Bringing a Proton Satria back to life doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a few budget Satria upgrades, I’ve started restoring my beloved car piece by piece. These simple fixes improve daily comfort, driving safety, and modern usability—all without breaking the bank.
New Alarm System – Affordable Security Upgrade
First on the list was replacing the alarm system. The old unit, over 15 years old, finally gave up. I wasn’t sure if it was the remote or the control module, but either way, it had to go.
I chose the Blaupunkt CA2.0. It’s a no-frills system that offers basic features like lock/unlock and vibration sensing. Best of all, it only cost RM130. Definitely one of the smartest budget Satria upgrades if you care about peace of mind.
Installation was relatively easy thanks to the included manual and wiring diagram. However, when we opened up the dashboard wiring, we found chaos—years of messy modifications and wear. So, we cleaned it up properly. Neat wiring isn’t just aesthetic—it prevents potential short circuits and fire hazards.
Steering Wheel Replacement – OEM Comfort Wins
Next, I tackled the steering wheel. The car came with a deep-dish aftermarket wheel. While it looked aggressive, it wasn’t practical for daily driving. The distance to the signal stalk felt unnatural and annoying.
So, I swapped it out for a standard OEM-style steering wheel. Instantly, the driving experience became more comfortable and intuitive. Sometimes, reverting to factory specs can be the best kind of upgrade.
USB Head Unit – Out with CDs, In with Modern Sound
Let’s be honest: no one uses CDs or DVDs in 2025. My old head unit supported MP3 discs, which was great—15 years ago. But now, I needed something that could support USB media at minimum.
Luckily, a good friend gave me a used Pioneer USB head unit for free. It’s not brand new, but it gets the job done and saves me from hunting for CDs or converting music the old-school way. It’s a huge upgrade in daily usability.
Final Thoughts on Budget Satria Upgrades
These initial budget Satria upgrades may seem small, but they’ve made a noticeable difference. The car now feels safer, more comfortable, and more modern. I’m not done yet—more improvements are planned—but for now, it’s a satisfying start to my Satria’s journey back to glory.
If you’re restoring a Satria or any older car, remember this: practical upgrades beat flashy mods when your goal is reliability and comfort. Stay tuned for more updates!
