the 110,000 km mark) and EPS (saving on power steering fluid and pump leaks), the 10-year outlook is far cheaper than the outgoing 1.3L VVT model. Over a decade, your monthly upkeep remains barely over RM 120 per month.

1. Scheduled Maintenance Milestone Breakdown (10,000 km to 100,000 km)

For the 2026 Saga, Proton has eliminated the 1,000 km break-in service. Maintenance runs strictly every 10,000 km or 6 months. The new 1.5L engine demands fully synthetic engine oil (RM 169) but compensates with longer-lasting components.

Interval / Mileage	Service Type	Key Parts Replaced & Work Done	Estimated Cost (RM)
10,000 km / 6 Mos	Minor	Fully synthetic engine oil, oil filter, drain plug gasket	RM 220 – RM 250
20,000 km / 12 Mos	Minor	Engine oil, oil filter, gasket, cabin pollen filter	RM 260 – RM 300
30,000 km / 18 Mos	Minor	Engine oil, oil filter, gasket	RM 220 – RM 250
40,000 km / 24 Mos	Major	Engine oil, oil filter, Engine Air Filter (New 40k interval), Brake Fluid	RM 450 – RM 550
50,000 km / 30 Mos	Minor	Engine oil, oil filter, drain plug gasket	RM 220 – RM 250
60,000 km / 36 Mos	Major	Engine oil, oil filter, pollen filter, Engine Coolant (New 60k interval), Transmission Fluid	RM 550 – RM 680
70,000 km / 42 Mos	Minor	Engine oil, oil filter, gasket	RM 220 – RM 250
80,000 km / 48 Mos	Major	Engine oil, oil filter, engine air filter, brake fluid	RM 450 – RM 550
90,000 km / 54 Mos	Minor	Engine oil, oil filter, gasket	RM 220 – RM 250
100,000 km / 60 Mos	Major	Engine oil, oil filter, pollen filter, Spark Plugs (RM131.60)	RM 450 – RM 520

Note: First three services include free labour. Exact prices vary based on regional SST and AT vs. CVT transmission fluids.

2. Mandatory Scheduled Service vs. Dealership Add-Ons

When reviewing your service quotation, look out for non-essential add-ons:

[ Mandatory Scheduled Service ] ──> Core items required to protect the 5-year/150,000km warranty.
[ Discretionary Add-Ons       ] ──> Windshield washer fluids, A/C anti-bacterial sprays, engine flushes.

• Pro Tip: You can legally opt out of engine flushes and A/C treatments to save roughly RM 50 to RM 100 per visit without voiding your warranty.

3. Regular Wear-and-Tear Consumables

Component	Typical Interval	Estimated Cost (RM)	Notes
Tires (14″ Standard / 15″ Exec & Premium)	40,000 – 60,000 km	RM 140 – RM 210 / piece	Sizes: 185/60 R14 or 185/55 R15. Extremely affordable to replace.
12V Battery	1.5 – 2.5 Years	RM 180 – RM 240	Standard maintenance-free lead-acid battery.
Front Brake Pads	40,000 – 50,000 km	RM 120 – RM 170 / pair	Inclusive of installation labor.
Wiper Blades	12 – 18 Months	RM 30 – RM 60 / pair	Silicone or standard rubber refills.

4. Long-Term Maintenance Items (Years 6 to 10 / 100k to 200k km)

Thanks to the transition away from the timing belt, the 100k+ km maintenance list is much lighter. However, rubber and suspension components will still age:

Component	Lifecycle Expectancy	Estimated Cost (RM)	Symptom of Wear
FEAD Drive Belt (Alternator/AC)	80,000 – 100,000 km	RM 67 + Labor	Squealing noise on startup. Much cheaper than the old timing belt.
Engine & Transmission Mounts	100,000 – 140,000 km	RM 450 – RM 750	Cabin vibration when the car is idling in “D” or “R”.
Shock Absorbers & Bushings	100,000 – 130,000 km	RM 600 – RM 900	Bouncy ride, unstable cornering, knocking sounds over speed bumps.
Front Lower Suspension Arms	120,000 – 150,000 km	RM 250 – RM 400	Vague steering feel or clunking sounds.

5. Annual Fixed Running Costs

Expense	1.5L i-GT Model	Remarks
Road Tax (Peninsular)	RM 90 / year	Replaces the old RM 70 road tax of the 1.3L.
Comprehensive Insurance	RM 1,100 – RM 1,450	First year baseline based on RM38k – RM50k OTR prices; drops yearly with NCD.

6. Maintenance Head-to-Head: 2026 Proton Saga (1.5L) vs. Perodua Bezza (1.3L)

For years, the Perodua Bezza won the long-term cost battle due to its timing chain and EPS. With the 2026 MC3 update, the Proton Saga has completely leveled the playing field.

Comparison Metric	2026 Proton Saga (1.5 i-GT)	Perodua Bezza (1.3 Dual VVT-i)	Key Difference
Performance Output	120 PS / 150 Nm	95 PS / 121 Nm	Saga is significantly more powerful for highway driving.
Valvetrain Drive	Timing Chain	Timing Chain	Tied. Both engines avoid expensive 100k km belt replacements.
Steering System	Electric Power Steering (EPS)	Electric Power Steering (EPS)	Tied. Saga finally drops the heavy, maintenance-heavy hydraulic rack.
Engine Oil Type	Fully Synthetic (RM 169)	Fully Synthetic (RM 145)	Bezza’s slightly smaller oil capacity makes oil changes marginally cheaper.
5-Year Routine Service Cost	~RM 3,000 (Pre-paid plan available)	~RM 3,200	Saga’s scheduled maintenance is now neck-and-neck with the Bezza.
Road Tax (Annual)	RM 90	RM 70	Bezza saves RM 20 a year.

The Verdict: The Perodua Bezza retains a slight edge in fuel efficiency, but the 2026 Proton Saga offers far superior driving dynamics, ADAS safety features, and a much more powerful 1.5L engine while matching the Bezza’s previously undisputed low-cost maintenance profile.

7. Practical Tips to Minimize Saga Running Costs

1. Opt for the Pre-Paid Maintenance Plan: If you want absolute cost certainty, Proton’s 5-Year/100,000km package (RM 2,994 for 4AT / RM 3,094 for CVT) locks in your service costs on day one, protecting you from future inflation on parts and lubricants.
2. Review Invoices Carefully: As always, politely decline the non-essential “ProCare” or dealer-recommended additives at the service counter. You only need the items listed in your service booklet to keep the warranty intact.
3. Rotate Tires Every 10,000 km: Regular rotation during your scheduled service visits ensures your tires wear evenly, pushing tire replacement closer to the 50,000 km mark rather than premature wear at 30,000 km.