MAZDA 121 (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 36 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
56%
Total Tests (2024)
36
Avg Mileage
62,018 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 1999 MAZDA 121 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 26 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 25 years old, 56% of MAZDA 121s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,018 miles.
How does the 1999 MAZDA 121 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 MAZDA 121 has 62,018 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1999 MAZDA 121 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Checking a specific MAZDA 121?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 MAZDA 121
The 1999 MAZDA 121 is a small family car with a 1297cc petrol engine. 36 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 100% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 62,018 miles at 25 years old, 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.
1999 MAZDA 121 Fuel Costs
The 1297cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 MAZDA 121?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 56% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1999 MAZDA 121
At 25 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 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1999 MAZDA 121
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (+15%) from 12,710 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (+12%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+17%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+15%) from 8,442 tests