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Honda Jazz Forums => Honda Jazz Mk2 2008-2015 => Topic started by: VicW on July 31, 2020, 06:47:47 PM

Title: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: VicW on July 31, 2020, 06:47:47 PM
After owning four Jazz cars over 14 years I have moved my last one on and now run a 14 plate 1.8 SE Plus Civic. It was owned by my son, a semi retired garage owner, so I know the car and its history.
For anyone contemplating buying a Jazz reliability is a big point. In my 14 years of jazz ownership I had only one component failure. That was  a rear brake caliper that seized, easily replaced.
Why am I changing? I wanted something different and the Civic was available at a good price but it's still a Honda.

Regards, Vic.
Title: Re: Goddbye Jazz
Post by: equaliser on July 31, 2020, 07:08:33 PM
As someone who has moved the other way (Civic to Jazz) I really liked the Civic and I hope you'll keep us informed of your Civic experience. I wish you many happy miles in the Civic!
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on July 31, 2020, 07:21:54 PM
After owning four Jazz cars over 14 years I have moved my last one on and now run a 14 plate 1.8 SE Plus Civic. It was owned by my son, a semi retired garage owner, so I know the car and its history.
For anyone contemplating buying a Jazz reliability is a big point. In my 14 years of jazz ownership I had only one component failure. That was  a rear brake caliper that seized, easily replaced.
Why am I changing? I wanted something different and the Civic was available at a good price but it's still a Honda.

Regards, Vic.

One thing you will miss is mpg, maybe not too much if you don't do many miles. I love my Civic except when time comes to fill the tank ( and it needs filling too often, and costs too much ).
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: peteo48 on July 31, 2020, 09:40:52 PM
How do you find going back to a manual Vic?
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: VicW on August 01, 2020, 08:39:23 AM
How do you find going back to a manual Vic?

I only picked it up yesterday and have just taxed it today being the first of the month Pete.
Going back to a manual will be a steep learning curve but it becomes second nature again plus getting to know how the car reacts to different circumstances. I am just off for an 80 mile drive over roads I know including two towns,open roads, dual carriageways and bypasses but the first thing i will do is refuel it and get an idea of the fuel consumption. I assume the on board computer is as optimistic as the Jazz.

Vic.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on August 01, 2020, 09:31:19 AM
How do you find going back to a manual Vic?

I only picked it up yesterday and have just taxed it today being the first of the month Pete.
Going back to a manual will be a steep learning curve but it becomes second nature again plus getting to know how the car reacts to different circumstances. I am just off for an 80 mile drive over roads I know including two towns,open roads, dual carriageways and bypasses but the first thing i will do is refuel it and get an idea of the fuel consumption. I assume the on board computer is as optimistic as the Jazz.

Vic.

We now tend to use the Jazz for shorter urban journeys and the Civic for longer ones, although when both of us had MK1 Jazzes we traveled length and breadth of UK with no problems.  Civic urban MPG sucks big-time, you can get it up on longer runs by using 6th - but still not anywhere near as good as Jazz ( but for some reason the Civic - despite having a larger capacity engine does pretty much the same revs at 70mph as the Jazz does ). There is more room for passengers inside Civic and rear centre armrest is good, the boot is a different shape to Jazz which means I can get bag of golf clubs in Civic  ( diagonally ) without taking woods out of bag, but overall boot not hugely bigger than Jazz - and later Civics lost the 'magic seats'.  Some of the best things about Civic are the 6 speed gearbox, large digital speedo just under windscreen and the better designed and larger controls.   As I said Jazz is better in urban environment and a very practical car ( even better if only they had kept the twin spark engine - sigh... )
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Hobo on August 01, 2020, 06:47:48 PM
After owning four Jazz cars over 14 years I have moved my last one on and now run a 14 plate 1.8 SE Plus Civic.

I did the same as you and have never regretted it, as far as I am concerned there is really no comparison the Civic is a different driving experience and I would not consider going back to a Jazz, even my OH prefers the Civic both to drive and for comfort especially for any distant or longer trips.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: peteo48 on August 02, 2020, 10:01:11 AM
Everybody is different. The Jazz suits our lifestyle but a crucial advantage for me, over the Civic, is the driving position. I found my 2007 Civic too low even with the seat height jacked up. If I wanted something bigger than the Jazz I would probably go down the HRV or Cross Star route.

But a walking pal of mine finds the Jazz driving position doesn't suit him - he much prefers the Civic after having a Jazz as a loan car.

The starkest difference I came across was with my younger brother. At the time (mid 80s) we both had Vauxhall Cavaliers. I find Vauxhalls near perfect in terms of driving position - he had to get rid of his because it wrecked his back!
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on August 02, 2020, 10:47:17 AM
Everybody is different. The Jazz suits our lifestyle but a crucial advantage for me, over the Civic, is the driving position. I found my 2007 Civic too low even with the seat height jacked up. If I wanted something bigger than the Jazz I would probably go down the HRV or Cross Star route.

But a walking pal of mine finds the Jazz driving position doesn't suit him - he much prefers the Civic after having a Jazz as a loan car.

The starkest difference I came across was with my younger brother. At the time (mid 80s) we both had Vauxhall Cavaliers. I find Vauxhalls near perfect in terms of driving position - he had to get rid of his because it wrecked his back!

My wife has trouble getting in and out of Civic ( especially when car is parked against curb, making car even lower in relation to ground level ) - the Jazz is perfect height for her and her sisters - and the rear windows of the Civic are smaller,  they like the larger windows in the Jazz.  That rear spoiler in the Civic was the clincher though, I like it because it keeps following lights out of your interior mirror at night, my wife hates it because 'she can't see out of the back window'...... The upshot is she won't drive the Civic, I therefore end up driving both cars a lot of the time and where 6th gear is on the Civic there is reverse gear on the Jazz I have to be extra careful when driving jazz.... most car makers put reverse near the lower gears and have some kind of lifting collar or deliberate move to stop reverse being selected by accident, Honda put it near the higher gears and have no safety device...   I have to say though that the Civic is the only car I have fitted reversing sensors to,  as the rear of the car is very deceptive when looking in mirrors. I like the extra power of the Civic but hate filling the larger tank up too often.......
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: VicW on August 02, 2020, 04:27:46 PM
That rear spoiler in the Civic was the clincher though, I like it because it keeps following lights out of your interior mirror at night, my wife hates it because 'she can't see out of the back window'...

When I was setting the Civic for me I discovered that you can set the rear view mirror up in two positions. You can set it up so that you only see out of the portion above the spoiler or lower it slightly so that you see above and below the spoiler and see much more of the rearward view.
I am getting the hang of the Civic especially what the car is capable of in each gear. It's a very nice car and I am impressed with it so far.

Vic.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on August 02, 2020, 06:46:14 PM
That rear spoiler in the Civic was the clincher though, I like it because it keeps following lights out of your interior mirror at night, my wife hates it because 'she can't see out of the back window'...

When I was setting the Civic for me I discovered that you can set the rear view mirror up in two positions. You can set it up so that you only see out of the portion above the spoiler or lower it slightly so that you see above and below the spoiler and see much more of the rearward view.
I am getting the hang of the Civic especially what the car is capable of in each gear. It's a very nice car and I am impressed with it so far.

Vic.

My rear view mirror has always been set to see whole of rear screen, but the spoiler does deal nicely with following lights at night ( unless it is a 4x4 right on your bumper ).. Civic is a lovely car, but as I said the mpg is nowhere near as good as Jazz..
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: VicW on August 05, 2020, 07:44:34 PM
I have returned to the Jazz. Maybe it's an age thing but I could not come to terms with a manual gearbox again, I  had to think what I was doing all the time with regard to gear selection. I also had a problem with getting in and out of the car, something that the test drive did not show up.
It was my decision to change to the Civic but my son and I came to an amicable arrangement to change back, a lesson learnt!

Vic.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: peteo48 on August 05, 2020, 09:03:59 PM
Glad it worked out OK Vic. Absolutely nothing wrong with changing your mind in the light of experience.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: olduser1 on August 05, 2020, 09:43:55 PM
Glad to hear your happy again in your Jazz, give it a treat of full tank of V power & enjoy it.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: FordPrefect8 on August 05, 2020, 10:09:42 PM
I have returned to the Jazz. Maybe it's an age thing but I could not come to terms with a manual gearbox again, I  had to think what I was doing all the time with regard to gear selection. I also had a problem with getting in and out of the car, something that the test drive did not show up.
It was my decision to change to the Civic but my son and I came to an amicable arrangement to change back, a lesson learnt!

Vic.

Very interesting outcome! If the Civic was automatic, would you keep it?
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Derkie54 on August 06, 2020, 09:14:06 AM
It's good that we're keeping a long standing member of the forum Vic now you're keeping the Jazz  :)
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on August 06, 2020, 09:46:51 AM
I also had a problem with getting in and out of the car, something that the test drive did not show up.


Vic.

That is the reason my wife does not like Civic - it is too low to get in and out of as easily as the Jazz,  also the Civic gearbox is pretty good but not as sweet as the Jazz,  which IMHO is the best I have ever used ( manual box ).

A young bloke I worked with had a Vauxhall VX220 and he offered me a drive ( this was some 15 years ago,  when I wore a younger mans clothes ) - what a kerfuffle for me to get in and out,  the roof of the VX was about same height as my knees normally are.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: equaliser on August 06, 2020, 11:58:09 AM
Sorry the Civic didn't work out for you Vic. You'd probably have gotten on better in the automatic Civic but the mpg is horrendous in that model. I've no regrets moving to the Jazz from the Civic, it's a brilliant wee car, especially with the CVT.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: VicW on August 06, 2020, 03:39:03 PM
Very interesting outcome! If the Civic was automatic, would you keep it?

Probably not, with use I realised it was difficult to get in and out of which would be worse if I was having a bad day hip and knee wise It shows the merit of long test drives which I didn't have. I might consider an early Mk3.

Vic.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: FordPrefect8 on August 06, 2020, 04:11:12 PM
Very interesting outcome! If the Civic was automatic, would you keep it?

Probably not, with use I realised it was difficult to get in and out of which would be worse if I was having a bad day hip and knee wise It shows the merit of long test drives which I didn't have. I might consider an early Mk3.

Vic.

I see, that is something for me to consider, I'm 6"4' and Jazz is one of least problematic smaller cars I can moderately easily get in and out of. Other than that I'm probably looking at some 4x4 with abysmal mpg :)
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Jocko on August 06, 2020, 04:30:33 PM
My Volvo V40 was a pig to get in and out off. I just used to roll onto the pavement. Even my young wife, who has no mobility issues, commented on how low it was. The Jazz reminds me of driving my works van. Just not as tall.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: sparky Paul on August 06, 2020, 05:05:21 PM
This thread's turned into 'hello again. Jazz!'

Shame you couldn't get on with the Civic, but you had an extended test drive and learned something useful, so some good came of it.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: coffeecup on August 06, 2020, 05:51:35 PM
I'd have a civic if it was another six inches higher, to low driving position. I'm 6 foot and would like another notch back on the jazz seat, so not sure how that six foot four guy gets on!!!
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: peteo48 on August 06, 2020, 09:16:18 PM
I think with ageing joints etc the Jazz is a more "forgiving" car if that's the right word. There's a reason the SUV type of car (I realise the Jazz isn't an SUV) has taken off and that is that low driving positions are inherently uncomfortable and people like to sit up higher.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on August 06, 2020, 09:17:54 PM
I have returned to the Jazz. Maybe it's an age thing but I could not come to terms with a manual gearbox again, I  had to think what I was doing all the time with regard to gear selection.

Vic.

To be honest though gear selection on Civic is nowhere near as critical as it is on the MK2 Jazz due to more power and torque from 1.8 lump,  sometimes the jump from 1st to 2nd on Jazz seems too much especially when on a hill.   
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on August 06, 2020, 09:22:45 PM
I think with ageing joints etc the Jazz is a more "forgiving" car if that's the right word. There's a reason the SUV type of car (I realise the Jazz isn't an SUV) has taken off and that is that low driving positions are inherently uncomfortable and people like to sit up higher.

Its a bit of an arms race with sitting higher in cars and seeing ahead better,  now most cars are SUV size so no real advantage any more as you are just looking at rear of SUV in front from a higher position,  women like to sit higher in cars ( I think they feel safer ) and also easier to get kids in and out - IMHO the SUV thing was down to women,  they either have 'handbag' cars ( mainly Fiat 500 and Mini ) when younger or like SUV more when older.  I don't find Civic lower position is uncomfortable. 

My mate has a Qashqai and he said that really it was just an Almera on stilts and I had to agree,  the Juke ( or Joke / Puke ) is tiny inside with no real rear legroom or boot.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: peteo48 on August 06, 2020, 09:48:06 PM
No - I agree. Very often the modern SUV or, more accurately, crossover is just a jacked up version of a normal car. The arms race is definitely a thing as well. People feel they need a "presence" on the road.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Jocko on August 06, 2020, 10:09:54 PM
I'm 6 foot and would like another notch back on the jazz seat, so not sure how that six foot four guy gets on!!!
It all depends on leg length. I am 6'1" and I have my seat 2 or 3 notches from fully back on my Mk1. You can be 6' tall with 4' legs or 6' tall with 3' legs.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: VicW on August 08, 2020, 02:16:03 PM
I got my Jazz back yesterday, welcome back. Immediate comparisons with the Civic, obviously to be back with the CVT and the ease of selecting 'S' mode when you need the extra urge, the Civic's brakes are not as sharp in initial application as the Jazz , the ease of getting in and out of the Jazz.
What I really miss that the Civic has is the digital speedometer.
Heigh Ho, lesson learnt.

Vic.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: culzean on August 08, 2020, 02:43:50 PM
I got my Jazz back yesterday, welcome back. Immediate comparisons with the Civic, obviously to be back with the CVT and the ease of selecting 'S' mode when you need the extra urge, the Civic's brakes are not as sharp in initial application as the Jazz as the Jazz, the ease of getting in and out of the Jazz.
What I really miss that the Civic has is the digital speedometer.
Heigh Ho, lesson learnt.

Vic.

As I said earlier in the thread,  the Civic dash ( especially the large digital speedo right in your eye-line ) and ergonomics are much better than the Jazz, and the controls are nice and large and well placed,  really the Jazz dash is pants in comparison.....
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: John Ratsey on August 08, 2020, 08:43:19 PM
What I really miss that the Civic has is the digital speedometer.
Fixed on the Mk 4 Jazz. I didn't realise how useful the digital speedo is until I got my Crosstar.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Jocko on August 09, 2020, 10:11:22 AM
I fitted a GPS digital speedometer to my Mk 1 and I love it. The only time I ever need to look at the instrument binnacle now is once a week I check my fuel level!

(https://i.imgur.com/rRHd2Lb.jpg)
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: VicW on August 09, 2020, 01:40:25 PM
Hi Jocko, May I ask where you got it from and what it is called?

Vic.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Jocko on August 09, 2020, 02:07:24 PM
I bought mine from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TIMPROVE-T600-Universal-Speedometer-Overspeed/dp/B07FNHGRZ9 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/TIMPROVE-T600-Universal-Speedometer-Overspeed/dp/B07FNHGRZ9)

However, when I bought mine it was about £40 so search other sellers on Google.

Found it on Ebay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIMPROVE-T600-Universal-Car-HUD-Head-Up-Display-Digital-GPS-Speedometer-with-TFT/124184676082?epid=11028414235&hash=item1ce9fbc6f2:g:zPgAAOSwS7xesjPW (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIMPROVE-T600-Universal-Car-HUD-Head-Up-Display-Digital-GPS-Speedometer-with-TFT/124184676082?epid=11028414235&hash=item1ce9fbc6f2:g:zPgAAOSwS7xesjPW)
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Peter on October 29, 2020, 12:58:55 PM
I have been absent from this forum for some time as I deserted the Honda camp for a Volkswagen Polo. I very much enjoyed the Polo but it was a manual and because of health reasons I decided to buy an automatic. Like the OP I went for a Civic, but a 2014 automatic. In many ways this is an excellent car with many novel features and in particular, as has been mentioned, the near eye level digital speedometer.

After just over a month with this car I have decided to trade it in and this afternoon I am having a test drive in a GE model CVT Jazz. Why have I abandoned the Civic? Two main reasons. Number one, it is a much bigger car than I am used to and I struggle to get it into my smallish, 1960's garage. I've got now that I am almost afraid to use the car because I am so worried that I might damage it getting it in and out of the garage. Number two, that damned spoiler on the back. Yes I can adjust the interior mirror to compensate and, yes it hides headlights of following cars [though I never drive at night now], but I live in a country area where roads are narrow and backing up is a way of life and I simply cannot see well enough looking over my shoulder.

Thinking about it the sheer number of "toys" on the Civic is also a problem as my now elderly brain is finding it difficult to remember what they all do and which switch operates what. So time to drive a simpler life I think.

Back in the day I had a CVT GD Jazz which I kept for three years and had some adventures in with my late wife. I shall no doubt let you know how I get on with this newer one.

Peter in Devon
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Happyarry on October 29, 2020, 03:01:18 PM
I only just found this thread and was a little confused when I started reading as Vic was one of the first to welcome me to this forum recently and the thread begins he'd swapped his Jazz for a Civic :o

Then I read he's swapped back, realised it was an old thread revisited and realised what happened.

I have decided on the Jazz for all those reasons given, Ease off access, reasonable economy and the lovely CVT which makes driving a doddle.

The EX Navi is a bit overkill with gadgets but just knowing they are there is reassuring. After all I've always been one to 'hoard and get mocked by the wife "it might come in"  ;D I like to have things even if I don't use them ???

I love the Civic styling and did consider it but the aging arthritic body said Jazz was the better option for me. I'm not disappointed.

Harry
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Peter on October 29, 2020, 05:14:27 PM
Sorry, Happyarry, that was my fault for hijacking an old thread. I've just been into Plymouth to Rowes and test driven a Jazz MkII EX CVT and I love it. It's eight years old but only done 18,000 miles and is immaculate. I pick it up on Sunday and I am really looking forward to it. No more struggling trying to insert this Civic into my garage. Just got the insurance to sort out now.

Peter in Devon
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Happyarry on October 30, 2020, 01:10:46 PM
Sorry, Happyarry, that was my fault for hijacking an old thread. I've just been into Plymouth to Rowes and test driven a Jazz MkII EX CVT and I love it. It's eight years old but only done 18,000 miles and is immaculate. I pick it up on Sunday and I am really looking forward to it. No more struggling trying to insert this Civic into my garage. Just got the insurance to sort out now.

Peter in Devon

Hi Peter, I'm easily confused don't worry ;D I love the MK 2, never owned one but a friend of ours had one and we travelled in it quite a bit.
 I had thought of buying a Mk 2 but I saw this Mk3 at the Honda dealers and was sold, plus I had a 2015 Fabia and wanted something a bit newer really.
Hope you love the jazz. I am finding the more I live with it the better I like it. It's not as powerful as my Turbo 110 hp Fabia but excels in every other department.

Harry
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: madasafish on October 30, 2020, 02:02:18 PM
Sorry, Happyarry, that was my fault for hijacking an old thread. I've just been into Plymouth to Rowes and test driven a Jazz MkII EX CVT and I love it. It's eight years old but only done 18,000 miles and is immaculate. I pick it up on Sunday and I am really looking forward to it. No more struggling trying to insert this Civic into my garage. Just got the insurance to sort out now.

Peter in Devon

Hope you enjoy it..

I find it is amazing that there are 8 to 9 year old Jazzes for sales with under 25k miles on them. Not ones or two but tens...

Autotrader has 80 Jazzes with under 25k miles aged between 2003 and 2012
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: sparky Paul on October 30, 2020, 05:01:52 PM
I find it is amazing that there are 8 to 9 year old Jazzes for sales with under 25k miles on them. Not ones or two but tens...

Autotrader has 80 Jazzes with under 25k miles aged between 2003 and 2012

I think it's the average owners' demographic.  ;)

I take my Dad's car for the MOT every year, he's rarely clocked up over a 1,000 miles.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: Peter on November 01, 2020, 05:40:07 PM
I went and picked my '12 Jazz EX up from the Honda dealers this morning. I must say it is absolutely immaculate and although on 16" rims to me seems to ride better than the Civic. I suspect that this will not only be my last car it will also be a very low mileage in my hands. Nevertheless I am looking forward to driving it, more so than the Civic which I was afraid to get out of the garage as I was frightened of catching it when I tried to back it in again. Oh how we worry about these things when we reach a certain age. Poor old chap.

Peter in Devon
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: sparky Paul on November 01, 2020, 06:26:22 PM
Just enjoy it, and try not to worry too much about the odd scrape and scratch.

If you do manage to avoid scratching it yourself, someone else usually does it for you in a supermarket car park.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: embee on November 24, 2020, 03:30:41 PM
I recently picked up my 2018 SE CVT, just on 2 yrs old with one lady owner and 1500 miles! I think it must have been garaged all that time because it genuinely looks like it just drove out of the showroom, underbonnet is immaculate, and I doubt anyone has ever sat in the back seats.
The only thing I've done is give it essentially a full "break-in" (using all the revs/throttle regularly), I doubt it's ever been in those regions before and modern engines really do need to be worked to the full occasionally to get the best condition for the optimum service life. It's gradually improving, but I expect it will need to be north of 10k miles before it's really settled in. My 1.0L Yaris is now at 95k miles and is as good as ever.
Title: Re: Goodbye Jazz
Post by: madasafish on November 24, 2020, 07:06:56 PM
I bought my Jazz 8 months old and 300 miles on it.
For the past 8  years I have been running it in at over 3.000 rpm.

At 46,000 miles, it is now running as if is run in. I expect that will last till 2026