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Other Hondas & General Topics => Honda & Other Honda Models => Topic started by: richardfrost on January 28, 2021, 02:57:51 PM

Title: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: richardfrost on January 28, 2021, 02:57:51 PM
I took my Mother in Law for her vaccination in Harrogate on Tuesday. She is 78 and disabled, so I had to wait in a disabled spot for her to come out, which gave me a prime spot for seeing all the arrivals and departures. Given the target audience for the vaccine, 90 out of every 100 drivers was probably elderly.

The proportion of Honda, and specifically Honda Jazz drivers was quite noticeable. Also a lot of brand new Mark 4 Jazzes too. This is a relatively affluent area and there was also a lot of what I would call posh cars.

The main thing I noticed about these older drivers was how poor their driving was, specifically...
- road positioning - gaps too small or too large
- ability to judge how to turn into a parking spot
- parking in general
- posture and level of comfort in the driving position
- overall impression of confidence on the road
- aggression - battle to get disabled spots
- amazingly, ability to come to a halt in the general vicinity of the volunteer directing them in

When my father in law died, for many reasons, we took my mother in law's car away and sold it. I can't imagine what might have happened had she attempted to remain driving. I have to say some of the individuals I saw on Tuesday should take a good long look at themselves, their need for a car and their safety behind the wheel.

North Yorkshire is a rural area and I can understand why people want to hang on to their cars. But North Yorkshire is also quite a tricky place to drive at the best of times, with narrow, steep, windy roads, hump back bridges, really fast sections and in normal times, tons of weekend drivers.

Also, I decided the new Jazz Mark 4 looks quite bland and the colours are uninspiring. I feel it really needs an early life refresh, something doing with the grille design, and some jolly colours.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: peteo48 on January 28, 2021, 03:33:42 PM
As a 72 year old I am interested in your observations Richard. My own view is that we do need some form of retesting. There was a programme about 100 year old drivers a few years ago where either a ROSPA or IAM tester took elderly drivers out and assessed their driving. Some of the driving was truly awful but, and this indicates why testing rather than age should be the guide, there were drivers in their late 90s who were passed as competent and others maybe 20 years younger who the testers thought should consider giving up.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: richardfrost on January 28, 2021, 03:43:34 PM
Yeah don't get me wrong. The large majority of them seemed fine but at least one in four, if I was in charge, I would take to one side and get them assessed, or get their eyesight tested or something.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Derkie54 on January 28, 2021, 03:52:46 PM
I would be happy to be re-tested when I'm older, say about 75, let's face it if you're not in control of your car you could kill someone.

I did say to my daughter when I'm older if you think I'm driving dangerously then tell me.

She said don't worry dad............I will !!
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: trebor1652 on January 28, 2021, 04:28:28 PM
I agree with all of the above comments.
What I do find is a lot of younger drivers are very poor at road craft.
Positional driving, use of indicators, swinging to the right to be able to turn left. Poor use of the steering wheel, only using 12 to 9 instead of pushing and pulling the wheel between 12 and 6. All basic stuff, I wonder if it is taught now a days?
Also your comment about the Jazz colour palette. Skyride blue was probably the best MK3 colour. The MK4 crosstar has a similar colour.
The best Jazz colours were definitely the MK1. IMHO.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Jocko on January 28, 2021, 04:50:28 PM
As I have said previously, I booked an hour with a driving instructor, IAM RoadSmart assessor, before turning 70. I will be 73 this summer and will have to re-apply for my licence, so I will do the same again. And each and every licence renewal until I am told to give up. Either by the driving instructor or the all-powerful up in the sky.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Westy36 on January 28, 2021, 05:31:28 PM
I agree with all of the above. @Richardfrost you make some great observations. Excellent post!  :D

People forget that driving a Honda Jazz at the national speed limit means you are in control of a +1000kg lump of steel covering 105 ft per second. I see some drivers that are so frail, I seriously question their motor skills allowing them to safely drive.

I am not the usual Jazz driver. Big bloke, long beard listening to heavy metal ! Stereotype broken  8)
I do sometimes listen to Radio 4, unless it is Saturday afternoon, then Radio 3 World Music problem is always on.

Bring on the 10yr driving test for all. I'll take mine tomorrow.

Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: olduser1 on January 29, 2021, 08:56:16 AM
Poor parking - just go to any supermarket car spaces & relax as drivers if huge bloated SUVs attack the tarmac.
Most driving situations revolve around poor position, little if any anticipation, lack of reading the road.
And yes as Driver of over 70 years I treat other drivers as xxxxx dangers.
Finally just spare a thought for those people at the vaccination venue who have been self isolating for 10 months , aligning your Jazz may not be upper most in your mind.
And there we are today.......
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: sparky Paul on January 29, 2021, 10:11:20 AM
And there we are today.......

Good luck, hope all goes well.

It's not parked that are a danger, it's the moving ones - and not just old drivers. I was parked up in Asda once, minding my own business while the other half was in the shop. Some youngish lass reversed straight into the back of me - it's a good job I didn't have my tongue out!
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: 123Drive! on January 29, 2021, 10:49:00 AM
So my turn to take my mum to do the vaccine. Guess what a Jazz is at the carpark. But this lady parked it nicely. After reading this thread, I thought I drive my Ibiza instead of the Jazz in case people think I m matured...lol!

I must say I do like the MK4 as it's more similar to the MK2. For some reason, the MK3 never did it for me- either it was not radical enough nor too similar to MK2. That said, I did drive my ex pupil's one when you needed help to buy a car and it's a very desirable car-but just doesn't do it for me.

In terms of colours, manufacturer are limiting choices. For the new Sandero, there is 3 shades of grey/silver? I was thinking Marketing Dept are watching too much 50 Shades Of Grey!
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: ColinS on January 29, 2021, 11:05:52 AM
A friend of mine said years ago "Beware of drivers wearing hats".  It has proven to be true.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: madasafish on January 29, 2021, 12:17:41 PM
A friend of mine said years ago "Beware of drivers wearing hats".  It has proven to be true.

I resent that. You are showing baldy bias. 8)
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: richardfrost on January 29, 2021, 02:36:14 PM
A friend of mine said years ago "Beware of drivers wearing hats".  It has proven to be true.

I resent that. You are showing baldy bias. 8)

You beat me to it. I do actually keep a £5 raffia trilby from Matalan on view in the back of my car as a sort warning to people who want to drive too close behind me the I might do something random.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Jocko on January 29, 2021, 06:19:55 PM
I do actually keep a £5 raffia trilby from Matalan on view in the back of my car
I used to do the same, so my ex could find the car when it was parked. To her, one blue car looked like any other.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: E27006 on September 13, 2021, 05:06:19 PM

A Thomas the Tank Engine theme for an Ad video for the Jazz


Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on September 13, 2021, 05:20:52 PM
... Bring on the 10yr driving test for all. I'll take mine tomorrow.
Yes, good idea.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: guest4871 on September 14, 2021, 10:44:42 AM
... Bring on the 10yr driving test for all. I'll take mine tomorrow.
Yes, good idea.

You would fail the basic driving test with your addiction to your habit of excessive signaling.  :(

Or perhaps you would cheat the test by "biting your tongue"?

DYOR

Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: MartinJG on September 14, 2021, 11:36:49 AM
I would be happy to be re-tested when I'm older, say about 75, let's face it if you're not in control of your car you could kill someone.

I did say to my daughter when I'm older if you think I'm driving dangerously then tell me.

She said don't worry dad............I will !!

Well that's 100% improvement on the average. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that too many people take exception to reasoned observation and age is at the front of the queue. It's invariably some else's fault.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: MartinJG on September 14, 2021, 11:52:12 AM
I agree with all of the above comments.
What I do find is a lot of younger drivers are very poor at road craft.
Positional driving, use of indicators, swinging to the right to be able to turn left. Poor use of the steering wheel, only using 12 to 9 instead of pushing and pulling the wheel between 12 and 6. All basic stuff, I wonder if it is taught now a days?
Also your comment about the Jazz colour palette. Skyride blue was probably the best MK3 colour. The MK4 crosstar has a similar colour.
The best Jazz colours were definitely the MK1. IMHO.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

Well, there is the small matter of the real world, and then there is the virtual perception of it.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: embee on September 17, 2021, 03:42:22 PM
The big problem with repeat tests at regular intervals is simply the resources required to do it. If you pass your test at, say, 20yrs and then have to retest at 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, then that needs six times as many examiners/test centres as we currently have, possibly more since the number of younger people taking driving tests is reducing.
I'm not sure it would achieve a lot to be honest, the biggest problem with road manners is attitude, and a test won't change that in many people.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on September 17, 2021, 04:14:13 PM
The big problem with repeat tests at regular intervals is simply the resources required to do it. If you pass your test at, say, 20yrs and then have to retest at 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, then that needs six times as many examiners/test centres as we currently have, possibly more since the number of younger people taking driving tests is reducing.
I'm not sure it would achieve a lot to be honest, the biggest problem with road manners is attitude, and a test won't change that in many people.
Apart from testing for failing driving abilities I think updating knowledge of current rules is important. Also dealing with lazy habits that might have developed;  for instance, not signalling  ;)

Actually, I think the current UK test is too easy. It must be, because many people who drive should not.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: E27006 on September 17, 2021, 05:33:35 PM
The highest  risk category of drivers is the male in the 17 -21 age group, and they are the very drivers who are fresh from being trained and instructed in driving  and also recently tested,  the accident figures and insurance premiums are the evidence. The senior driver as an accident-in-waiting is not born out by the statistics.   However in an accident the senior driver is more at risk of injury and fatality,  this is due to their  reduced capacity to withstand the physical trauma of injuries
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Kremmen on September 17, 2021, 05:47:21 PM
The most older age group accidents I read about are those who have just changed to an auto and getting the pedals mixed up.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: culzean on September 17, 2021, 06:37:22 PM
The big problem with repeat tests at regular intervals is simply the resources required to do it. If you pass your test at, say, 20yrs and then have to retest at 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, then that needs six times as many examiners/test centres as we currently have, possibly more since the number of younger people taking driving tests is reducing.
I'm not sure it would achieve a lot to be honest, the biggest problem with road manners is attitude, and a test won't change that in many people.
Apart from testing for failing driving abilities I think updating knowledge of current rules is important. Also dealing with lazy habits that might have developed;  for instance, not signalling  ;)

Actually, I think the current UK test is too easy. It must be because many people who drive should not.

May be the reason UK roads are amongst the safest in the world, and Germany's roads more dangerous than ours.....

Embee is right, it is attitudes that are at fault rather than skills, and attitudes are deeply embedded
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: guest4871 on September 17, 2021, 07:18:56 PM
I'm not saying anything  ;)
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: springswood on September 18, 2021, 08:04:59 AM
I think the laziness and parochialism of motoring journalists have a lot to do with perpetuating this perception.

I found a Mk3 Fit hybrid on Autotrader the other day and had to look overseas for reviews and basic BHP and mpg data (impressive). The eye opener was it seems in India and Singapore Honda is treated by journalists with the kind of respect that UK journalists reserve for German made cars.

So they fill out the space with an 'it's a Honda, it's going to be a great car' attitude, rather than filling it with posing the 'everyone thinks Hondas are for geriatrics, has this changed?' question and not answering it. Nice to read a review that didn't include 'of course it's not as good as a Fiesta' either.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Deejay on September 18, 2021, 09:51:56 AM
I’ve watched this Jazz review from Singapore and was impressed with the style and content.


Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on September 18, 2021, 10:15:55 AM
Has he got something wrong; he says the engine takes over at higher speeds? My understanding is that the engine never drives the wheels directly; it charges the drive battery.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: sportse on September 18, 2021, 10:26:59 AM
The only time the engine is connected to the wheels is when cruising at high speed. It’s like having a 6th gear but it’s only on or off and connected by a clutch.

I’ve watched the power flow display on mine - as soon as you accelerate from a cruise the engine disconnects from the wheels and you are back to driving an EV powered by a petrol generator.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: John Ratsey on September 18, 2021, 02:12:51 PM
Has he got something wrong; he says the engine takes over at higher speeds? My understanding is that the engine never drives the wheels directly; it charges the drive battery.
It's called engine drive - see . It's the mode where the engine drives the wheels directly and avoids the losses associated with the generator / motor / power conversion. Under some circumstances in engine drive there can also be power flowing to or from the battery if it helps the overall efficiency.
If you want more details of the mechanical system see .
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: springswood on September 30, 2021, 08:35:41 AM
Back on the perception of the Jazz as an old person's car.

I was at an independent garage and dealer looking at possible estate car replacements. The first thing the salesperson wanted to do was have a quick look at my car. Instantly he said not what I'd expect you (arguably middle aged man - ok 60) to drive - it's a granny's car. To add insult to insult, learning it's got 136k miles he offered me £300 part ex.

Also, on the narrow country roads around here I often get tailgated by drivers assuming a Jazz will be slow. My prejudice is they're usually German made cars. Generally they fall back on the corners. I have to keep my speed up because, love my Jazz as I do, it's gutless up hills.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: richardfrost on September 30, 2021, 02:45:31 PM
I have to keep my speed up because, love my Jazz as I do, it's gutless up hills.
My son drive's my Jazz now, but when I used it daily, I thought it was gutless on the hills. I live up quite a long and, in places, very steep hill. But the thing is, you just need to learn what it likes. Dropping down a gear or two and gunning the engine, don't worry about the revs, it loves high revs, makes it perform very differently on the hills.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: culzean on September 30, 2021, 04:36:10 PM
I have to keep my speed up because, love my Jazz as I do, it's gutless up hills.
My son drive's my Jazz now, but when I used it daily, I thought it was gutless on the hills. I live up quite a long and, in places, very steep hill. But the thing is, you just need to learn what it likes. Dropping down a gear or two and gunning the engine, don't worry about the revs, it loves high revs, makes it perform very differently on the hills.

The MK1 GD was much better at hills than the MK2, despite having less power ( but IMHO the power on the MK1 was in the right place for the Jazz as a mainly urban car ). Problem with the MK2 manual is that the gap between 1st and 2nd gear is too large, on a decent hill you have the rev the nuts off it before going for 2nd,  if you let revs drop below about 3000 you are scuppered.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: richardfrost on September 30, 2021, 04:43:22 PM
Problem with the MK2 manual is that the gap between 1st and 2nd gear is too large, on a decent hill you have the rev the nuts off it before going for 2nd,  if you let revs drop below about 3000 you are scuppered.
Exactly. The only thing I didn't like about the Mk2. Although again, you got used to it. Regretted swapping it for the HRV, which was a poorly thought out, poorly built mess in comparison.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: fashionphotography on September 30, 2021, 07:54:51 PM
Quote from: springswood on Today at 08:35:41 AM
Also, on the narrow country roads around here I often get tailgated by drivers assuming a Jazz will be slow. My prejudice is they're usually German made cars.



every German car owners manual states ..
congratulations on your purchase you now have the ability to drive like a complete numpty . feel free to floor it wherever you drive as its german engineering (that will break down often. but just blame the garage) make sure the arrogance sensor is at full blast everytime you start your vehicle. tailgate and bully other cars often and never indicate when turning or overtaking which you should do always...
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: MartinJG on September 30, 2021, 08:10:22 PM
I have to keep my speed up because, love my Jazz as I do, it's gutless up hills.
My son drive's my Jazz now, but when I used it daily, I thought it was gutless on the hills. I live up quite a long and, in places, very steep hill. But the thing is, you just need to learn what it likes. Dropping down a gear or two and gunning the engine, don't worry about the revs, it loves high revs, makes it perform very differently on the hills.

The MK1 GD was much better at hills than the MK2, despite having less power ( but IMHO the power on the MK1 was in the right place for the Jazz as a mainly urban car ). Problem with the MK2 manual is that the gap between 1st and 2nd gear is too large, on a decent hill you have the rev the nuts off it before going for 2nd,  if you let revs drop below about 3000 you are scuppered.

Yep. Not a car for hill climbing. That ratio gap is one of my pet gripes which is why I get into third as quickly as possible.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on September 30, 2021, 09:20:16 PM
In the early 1970's I bought an ancient, split-windscreen Bedford Dormobile, like the one in the picture. The vehicle was generally shagged out. The gear change was on the steering column. The gearbox should have had four gears; unfortunately there was so much slack in the linkages and in the gearbox itself that I could only use three of the forward gears. I could make adjustments so I could have second, third and fourth or first, third and fourth. The engine was so gutless that pulling away in second was only possible when facing down a hill! First gear had a very low ratio, presumably because the vehicle was originally designed to be a commercial van and it needed all the help it could get to make a hill start. So, I had to have first gear, and that meant no second. Moving off went like this: Pull away in first. Stay in first until the engine is screaming. Change gear into third. Engine revs drop to almost tick over speed. Vehicle judders along gradually gaining speed. Eventually, change into fourth gear and cruising speed. Such fun!
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Kremmen on October 01, 2021, 05:04:25 AM
Friend of mine back in the 70's had an old green Post Office moggy 1000.

He bored out and rebuilt the engine, included a stage 3 head and upgraded the brakes and gearbox to match. He didn't touch the bodywork and used to leave a lot of cars for dead.

He also had some intriguing self built addons.

He constructed stereo speakers into self built headrests so no normal speakers.
He developed a system whereby he could inject a small amount of Redex whilst driving so anyone tailgating got a windscreen full of smoke. They soon backed off.
The van had 2 small rear windows and one of them had a concealed spotlight so he could return the compliment when someone behind had main beam or started flashing.

Those were the days.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on October 01, 2021, 10:21:52 AM
Friend of mine back in the 70's had an old green Post Office moggy 1000.

He bored out and rebuilt the engine, included a stage 3 head and upgraded the brakes and gearbox to match. He didn't touch the bodywork and used to leave a lot of cars for dead.

He also had some intriguing self built addons.

He constructed stereo speakers into self built headrests so no normal speakers.
He developed a system whereby he could inject a small amount of Redex whilst driving so anyone tailgating got a windscreen full of smoke. They soon backed off.
The van had 2 small rear windows and one of them had a concealed spotlight so he could return the compliment when someone behind had main beam or started flashing.

Those were the days.
A James Bond vehicle  :D
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Kremmen on October 01, 2021, 10:58:13 AM
There were actually quite a few in the RAF motor club who did some fancy things. There were a lot of experts in various fields in the club.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: peteo48 on October 01, 2021, 11:26:04 AM
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/honda-jazz-hybrid-ex-review-b1815685.html

Interesting article from Sean O'Grady of the Independent (one of their older columnists). He's decided on a Jazz Mk 4. Quite amusing.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: culzean on October 01, 2021, 11:41:30 AM
Friend of mine back in the 70's had an old green Post Office moggy 1000.

He bored out and rebuilt the engine, included a stage 3 head and upgraded the brakes and gearbox to match. He didn't touch the bodywork and used to leave a lot of cars for dead.

He also had some intriguing self built addons.

He constructed stereo speakers into self built headrests so no normal speakers.
He developed a system whereby he could inject a small amount of Redex whilst driving so anyone tailgating got a windscreen full of smoke. They soon backed off.
The van had 2 small rear windows and one of them had a concealed spotlight so he could return the compliment when someone behind had main beam or started flashing.

Those were the days.
A James Bond vehicle  :D

James Bond would have had a 50Kw laser, not a spotlight  :o

I get a windscreen ( and cabin ) full of smoke from many diesel vehicles I follow, how I hate the smell of diesel, and as a motorbike rider am paranoid about diesel spills on the road, when mixed with a bit of damp diesel has a coefficient of friction less than teflon coated in olive oil ).
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: John Ratsey on October 01, 2021, 12:21:12 PM
Interesting article from Sean O'Grady of the Independent (one of their older columnists). He's decided on a Jazz Mk 4. Quite amusing.
Most of what's written makes sense but I can't relate to "Indeed, the grumbly noises from the one-speed constant velocity transmission (CVT) make lively driving rather a chore.". Yes, the engine does get a bit vocal if asked to work hard (an effective warning that it's in a zone of lower efficiency) but the transmission stays silent.

I expect that, in due course, those with families will start to realise that the Jazz is no longer a lethargic car and should be on their shortlist as it provides a good balance between capacity, performance and economy. However, those who prepare lists of "best" vehicles in different groups tend to use the external size. For example, the Crosstar is nowhere to be seen on Which?'s list of best small cross-overs in spite of having more carrying capacity (particularly rear seat room) than vehicles that are on the list. Word will slowly get around.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on October 01, 2021, 02:12:53 PM
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/honda-jazz-hybrid-ex-review-b1815685.html

Interesting article from Sean O'Grady of the Independent (one of their older columnists). He's decided on a Jazz Mk 4. Quite amusing.
He's got it right I reckon.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: peteo48 on October 02, 2021, 12:26:58 PM
Interesting article from Sean O'Grady of the Independent (one of their older columnists). He's decided on a Jazz Mk 4. Quite amusing.
Most of what's written makes sense but I can't relate to "Indeed, the grumbly noises from the one-speed constant velocity transmission (CVT) make lively driving rather a chore.". Yes, the engine does get a bit vocal if asked to work hard (an effective warning that it's in a zone of lower efficiency) but the transmission stays silent.

I expect that, in due course, those with families will start to realise that the Jazz is no longer a lethargic car and should be on their shortlist as it provides a good balance between capacity, performance and economy. However, those who prepare lists of "best" vehicles in different groups tend to use the external size. For example, the Crosstar is nowhere to be seen on Which?'s list of best small cross-overs in spite of having more carrying capacity (particularly rear seat room) than vehicles that are on the list. Word will slowly get around.

On the Cross Star it's loads better than, say, the Nissan Juke which is incredibly cramped in the back. I know, I've been a passenger in one several times.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Karoq on October 02, 2021, 04:21:24 PM
A friend of mine said years ago "Beware of drivers wearing hats".  It has proven to be true.
I'm going to have my penn'orth now.
My ex Father in law was the most dreadful driver I have ever come across.....he always wore a hat when driving!
I think the ability to drive competently is in most case based on the persons driving history. Also their interest in cars. I find that people who drive merely to get from A-B are often not very good drivers. Luckily I doubt there are any on these fora, as members of such are obviously interested in cars and motoring.
Another thing I am always wary of is drivers of small, cheap, boring little cars. I'm not going to name any, just in case ;D. frequently, their driving is appalling, because they basically are not interested in what they drive. It is merely a tool for them.
Flip side of the coin....take Stirling Moss as an example!

I worked for Shell all my life, most of it driving a car doing 30k miles a year.
They threw every driving course ever devised. at us. Compulsory I.A.M. and after passing I became an I.A.M. Instructor. which involved passing the police class 3 driving test.

We had 3 different types of skid training including high speed. Try losing a Ford Granada at 80mph (in a safe environment) still, very good cure for constipation ;).
Observed driving with a police class 1 driver for half a day etc etc.

I am 75 and many people still praise my driving ability. I put this down to 21 years with Shell and being an inveterate petrolhead, having owned 79 cars.
Had I had a desk job all my life and commuted to and from work on a 'bus, using the car only at weekends. I doubt that I would still be a safe driver.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: peteo48 on October 02, 2021, 05:02:49 PM
Good post Karoq. I thought I'd had a lot of cars (I'm nearly 73) but 79 - wow!

I don't really consider myself a petrol head but I am, and always have been, interested in cars. Somebody once said to me that anybody who was really interested in cars wouldn't drive a Honda Jazz!

My explanation is that the Jazz is the ideal "tool" for my life at present. There's a satisfaction in owning something well designed and completely fit for purpose. If my life was different I'd own a different type of car.

I also like driving and used to do some in my job. I have never been a speed merchant though. My satisfaction comes from driving as skilfully and alertly as I can.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: culzean on October 02, 2021, 06:12:20 PM
Somebody once said to me that anybody who was really interested in cars wouldn't drive a Honda Jazz!

Bet they had never driven one, and experienced the easy driving and class beating interior room.  Todays roads are no place for impatient speed merchants.

Honda have made some of the most advanced cars and engines, and all with everyday driveability and rock solid reliability and actually not too expensive compared to others, to buy or to maintain ( which BMW et al have never been ).    Too many people been swayed by the blatant self-promotion of the Germans. 
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: John Ratsey on October 02, 2021, 09:41:39 PM
My ex Father in law was the most dreadful driver I have ever come across.....he always wore a hat when driving!
I think the ability to drive competently is in most case based on the persons driving history. Also their interest in cars. I find that people who drive merely to get from A-B are often not very good drivers. Luckily I doubt there are any on these fora, as members of such are obviously interested in cars and motoring.
Perhaps I qualify?  :o :o I usually wear a cap, partly so I've got it ready for when I get out, and my driving objective is to get from A to B without making the missus car sick or wasting fuel (eg unneccessary use of brakes). This means that I travel more cautiously on some roads than other drivers would like but I know, from being brought up in the countryside, that one never knows what surprise is waiting round the next bend. The Mk 4 Jazz suits this driving style as, in B mode, I slow down when approaching a bend and can then use the regenerated energy to help accelerate once I can see the road is clear.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: richardfrost on October 03, 2021, 01:13:58 AM
I’m glad this thread has returned to my original purpose, discussing the driver rather than the car. I had actually forgotten I had started this thread, way back in January! The Jazz is a great all rounder vehicle but it is the press that perpetuate the myth and the dealers who capitalise on that perception. This reinforces that view and makes it more and more likely that you will see old people behind the wheel of a Jazz.

My Jazz is now doing service with my youngest son as his only car, tiler's van, dog transport and, soon, family runabout. It’s over 16 years old now and just keeps on keeping on, with hardly an issue. But when the baby comes they will be getting a second car, it will be interesting to see what they choose, as I chose the Jazz.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Kremmen on October 03, 2021, 04:52:25 AM
I'm the same as John now.

I take pride in my driving and I like to find those mistakes the boy racer brigade make with lane selection and I often find myself ahead of them because I've held off and assessed my lane choice.

When I used to use the M25 western section in the evening peak, the trick that most missed, fortunately, was to stick to the inside lane and exit and re-enter at each junction. Whilst the stationary or crawling vehicles are crossing the junction I'd be moving on both slip roads and making far better progress.
I wasn't alone, a few others also used this trick and it could save a lot of time.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: JamtartJazzman on October 03, 2021, 02:09:35 PM
I’m glad this thread has returned to my original purpose, discussing the driver rather than the car. I had actually forgotten I had started this thread, way back in January! The Jazz is a great all rounder vehicle but it is the press that perpetuate the myth and the dealers who capitalise on that perception. This reinforces that view and makes it more and more likely that you will see old people behind the wheel of a Jazz.

My Jazz is now doing service with my youngest son as his only car, tiler's van, dog transport and, soon, family runabout. It’s over 16 years old now and just keeps on keeping on, with hardly an issue. But when the baby comes they will be getting a second car, it will be interesting to see what they choose, as I chose the Jazz.

Since buying my Jazz, I've noticed that some other drivers do their damnedest to get past me when I'm travelling at legal speed (often 20mph max) in town. They seem to think it's me - the old fart - at fault rather than a driver obeying the law.

On the other hand, on the open road and at national speed limits, I've given a couple of drivers a shock by showing them a clean pair of heels! I rather enjoy showing them what a great handling car the Jazz is!
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on October 03, 2021, 02:44:14 PM
... Since buying my Jazz, I've noticed that some other drivers do their damnedest to get past me when I'm travelling at legal speed (often 20mph max) in town...
No, that's just normal driving these days. I was driving my grown up son on a B road through countryside. I was not familiar with the route so I was taking it easy around blind bends. I mumbled to my son that some ********** was tailgating me. He said "Well, you know the speed limit is 50 for this road!" I told him that is the maximum speed, not the required speed.  It appears that many drivers consider that they have to drive at the signed speed.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Kremmen on October 03, 2021, 03:07:21 PM
I had one of them near Rye quite a few years back.

I pulled over, let him go, and about a mile down the road he'd hit a car on a bend.

I gave him a thumbs up as I just managed to get past. I don't think he was impressed.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: culzean on October 03, 2021, 03:15:23 PM
... Since buying my Jazz, I've noticed that some other drivers do their damnedest to get past me when I'm travelling at legal speed (often 20mph max) in town...
No, that's just normal driving these days. I was driving my grown up son on a B road through countryside. I was not familiar with the route so I was taking it easy around blind bends. I mumbled to my son that some ********** was tailgating me. He said "Well, you know the speed limit is 50 for this road!" I told him that is the maximum speed, not the required speed.  It appears that many drivers consider that they have to drive at the signed speed.

Maybe you were going too slow then  :o  I find certain cars tailgate me even when I am doing the limit though... Mostly German - but the Vauxhall Isignia is as bad if not worse.   
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on October 03, 2021, 05:13:18 PM
I had one of them near Rye quite a few years back.

I pulled over, let him go, and about a mile down the road he'd hit a car on a bend.

I gave him a thumbs up as I just managed to get past. I don't think he was impressed.

I often pull over to allow idiots to go past. I have hopes that one day I'll see the same thing that you did, (no injuries though)
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: John Ratsey on October 03, 2021, 08:50:48 PM
The Jazz is a great all rounder vehicle but it is the press that perpetuate the myth and the dealers who capitalise on that perception. This reinforces that view and makes it more and more likely that you will see old people behind the wheel of a Jazz.
It seems to take the accrued wisdom which comes (usually) with age to appreciate the merits of the Jazz. Younger people are more often interested in the appearance and other aspects featuring in manufacturers' adverts. I gave my daughter my first Jazz but she traded it in for a Mini because the space in the Jazz meant that her friends expected her to provide transport. "Too big" is still her objection although I don't think the Jazz's external size is much bigger than the Mini.

Since buying my Jazz, I've noticed that some other drivers do their damnedest to get past me when I'm travelling at legal speed (often 20mph max) in town. They seem to think it's me - the old fart - at fault rather than a driver obeying the law.
On rural A roads I often leave the following vehicles behind when on the open roads but they catch up with me by the end of the next village with its speed limit which I do my best to respect. I sometimes think I'm doing them an unappreciated favour by preventing them from speeding past a speed camera.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: culzean on October 03, 2021, 08:57:11 PM
On rural A roads I often leave the following vehicles behind when on the open roads but they catch up with me by the end of the next village with its speed limit which I do my best to respect. I sometimes think I'm doing them an unappreciated favour by preventing them from speeding past a speed camera.

Yeah I have noticed that as well, they may be 'mono-speeder' who go at 40mph  in 50, 60, 30 and 20 limits, and maybe even in 40 limits :o.  The reverse of that is when following some cars they are doing a fair bit less than speed limit on open road so you get close to them, but as soon as you go into a speed limit and you slow down, the vehicle in front gets a fair way ahead, then you catch them up on open road out of limit.  The worst thing is with some of them if you try to pass them on open they speed up :( ,  not a problem in the Civic or on my motorbike,  but in the Jazz it can be hopeless, so you drop back behind them, especially on twistier roads. 
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: nowster on October 04, 2021, 10:10:06 AM
Since buying my Jazz, I've noticed that some other drivers do their damnedest to get past me when I'm travelling at legal speed (often 20mph max) in town. They seem to think it's me - the old fart - at fault rather than a driver obeying the law.

For double points, put on a pair of L plates and see what happens.

My biggest bugbear at the moment is people who can't wait 5 seconds to allow you to parallel park and absolutely MUST go round you even though the car's front wheels are going to be swinging out into their path.
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: culzean on October 04, 2021, 11:22:35 AM
My biggest bugbear at the moment is people who can't wait 5 seconds to allow you to parallel park and absolutely MUST go round you even though the car's front wheels are going to be swinging out into their path.

Often spotted on supermarket and other carparks, there is a car reversing slowly out of a spot ( often from behind a 4x4 or SUV that is blocking the view ) - reversing lights clearly visible, but cars still squeeze through the ever narrowing gap behind the reversing car and the next row of parked cars,  not many will wait for the car to finish its reversing.  Also some people think its OK to do 50 on a public carpark :o
Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: trebor1652 on October 04, 2021, 11:30:13 AM
My biggest bugbear at the moment is people who can't wait 5 seconds to allow you to parallel park and absolutely MUST go round you even though the car's front wheels are going to be swinging out into their path.

Often spotted on supermarket and other carparks, there is a car reversing slowly out of a spot ( often from behind a 4x4 or SUV that is blocking the view ) - reversing lights clearly visible, but cars still squeeze through the ever narrowing gap behind the reversing car and the next row of parked cars,  not many will wait for the car to finish its reversing.  Also some people think its OK to do 50 on a public carpark :o
It's good to know that's it's not only me that lives in an area populated with a load of numpties.


Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Honda Jazz perception as an old person's car
Post by: Neil Ives on October 04, 2021, 11:39:31 AM
....Also some people think its OK to do 50 on a public carpark :o
Yes, that bugs me. A place where you should expect kids to run out, although, why parents allow their offspring loose in a carpark I don't understand, drivers come rushing through like they are on a normal road.