|
By
EWAN KENNEDY
7 June 2004
Mazda 121 has been a solid performer in the Australian new
and used-car markets since its introduction in 1987. However
we won’t go right back to these earliest models as they
are getting a bit long in the tooth. Instead we will begin
with the four-door sedan, often called the Mazda bubble car,
introduced late in 1990 as a 1991 model.
We will also look at the later machines, called 121 Metro,
launched on the Australian market in October 1996. The
bubble car remained on sale alongside the Metro for almost
12 months before finally being discontinued in June/July
1997.
The latest edition of the Mazda 121 has received an all-new
name, Mazda2, but is still too new to be considered in this
week’s used-car feature.
The 121 has a high-quality finish in the usual Mazda manner.
This leads to excellent reliability and low-cost motoring.
Ride comfort in these little Mazdas is better than average
for their age and class, with the bubble car being having
that extra-solid feel you often get in a sedan when it’s
compared to a hatchback. These Mazdas are very easy cars to
drive and park and, though designed for city and suburban
use, are generally OK in the country if the roads aren’t
overly rough - again the bubble car is better than the Metro
in this way.
Mazda 121 has a surprisingly roomy interior. Boot space in
the bubble sedan is very good for what it is, but, as
always, the hatch does it better when it comes to load
carrying.
Engines are all conventional four-cylinder units with fuel
injection. Most bubble cars have an engine with 1.3 litres,
with the option of a 1.5-litre engine from the start of
1994. These sizes were unchanged when the 121 Metro was
launched in 1996, but the engines were significantly
upgraded, particularly in the use of multi-point fuel
injection instead of the single-point of the earlier units.
Manual and automatic transmissions are offered. Some
automatics in the entry-level Metros only have three ratios.
This is generally all right in around town driving, but the
engine can sound pretty busy in country running.
The underbonnet area isn't exactly spacious but a good
amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of their own work. It’s
wise to have a workshop manual before taking on anything but
the most basic of work.
There are plenty of Mazda dealerships Australia-wide and we
seldom hear of any problems with them. Parts prices are
around average for this class of car.
Insurance rates are generally towards the lower end of the
scale as these cars have no sporting pretensions and tend to
attract conservative buyers.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Mazda’s build quality means it’s unusual to find any
significant faults on a car that has been properly
maintained, but it’s still smart to have a full
professional inspection.
The engines are sometimes slightly reluctant to start and
run smoothly when stone cold. If one seems too bad it is
wise to have it checked by an expert. Engines that smoke
from the exhaust on hard acceleration from rest could be
approaching the end of their useful life.
Check the automatic transmission doesn't change in
situations where you feel the current gear is correct. Also
beware of an auto that slurs its changes too much.
Manuals that are difficult to shift or that crunch on fast
changes could be due for an overhaul.
As these little Mazdas are predominantly used in the harsh
world of suburban carparks and continual stop-start driving
there are likely to be scars in the paint, and/or signs of
previous body repairs. When checking, look for tiny paint
spots on unpainted areas, paint colours that aren’t an
exact match and slight ripples in body panels. The latter
are most easily seen when viewed end-on in good light.
Look for damage to the wheels and tyres caused by them
striking a kerb during parking. The left-front is usually
the one that cops it most.
Check the interior carefully in case it has come in for
harsh treatment from bored kids or small business people who
have used it as a delivery vehicle.
CAR BUYING TIP
Cars used only in the city may have low odo readings,
but have often done a lot of hard work. It’s the car’s
condition that matters, not the distance it has travelled.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
|
