After four months here at the CarAdvice office it’s time to say goodbye to our long term bargain basement ute, the Proton Jumbuck.

Following a raft of duties, and in excess of 7000kms of driving, the little lugger returned trouble free motoring with a couple of plastic rattles the only issues of any note.

The half-tonner put up a good fight in terms of handling and performance – all things considered – even managing to provide an acceptable ride once a little weight was spread over the leaf sprung rear.

Although to some Jumbuck is a case of “getting what you pay for”, in our opinion the amount of ute on offer is actually pretty good considering just how cheaply you can get one of these on the road – though we should point out Jumbuck did score a one-star ANCAP rating during recent tests.

Proton have a new Jumbuck in the pipeline with a delivery date rumoured to be sometime within the first-quarter of 2010. CarAdvice will be sure to keep you posted.

To follow our long term evaluation of the Proton Jumbuck from start to finish, click here.