Faults:

I've changed the windscreen, 2 rear shocks and NGK spark plugs.

General Comments:

This small car is incredible, as it's got awesome cornering abilities and fast acceleration! I can definiitely win any sports car when racing in between one traffic lights to another or in downhill conditions. It's roomy too!

In addition, it's my 14th year-old birthday present. I am almost 18 now, and I can drive it legally, instead of playing inside the car park. :)

Faults:

Gearbox

Clutch

Battery

Exhaust

Tow bar electrics

Boot leaks a little

Starter motor

Left rear brake ceased up.

General Comments:

Its fun lovable and fast! Its 'bubble' like appearance and the fact it's a left hand drive make it a pedestrian eye turner when commuting about on the roads and highways of England.

The things it lacks the most though are traction and top speed. Despite its quick acceleration the, 1.3i often wheel spins and misses addition grip in the corners, almost hellish in the wet. On the straight a low, easily achievable, top speed of approximately 100mph/160kmph limits driving and raises petrol consumption when on the German autobahns.

All in all, a sound car. Superb around town yet expensive on the motorway.

Faults:

Gearbox bearings died a death at about 225000 km. 2nd hand replacement gearbox also had same problem. Brand new dealership gearbox is now running sound.

Clutch replaced also at same time.

Faulty electrics due to tow-bar being in disrepair also replaced.

Alternator replaced at about 210000 km.

New battery at about 190000 km.

Zero rust!

General Comments:

I love my Mazda 121! Despite a poor top speed, the fun sporty aggressive engine more than makes up for this in the 0-60 area.

On the continent the Mazda 121, with it's odd curves and uncertainty about being a hatchback or small saloon, may catch an odd glimpse in the street, but after owning one in Germany for a year I had to export one to England when returning home.

11 years old, high mileage and absolutely no rust or signs of wear and tear!

Faults:

Clutch worn

Front brake pads worn

L.H. CV joint worn out.

General Comments:

Performance is nice if you leave the air conditioner off.

Very roomy for tall people in the front and comfortable as well

Boot is big, but small opening is really painful

Handles very nicely

I would hate to imagine the performance of an automatic as the power is just sufficient to run the manual

Excellent 2 people or second car

So cheap to run.

Faults:

Battery had to be replaced shortly after buying it.

General Comments:

OK, bad points first. The 1.1 engine does you no favours when you want to overtake. Acceleration: poor. Although I think that's better for me considering I'm a relatively new driver.

Car is quite noisy above 55mph.

No power steering.

It's hard to find parts but that's due to it being a rare car here in Ireland.

Good points now. Apart from having to replace the battery, the car is surprisingly reliable. It's never failed to start for me.

It's very cheap to run, even for town driving, which accounts for my everyday usage. For long journeys it is extremely efficient.

Original tyres are in great condition.

Overall, I quite like my 121 and it has been a great first car. However, finding second-hand parts is difficult. (My headlight was cracked open and finding a replacement is proving difficult). I'd recommend this as a first car however because they're quite cheap, especially if they're as old as mine!