1998 Mazda 121 1.3L Petrol · S480 AWV
1998 Mazda 121 (1.3L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 91,783 miles. MOT expired on 25 Sept 2025. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA 121
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Sept 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 91,783 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S480 AWV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/09/2024
- 91,783 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S480 AWV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Mazda 121 (S480 AWV) between March 2022 and September 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 September 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (10 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 23 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Front Bumper insecure (6.1.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”.
S480 AWV Mileage History
- 15/03/202285,270 mi
- 15/03/202285,270 mi
- 26/05/202388,447 mi+3,177 mi
- 27/09/202388,461 mi+14 mi
- 26/09/202491,783 mi+3,322 mi
Average of roughly 2,569 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This 1998
A thorough mechanical inspection is essential before purchase. Given the May 2023 failure, which listed a wide array of electrical, exhaust, and suspension issues, you should verify that all these items were actually repaired and not just 'passed' on a subsequent test. Pay close attention to the exhaust system and emissions, as these were flagged as problematic in previous tests.
Negotiate based on the documented history of component wear. You should specifically ask for evidence of work carried out on the brake hoses and CV boots, as these have appeared as recurring advisories or failures. Ensure the vehicle has been inspected for structural integrity, particularly around the subframe and seat belt anchorages where corrosion was previously noted.
As a small 1297cc petrol engine, running costs in terms of fuel economy are likely to be relatively low for a vehicle of this age. However, maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the age of the car and the frequency of component replacements required for suspension and braking systems.
Tax and insurance groups for a 1998 Mazda 121 are typically low, making it an inexpensive car to insure. However, you should budget for more frequent repairs to wear-and-tear items like tyres, brake hoses, and suspension bushes, as suggested by the MOT history.
The most critical area to inspect is the chassis and subframe. The MOT history specifically records corrosion in the seat belt anchorage area and the nearside rear subframe mounting. You must check these areas for any signs of spreading rust or structural weakness.
Secondly, inspect the braking system and suspension. The records show repeated issues with deteriorated brake hoses (both front and rear) and worn suspension arm pins/bushes. Check the CV boots for splits and the shock absorbers for leaks. Finally, check the electrical system, specifically the headlamps and indicator colours, as these were flagged as non-compliant in previous tests.
This blue 1.3L petrol Mazda 121 has covered 91,783 miles since its first registration in August 1998. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the vehicle's history is marked by a heavy failure in May 2023 involving numerous defects. The records show persistent issues with brake hoses, suspension bushes, and evidence of corrosion in structural areas.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 69.2% MOT pass rate, with common failures related to corrosion, headlamps, and parking brake efficiency.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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