Mazda 121 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1242cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1242cc29 years old33 tests51k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1242cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Mazda 121s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 50,567 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models79th of 306(top half)

Rank among Mazda models226th of 459(top half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+7%(75% avg)

vs Mazda average+1%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

50,567

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Mazda 121 had 50,567 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Mazda 121 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	56%	36	62,018 mi
1997	82%	33	50,567 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-9%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+7%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-12%

Ford Fiesta

1999 · 1392cc Petrol

£2,383/year

67%

-15%

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About the 1997 Mazda 121

The 1997 Mazda 121 is a small family car. Our records list a 1242cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 50,567 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 121 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 Mazda 121 Fuel Costs

The 1242cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Mazda 121?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1997 Mazda 121

At 29 years old, the Mazda 121 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 Mazda 121 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda 121(1997)	82%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£295
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£223
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£150
Ford Fiesta(1999)	67%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383+£350

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 Mazda 121

Is the 1997 Mazda 121 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1997 Mazda 121s ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Mazda 121 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mazda 121?

82% of 33 MOT tests on the 1997 Mazda 121 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 79th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Mazda 121?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Mazda 121 is 50,567 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.