Clubjazz - Honda Jazz & HR-V Forums

Honda Jazz Forums => Honda Jazz Mk3 2015 - 2020 => Topic started by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 11:55:33 AM

Title: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 11:55:33 AM
I am new to this forum but it seems to be dominated by serial complainers. Headlights, CVT, boot size, boot floor, proximity alarms,  etc, etc. I accept that the infotainment is a bit glich prone. There have been calls for Consumer rights, Watchdog, writing to Honda and it's CEO etc. Didn't people research their purchace before parting with their hard earned cash? There is a headlight survey  somewhere on this site with 16 don't likes. As far as I can work out there are 8,766 Mk3 Jasses registered in the UK. There must be a vast majority of totally satisfied owners.

Before I bought my Jazz, over about three months I did several test drives, and was given a demonstrator for an afternoon and I read the UK owners manual. In the Brochure on page three it states that the car has been completely re-engineered from top to bottom. As I had not owned a Jazz before I did not make the mistake of comparing it to previous models, it is obviously a complete redesign.

The time to find the things you don't like about a car is before you buy it not after.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: trebor1652 on August 07, 2016, 12:06:29 PM
Well said Deeps.
But not all is complaining a lot is expressing an opinion.
I like my mk3 but in my humble opinion the automatic headlights do come on way to early, what's the point of having drl's?
But I have got over that now and accept the car for what it is, a comfy ride with an engine that you have to rev occasionally to remind you that it is there.👍

Sent from my XT1039 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: RichardA on August 07, 2016, 12:17:06 PM
The time to find the things you don't like about a car is before you buy it not after.

This is partly why forums like this exist, to allow prospective owners to find out information, warts and all, before taking the plunge. Many Mk3 owners on here were early adopters who for obvious reasons couldn't do much research beforehand, but they've helpfully provided feedback - good and bad - to assist others in making a decision.

Some problems can't be identified on a (usually very short) test drive. You were very lucky to get a Jazz for the whole afternoon, most dealers only offer a 20min accompanied drive on a pre-set route, if that.







Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 12:34:07 PM
Not lucky, a returning customer to a multi franchise local dealer. A good relationship with a dealer can work wonders. :-)
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: mikebore on August 07, 2016, 01:11:04 PM
Internet forums nearly always have a lot of "complainers" but in my opinion these Jazz forums are amongst the best for constructive criticism and useful discussion. Sure there is negative complaining but not as much as elsewhere.

No product as complex as a car is going to be perfect in every respect for every individual, so most people will have issues they would like to discuss, and perhaps even find a solution to. Those issues would not (in most cases) have changed the choice of car.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Paulwhitt20 on August 07, 2016, 02:15:17 PM
I did try and start a thread a few months ago - "I like my MK3 Jazz because" but it soon became another complaining thread.

My wife had a MK1 Jazz and it was one of the best cars she had had, so when it was time to change we waited for the MK 3 expecting it to be similar to her original Jazz but better.  The ride is better and the lower car tax, but all the technology and cost cutting lets it down. Especially when the technology does not work properly.

If the car was written off, would you buy another? The answer for me is most defiantly no. If it was my car not the wife's it would have gone back by now.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 03:29:00 PM
Apart from infotainment glitches has anyone actually had a fault on a Mk3 Jazz as opposed to something they don't like?

If they have had a fault did the dealer fix it or was the car rejected as is possible under consumer law.

Nothing has fallen off my Jazz and I am pleased with it.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: John Ratsey on August 07, 2016, 04:04:17 PM
The Jazzes' automotive engineering is fine.

It's the niggles with the software and gadgets which annoy me but they can't be classified as faults. Another deficiency which I identified recently is that the auto idle stop reads the battery condition only when the engine is started and doesn't check it again until the next start: Leave the car unused for a week or two and then drive for a couple of hours and you will find that the auto idle stop won't work due to low battery. However, if the car is stopped and restarted after a couple of miles then everything is OK. Software needs a lot of testing and debugging and Honda didn't do enough in that respect. I've had no problems with the touchscreen system which spends its time displaying the mpgs of the last couple of trips for want of anything more useful to do.

Maybe your Jazz has more recent software than mine and Honda have made some changes. I hope so but will only find out next month when my car has its annual service.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: culzean on August 07, 2016, 05:40:21 PM
Cars are very complicated things these days,  but for all their complexity and the way some of them are treated they do a remarkable job.  Something one person does not like may please someone else - many people think when they buy a car they have bought the entire factory and everyone should be falling over themselves to look at their personal dislike.

Constructive criticism is one thing -  having a bad experience with one car or dealership and bad mouthing the whole brand is another,  learning the correct way to complain to a dealer is worth doing - don't just march in there threatening them with legal action,  even the law says they must be given sufficient reasonable time to deal with a complaint and rectify a problem.   There are lots of very satisfied Jazz owners around the world, I still see a remarkable number of 2002 / 3 models driving around in good condition -
Honda  =  Happy Owners No Disappointments Ahead
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: monkeydave on August 07, 2016, 06:32:33 PM
i think all car makers should have a car at the base of their range with no auto lights and wipers, no tire sensors, no walk away lock itself and no push button start. just wheel trims and an option for a/c and no rear electric windows and they can knock off £2000 at least

cars are full of junk that no one needs these days and if you really want all the gizmos you can get a higher trim level

car prices are creeping up and up and the risiduals are not as good as they should be, maybe because of used mobility cars flooding the market i dont know but something has changed since the late 90s

i have a 1.2 s a/c and it is just what i need in a car and kia offer the rio in the same level of trim
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Paulwhitt20 on August 07, 2016, 06:45:05 PM
I find it frustrating that we waited well over a year for the car to be released in Britain whilst it was already available in other parts of the world, but the technology still has glitches. It also feels cheaply made, but not cheap to buy. Eg flimsy boot floor, or not bothering to paint the bits you don't see from the outside (under the bonnet, fuel filler etc).
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 07:02:02 PM
My car was built at the end of March 2016, the only place the paint is a bit thin is the centre of the bulkhead behind the engine. All other areas are fully painted including the inner front wings, bonnet slam panel, fuel filler recess and its lid.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 07:56:16 PM
Reply to monkeydave, I haven't got the quote editing sussed yet.

For a basic car how about a Dacia Sandero? £5995. Tyre pressure monitoring is a legal requirement, along with ABS and ESC. I rented one in Tenerief for a few days, a 1.2 petrol model. It handled the mountains without problems.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: peteo48 on August 07, 2016, 08:38:29 PM
I think one of the problems with forums, of all types, is that people tend to gravitate to them if they have an issue. That's not to belittle any problems owners might have but they may well not be representative of the owner profile as a whole - it's the nature of the beast.

The whole electronics/gadgetry issue is a problem across all high tech fields. Take Windows 10 - was this just an update for an update's sake - in short - to generate more sales? We become comfortable with a level of technological sophistication and it can sometimes be a struggle to move onwards and, possibly, upwards. Is innovation outstripping our capacity to absorb and adapt?
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: monkeydave on August 07, 2016, 08:48:49 PM
Reply to monkeydave, I haven't got the quote editing sussed yet.

For a basic car how about a Dacia Sandero? £5995. Tyre pressure monitoring is a legal requirement, along with ABS and ESC. I rented one in Tenerief for a few days, a 1.2 petrol model. It handled the mountains without problems.

i should have said basic and reliable (eg not french lol) and when did tyre pressure monitoring become a legal requirement?  i have had a look and it is only if fitted it will fail like for fog lights not like daytime running lights which all cars after 2012 have. some cars dont have tire sensors and that is great.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 08:56:35 PM
TPMS became mandatory on new cars sold in Europe from 1 November 2014. Fortunately the Mk3 Jazz uses the ABS system to monitor wheel rotation rates, faster wheel = deflating tyre. Much better than expensive and fragile kit attached to the wheels or valves.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: culzean on August 07, 2016, 09:53:07 PM
TPMS became mandatory on new cars sold in Europe from 1 November 2014. Fortunately the Mk3 Jazz uses the ABS system to monitor wheel rotation rates, faster wheel = deflating tyre. Much better than expensive kit attached to the wheels or valves.

The ABS based TPMS certainly works and is probably not as temperamental or high maintenance as the pressure based systems - no sensors or batteries to worry about,  no having to synchronise replacement sensors with the cars computer.  The only problem I can see with it is that it doesn't tell you which tyre the alarm is for,  just that one of the 4 tyres is showing a low pressure - but it is easy enough to check and normally pretty obvious,  except when I had two new tyres and the alarm showed up next day !!! - there was nothing wrong but why it waited a day to trigger after new tyres I don't know. 

The ABS system suits me because I have both summer and winter tyre wheels,  and don't fancy paying for sensors for every wheel I want to fit to car,  and having to get them synchronised every year  :-X  What happens if your spare doesn't have a sensor ??
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: ColinS on August 07, 2016, 10:18:02 PM
I did try and start a thread a few months ago - "I like my MK3 Jazz because" but it soon became another complaining thread.

I noticed that and this thread is yet another example  :)
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: edam on August 07, 2016, 10:27:09 PM
If the car does a full emergency stop for no reason I would like to know if this is a common problem or just unique to my car.
By posting about this on a forum I can obtain this information.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 07, 2016, 10:29:46 PM
Operator error?
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: mikebore on August 07, 2016, 11:01:45 PM
Operator error?

How would that work then?....I need to know in case I do it.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: edam on August 07, 2016, 11:18:50 PM
Operator error?

Dirty windscreen ?
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 08, 2016, 07:45:17 AM
The city brake and false start systems work within closely defined parameters. You may have strayed into them inadvertently. My city brake system has only triggered once (so far), I was passing a solitary car parked in my street. The alarm scared the bejesus out of me but the brakes did not apply themselves (going too fast). On my return I went past the same car close and slower and the system did not activate. I think I am on a steep learning curve with these systems, and if they activate you are either pushing your luck or have got it wrong in some way.

The false start system seems like a good idea, the classic I have seen a few times is someone rear ending of the car in front while entering a roundabout, thinking it has moved off.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 08, 2016, 08:15:16 AM
The Jazzes' automotive engineering is fine.

Maybe your Jazz has more recent software than mine and Honda have made some changes. I hope so but will only find out next month when my car has its annual service.

I hope you don't think that software is routinely updated at a service. In my experience it is updated if there is a specific problem and the manufacturer runs a "Campaign" to rectify the defect. This is usually not safety related (a fuel gauge error for example) and below the level of a formal recall, and not advertised to Joe public. If you buy a (say) 2015 car you buy 2015 software.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: andruec on August 08, 2016, 08:49:27 AM
I am new to this forum but it seems to be dominated by serial complainers. Headlights, CVT, boot size, boot floor, proximity alarms,  etc, etc. I accept that the infotainment is a bit glich prone.
...
Didn't people research their purchace before parting with their hard earned cash?
Of course. But:

* The infotainment issues weren't evident during my test drive.
* The boot floor I noticed immediately (I did a size test with my golf bag and I spotted it then).
* I noticed slightly odd behaviour of the CVT as well but hoped it would improve when run in.
* The headlights are no worse on the Mk3 than the Mk2.

Where you seem to be making a mistake is to assume that other people only buy cars that are perfect. Or else not understanding why someone can complain about a purchase without actually regretting it. Maybe you have a protective 'purchasers reflex' that means you always ignore problems with what you buy so as to reassure yourself about the decision.

I like my Jazz. I don't regret buying it. But that doesn't blind me to the shortcomings and by discussing them amongst other owners it's always possible that a solution might be forthcoming. There have been a couple of suggestions for resolving the boot issue. I posted a solution to a 'difficult starting' problem. I've reassured a few people that there is nothing wrong with their headlights but that it's just Honda's slightly iffy implementation. I've even let people know that my initially strong criticism of the CVT wasn't entirely justified.

I own my car, the forum moderators have not criticised my posts so I see no reason to try and pretend that the vehicle is perfect.
If the car was written off, would you buy another? The answer for me is most defiantly no. If it was my car not the wife's it would have gone back by now.
For me it's 'maybe'. I'd have a look around first but I'm not currently aware of a better vehicle for my needs.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: andruec on August 08, 2016, 08:56:30 AM
I hope you don't think that software is routinely updated at a service. In my experience it is updated if there is a specific problem and the manufacturer runs a "Campaign" to rectify the defect.
And in my experience it might not be updated even if you ask them to. To be fair I did forget to mention here that I got a call a week later from the service manager apologising for the error but it still wasted over an hour of my time. But there's another Honda dealer not much further away and possibly easier to get to. It's not the first time I've had issues with the Oxford one so I'll just switch to Northampton.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: ColinB on August 08, 2016, 09:08:24 AM
... forums like this exist, to allow prospective owners to find out information, warts and all, before taking the plunge.
Internet forums nearly always have a lot of "complainers" but in my opinion these Jazz forums are amongst the best for constructive criticism and useful discussion.
Those posts sum up the value of this forum. I don't think it's dominated by "complainers", in fact labelling someone as a "complainer" when they're only trying to help others, or seeking help themselves, by offering genuine feedback isn't helpful. I actually want to know what people think about their cars, and I hope this thread doesn't put people off from providing that feedback. The value of the forum would be diminished if it only published comments of the sort "I like my Jazz because ..." variety (although that is of course valuable and relevant feedback).

BTW, I do like my Jazz. It does all the basic "car things" - performance, economy, comfort, practicality, etc - exceedingly well. The things I have provided negative feedback about are all secondary issues that do not work as per my extensive  pre-purchase research (which included test drives and discussions with the dealer).

But if we're going to discuss how the forum is used, could I put in a plea to keep on-subject in every thread ? Too many threads seem to go off on a tangent, eg my thread about the infotainment system error contains comments about rear-seat legroom and Windows 10 updates. Even this present thread has veered into comments about car features rather than staying with the point the OP made. Start a new thread if you want to go off-topic. Oh dear, perhaps I should have started a new thread for that ...
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: ColinS on August 08, 2016, 10:03:06 AM
... forums like this exist, to allow prospective owners to find out information, warts and all, before taking the plunge.
Internet forums nearly always have a lot of "complainers" but in my opinion these Jazz forums are amongst the best for constructive criticism and useful discussion.
Those posts sum up the value of this forum. I don't think it's dominated by "complainers", in fact labelling someone as a "complainer" when they're only trying to help others, or seeking help themselves, by offering genuine feedback isn't helpful. I actually want to know what people think about their cars, and I hope this thread doesn't put people off from providing that feedback. The value of the forum would be diminished if it only published comments of the sort "I like my Jazz because ..." variety (although that is of course valuable and relevant feedback).

BTW, I do like my Jazz. It does all the basic "car things" - performance, economy, comfort, practicality, etc - exceedingly well. The things I have provided negative feedback about are all secondary issues that do not work as per my extensive  pre-purchase research (which included test drives and discussions with the dealer).

But if we're going to discuss how the forum is used, could I put in a plea to keep on-subject in every thread ? Too many threads seem to go off on a tangent, eg my thread about the infotainment system error contains comments about rear-seat legroom and Windows 10 updates. Even this present thread has veered into comments about car features rather than staying with the point the OP made. Start a new thread if you want to go off-topic. Oh dear, perhaps I should have started a new thread for that ...
I agree with everything you say and could not have put it better.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 09, 2016, 08:23:09 AM
I am sorry, I missed complaining to Trading Standards from my OP.

At least no one has suggested writing a letter of complaint to their MP.............yet. :-)

One thing I find odd is some folk comparing the Mk3 with previous Jazz models. Honda spent a huge chunk of its marketing budget to promote and made no secret of the fact that the Mk3 is a totally new car with a Jazz badge on the back. Maybe they should have used the "Fit" name in Europe to resolve this problem.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: andruec on August 09, 2016, 08:36:56 AM
One thing I find odd is some folk comparing the Mk3 with previous Jazz models. Honda spent a huge chunk of its marketing budget to promote and made no secret of the fact that the Mk3 is a totally new car with a Jazz badge on the back.
That's a new one on me. They said it was redesigned and built off a new platform but at no point have they suggested that it has no connection with previous models. They might not refer to it as the 'Mk3' but I have seen nothing to suggest that they don't think it's the latest incarnation.

People like me who bought the Mk1 and the Mk2 would be expected to buy the Mk3. The strange thing would be to not compare them.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: olduser1 on August 09, 2016, 08:41:09 AM
Generally speaking the best car is next years model, its only when lobbyists got into the EU and offloaded electonic gubbins that cars became too complex and overloaded with non essential extras that new models dipped.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Downsizer on August 09, 2016, 08:50:42 AM
One thing I find odd is some folk comparing the Mk3 with previous Jazz models. Honda spent a huge chunk of its marketing budget to promote and made no secret of the fact that the Mk3 is a totally new car with a Jazz badge on the back.
I compare the Mk 3 to the Mk 2 because I was impressed by the Mk 2 which I drove for over 7 years, and only changed because I was looking for an improved ride.  From early posts in this forum, together with a short test drive, I was happy to change.  It may be a totally new car but the unique Jazz/Fit design concept is unchanged, fortunately.  The 10% improvement in fuel economy is a useful bonus.  I only use the infotainment system for the radio and the analogue clock, so the reported problems with this have passed me by.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 09, 2016, 08:53:47 AM
People like me who bought the Mk1 and the Mk2 would be expected to buy the Mk3. The strange thing would be to not compare them.

That would explain it, Jazz fans buying it because it is a Jazz and assuming that it will perfectly match their previous model likes and dislikes.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 09, 2016, 12:43:07 PM
I wish to become a fully paid up member of the Jazz complainers club.

This morning I parked my car in a multi storey car park, all went well and the auto lights worked perfectly and came on as expected. As I was ambling away from the car reluctantly following Mrs Deeps towards the shops a young lady screeched at the top of her voice "Excuse me, you have left your lights on". As I said "Thanks, the car will sort itself out" the lights went off. The young lady turned bright pink and to soothe her embarrassment I said "These modern cars are too clever for their own good" accompanied with my best professional grandad smile.

Should I write to the Prime Minister demanding that the Jazz is banned from sale in the UK as it can cause embarrassment to young ladies?
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: culzean on August 12, 2016, 04:03:48 PM
My experience in life is that if people don't have something big to complain about (eg a world war) they will complain about small things ( the size of their house etc.),  and if they don't have something small to complain about they will complain about minuscule things (the amount of reserve fuel when the fuel light comes on) and so on ad-infinitum.  It sometimes takes a real tragedy or shock to make people realise how lucky they really are - many people in this world will never be able to own a beat-up second hand car,  let alone a brand new or nearly new one.

I used to have a boss and he had some nice company cars,  but when they went in for service (which they did regularly and he wasn't paying for) and they cleaned his car (which they always did - and he wasn't paying for) he would inspect it when it came back and once he rang the dealership up to complain because there was a tiny patch of unpolished (white powder) wax on one of the window seals - words just about failed me at that time (which doesn't happen very often) - I guess he either had a massive ego or too much time on his hands - he also had a vanity number plate and now I always wonder about the drivers of cars with these plates on, and have decided I do not trust such people ( just a personal thing, coloured by more than one experience).
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: Skyrider on August 13, 2016, 11:36:36 AM
In my Cruise Control thread I mentioned the quirk of a car I owned. This resulted in owners taking their cars to dealers only to be told no fault found. One poster on that cars forum claimed to be a dealer mechanic, he resolved many owners minor problems and prevented dealer visits. Some posters speculated that he was a plant from the manufacturers technical services unit as he had in depth knowledge of the car and it's systems and his prompt replies.

It would be a good move if car manufacturers provided a technical advice service but would have to balance it against dealer income. Also there would be repeat complainers that are never satisfied. A friend (a nurse) worked for NHS 24 or whatever it is called now, they had that problem.
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: culzean on August 14, 2016, 09:45:12 AM
In my Cruise Control thread I mentioned the quirk of a car I owned. This resulted in owners taking their cars to dealers only to be told no fault found. One poster on that cars forum claimed to be a dealer mechanic, he resolved many owners minor problems and prevented dealer visits. Some posters speculated that he was a plant from the manufacturers technical services unit as he had in depth knowledge of the car and it's systems and his prompt replies.

It would be a good move if car manufacturers provided a technical advice service but would have to balance it against dealer income. Also there would be repeat complainers that are never satisfied. A friend (a nurse) worked for NHS 24 or whatever it is called now, they had that problem.

This sounds a bit like TG on this forum - he seems to have in-depth knowledge of a lot of things  :o  does TG stand for Technical Guy ???
Title: Re: The complainers.
Post by: guest1372 on August 15, 2016, 04:18:43 PM
It would be a good move if car manufacturers provided a technical advice service but would have to balance it against dealer income. Also there would be repeat complainers that are never satisfied.
This sounds a bit like TG on this forum - he seems to have in-depth knowledge of a lot of things  :o  does TG stand for Technical Guy ???
Oh thanks... 

The automotive industry could take a leaf out of the software industry support methods; after many years of third party forums providing the best guidance and fault resolution the developers have started to properly run their own community forums, a million engaged users will beat 100 support staff for depth of knowledge and resourcefulness every time.   In any sector where personal and 3rd party safety may be affected I guess for legal reasons you can't endorse amateur advice so (except for Tesla) official automotive forums won't appear. 

I joined this forum to complain about my failed rear wheel bearing.  Have since complained about Nationwide (now Halfords Autocentres) inability to fit an exhaust correctly, and after using Ford/VW/JLR touchscreens feel justified in complaining about Honda infotainment faults even though I don't possess one.

Upbringing and curiosity means I'm of the mindset that you can fix anything*, and there's always another tool you can buy.  My CEng IMechE father used to race an MG-TC, and he was in Mobil Special Products division which meant getting to poke around these two Patrick Head (Williams) designs as a school holiday perk. 


--
TG

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Mansell_-_Williams_1985.jpg)(http://classiccarmag.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Tony-Pond.jpg)

* Just fixed intermittent graphics fault on laptop by baking motherboard in oven for 8 minutes, was scrap otherwise.