Adding Factory options to my car - Where to find parts?

[c.lday44]

Hi all. I have a fairly basic 2007 Jazz SE. I'd like to add/change some parts to add factory options that my car wasn't specified with originally. I'm using this list https://clubjazz.org/forum/index.php?topic=897.0 and I have a few questions!

How will this affect insurance, if at all? As they're factory options, I don't believe I need to declare them right?

Where can I find parts/does anyone have them? I'd like a factory tailgate spoiler in B528M Sirius Blue (I don't really want to fork out trying to paint it - Having an already painted one would be preferable, but I can't find a car being broken that has the spoiler in the right colour.

I'd like to install the factory detachable towbar. No real reason other than I like towbars, I don't really need it... I'll probably get a small trailer if I do end up with this but I probably won't.

Interiorwise - I like the idea of the centre arm rest with sliding lid storage cubby. I've NEVER seen one on any Jazz and can't find one on autotrader with one fitted from my quick-ish look. Is this a real option, if so, how do I go about it? Is it part of the centre console or a smaller module that can be attached easily?

Leather steering wheel - I should be able to find one on ebay I believe, Was it just an option? IE, not limited to the sport trim level for example.

Bluetooth phone system - is it even worth getting in 2023, is it easy to install/use? I imagine it's just for phone calls. I've never seen it.

I'd quite like these 6 spoke alloys as I prefer the look to the usual 9 spoke. They are a standard Jazz alloy as far as I can tell but not one I ever really see - If anyone can shed any light on if these are a special wheel, option, or facelift/prefacelift dependant (I saw them listed on ebay from a 2003) that would be fantastic. (Picture attached - If I've formatted it right)

I just had a sudden urge to improve the spec of my Jazz if I intend to keep it for a while, I don't really need to but I thought it might be a fun project. I never knew the Jazz could have these things and it's certainly ones I may have specced if I was buying it new in 2007. Alas, I am the 4th owner, and it's first is god knows where. If anyones knows or owned RO57 LXW let me know

Thankyou for any information you may provide me with!

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.
I would recommend advising your insurer of any changing to your are thinking of doing just to be on the safe side.
Regards,
Dan.

[Westy36]

Very good advice Dan, always disclose. However, I'm interested in how an inusrer could determine what a car was optioned with 16yrs ago?

With regard to parts, I would turn to ebay. Either search for the part, or Jazz breaking and contact the company to see if they can list the part you want. Also, there are specialist Honda breakers if you search online, and then the likes of findapart or breakerlink etc.

[Lord Voltermore]

Higher spec models sometime have a higher insurance grouping  than base models  to reflect the higher value and potential extra costs of repairing or replacing 'extras'.  If you upgrade a lower spec model it may now attract the higher premium.  Or be regarded as an unknown quantity some underwriters might not be happy to cover.   
Even if you regard the improvements as merely cosmetic  such as 'go faster  stripes'    )  extra comforts and upgraded technology, insurers might now  regard you,the policy holder,  as an exception to the norm  who might also drive more 'enthusiastically'  than others. 

    They may not increase premiums if you tell them of 'modifications' and they agree   . But if they find out a car is significantly different from standard  they might use it as an excuse  to refuse any claim. Crash damaged cars are often inspected by insurance assessors.  Part of that will be to detect any undeclared 'tweaks'.

The insurance grouping of individual models is based on specification  and repair costs.   Is it not likely the insurance industry records go back more than 16 years? 

[c.lday44]

Higher spec models sometime have a higher insurance grouping  than base models  to reflect the higher value and potential extra costs of repairing or replacing 'extras'.  If you upgrade a lower spec model it may now attract the higher premium.  Or be regarded as an unknown quantity some underwriters might not be happy to cover.   
Even if you regard the improvements as merely cosmetic  such as 'go faster  stripes'    )  extra comforts and upgraded technology, insurers might now  regard you,the policy holder,  as an exception to the norm  who might also drive more 'enthusiastically'  than others. 

    They may not increase premiums if you tell them of 'modifications' and they agree   . But if they find out a car is significantly different from standard  they might use it as an excuse  to refuse any claim. Crash damaged cars are often inspected by insurance assessors.  Part of that will be to detect any undeclared 'tweaks'.

The insurance grouping of individual models is based on specification  and repair costs.   Is it not likely the insurance industry records go back more than 16 years?

Whilst yes this is the case, I was questioning whether insurance has access to a build sheet or something that would tell them exactly what the car was specified with. I'm not adding anything exclusive to the Jazz sport to my SE for example - It remains an SE, I just want to add options that weren't selected when the car was purchased new. As if the original owner had ticked the box back in 2007. If I have to declare it to insurance I can't really do it as I'm 18 and insurance is bad enough! I'm not adding anything aftermarket mind.

[c.lday44]

Very good advice Dan, always disclose. However, I'm interested in how an inusrer could determine what a car was optioned with 16yrs ago?

With regard to parts, I would turn to ebay. Either search for the part, or Jazz breaking and contact the company to see if they can list the part you want. Also, there are specialist Honda breakers if you search online, and then the likes of findapart or breakerlink etc.

Exactly what I'm wondering - Unlikely they have a build sheet or something for every car ever registered.

eBay so far has had the most results but 90% of the breaking cars don't show the interior - I can't see if it has the options I'm looking for! So frustrating.

[olduser1]

Your best bet is leave details are local breakers use oe parts. Alternative import copy parts from AliExpress the quality will not be Honda. The USA fitfreak will have loads of modded Jazz/Fit.

[Lord Voltermore]

They do say that recently no two Fords are the same  as there are so many options.  But the insurers will also know that.       But I dont think the Jazz had much variation in their build sheet.   They know that too.
  An  optional extra that was supplied and fitted by the Honda dealership  might be ok ,but even some of those might be regarded as modifications .Especially if it was  a one off customer request rather than a listed  option.  Different fancy alloy wheels  for instance. 

The recommendation from  Adrian Flux insurance  to notify any modification is a good one.      But i would add a further word of caution.  Not all insurers will accept an 18 year old anyway at reasonable cost.  When you start enquiring about proposed modifications, whether they are chargeable or not    it may ring alarm bells with them .Even if you decide not to go ahead.   And the industry share information.  Once you tell one insurer   they will all know.       But if you do them anyway and dont tell them ,its still quite likely they will look more closely at any claim from an 18 year old for possible modifications.  Or any car insured by mum or granny etc  being driven by an 18 year old.  It could mean the insurance is not worth the paper its not even written on. 
    Sorry. I was an 18 year old driver once.   I'd recommend sticking to  absolute standard  until you have enough age and  driving history for premiums to drop a bit to allow some declared  modifications. 

[c.lday44]

They do say that recently no two Fords are the same  as there are so many options.  But the insurers will also know that.       But I dont think the Jazz had much variation in their build sheet.   They know that too.
  An  optional extra that was supplied and fitted by the Honda dealership  might be ok ,but even some of those might be regarded as modifications .Especially if it was  a one off customer request rather than a listed  option.  Different fancy alloy wheels  for instance. 

The recommendation from  Adrian Flux insurance  to notify any modification is a good one.      But i would add a further word of caution.  Not all insurers will accept an 18 year old anyway at reasonable cost.  When you start enquiring about proposed modifications, whether they are chargeable or not    it may ring alarm bells with them .Even if you decide not to go ahead.   And the industry share information.  Once you tell one insurer   they will all know.       But if you do them anyway and dont tell them ,its still quite likely they will look more closely at any claim from an 18 year old for possible modifications.  Or any car insured by mum or granny etc  being driven by an 18 year old.  It could mean the insurance is not worth the paper its not even written on. 
    Sorry. I was an 18 year old driver once.   I'd recommend sticking to  absolute standard  until you have enough age and  driving history for premiums to drop a bit to allow some declared  modifications.

The point I was basically making is that by my understanding, this wouldn't be a modification as such. It would be a factory part entirely possible to have been fitted to my car in 2007. But yeah, fair enough, Not really worth it.

[Lord Voltermore]

Yeah sorry . I dont want my 'cautious old age'  to entirely suppress  your desire to be creative and make the car your own.   You can learn a lot about car DIY that may save you cash over the years.  Just be cautious, insurers may see things differently.

Other pessimistic  advice.  If you have to travel far, or pay carriage,the costs can add up.  You probably wont get it back in an increased value for the car. Indeed some  things can put potential buyers off and reduce its value. .    Sometimes it may be better to save your money and  buy a newer car that much sooner. It may have advantages that you couldnt retrofit.

And the old joke . If you visit scrap yards take some biscuits for the guard dog
 

[c.lday44]

Yeah, It's my first car so I want to keep it because I do love it but at the same time I want something slightly newer, quicker, better geared for motorway with a few more creature comforts like bluetooth. Mazda3 ideally, or a Civic perhaps if I stay Honda. Volvo C30 is also on the cards.