Buying a 2016 Jazz, zip ties underneath car question...

[jgrant]

Looking to buy a Honda Jazz MK3 2016 SE, with 32k miles. However, I noticed something has been clipped up using zip ties underneath the car roughly under the engine and between the front two wheels. I've attached a photo I took.

My question is firstly; is this okay - should I be concerned?

I've been told it is the under tray which no longer can be clipped up, which is why there is zip ties being used.
Does this mean the existing owner may have damaged it by not looking after it? Or could it have just degraded over time and the clips just wear easily?

Thank you for any replies and help

[jgrant]

I have a feeling it looks like the splash shield is missing. Is this something that should be pulled up on an MOT if that is the case?

[Westy36]

I don't think I'd be overly concerned by one cable tie. If the rest of the car, history, owners, condition etc is what you are looking for, I wouldn't worry. My own car has four cable ties on it, due to clips breaking. Indeed, a lot of garages will use them if they can't find the right clip.

If in doubt, get the car checked by someone that knows. Have a good look round under the bonnet to see if there is any evidence of damage/missing parts/paint etc indicating something more serious like a previous accident poor repair. Of course, you would be wise the get a Car Vertical or HPi check etc to check if anything on record.

[ColinB]

It’s not clear from the pictures whether the undertray is present or not. If not, ask the seller why. If it is, and the cable ties are simply holding it in place, that’s probably OK. You might need to check the ties occasionally to ensure they haven’t chafed through, so that’s an additional maintenance job. You could always replace the clips yourself; try Cox Motor Parts to find the right items.

The tray will need to be removed for any work under the engine, eg an oil change done the old-fashioned way using the drain plug rather than simply sucking the oil out through the top. And then I guess it’s easier to use cable ties to reattach the tray rather than sourcing the right clips.

[UKjim]

If it's a Honda dealer selling the car ask hime to replace the cable ties with the appropriate clips.

[jgrant]

Thank you very much for all the quick responses. I am in progress of asking the appropriate questions. But from what I can tell, I think it's missing the splash guard at the front, which I assume sits under the engine (part 27 in the attached photo).

It's from a toyota dealership, so hpi and all that I feel fairly comfortable with.

[guest334]

Always check a used car Before buying, these days I use vehicle score co UK
7 out 10 used have a history you wouldn't touch let alone drive.

[HertsHonda]

Suspect  the Engine Under Tray Clips.
When I did first oil change on used MK3 2017 the clips (more like rivets IMHO) were cracked and incapable of supporting the rear edge of the tray. Used cable ties for a few months. My local Honda garage was unsure of the correct part (their computer was down) so gave me a couple of sizes to try.
Sized the hole in metal chasis cross member with drill shank and deduced correct diameter - they must push through holes but not fall/pull out when expanded!!

Think you would be looking for 10mm unexpanded diameter - but suggest you do your own measurements!
The original clips had a square 'skirt' (as illustrated in @pebbles post #9) with a round "expander". Those from Honda garage had a round 'skirt', about 14mm dia.

[degzi]

Definitely looks like the rear plastic clip, you can get them cheaply on eBay. If you look through oil change posts there is the size to look for somewhere on one of those.
I got a multi pack for a few £, as 9 times out of 10 they fail when removing, and must be removed to do an oil change.

[pebbles]

the OEM part no. for the rear clips is 91514TG1T01 , of course they are main dealer prices about £3 each !

I bought a couple in readiness for the next oil change

[Lord Voltermore]

I wouldnt be over concerned about past history.  The securing clips can easily break during  routine servicing and if the mechanic didnt have a suitable after market replacment clip to hand  probably bodged it by  using a cable tie rather than sourcing one clip and having to wait for it to be delivered.   Not good working practice,  but mechanics are only human  (allegedly)  .. Its better that than the clip being present because the undertray had never before been removed for proper servicing.   

 The complete absence of an undertray wouldnt normally fail the MOT as its mostly to improve airflow  for better   fuel consumption and wind noise   It might also catch the odd oil drip  that might otherwise fall on the road and can be an MOT fail if excessive. 
But  an improperly secured undertray can fail the MOT  as it can be quite dangerous if it falls and catches on the road surface.   I once saw this happen on quite a posh car on the motorway .The disintegration was dramatic and probably terrified the driver, who might have reacted badly and crashed. It also left debris,endangering other traffic.       

[BadgerMk3]

I've previously posted about aftermarket undertray rivets being available, and just leave a bag of them in the boot available should they need changing at service time.

Details here:

https://clubjazz.org/forum/index.php?topic=12398.msg116102#msg116102

[jgrant]

Thanks for all the replies. Realised I didn't provide a final result - basically the tray was loose and just need pinning back up (with the suggested clips above). Dealership sorted this for me - a new happy owner of a Jazz 

[guest334]

Great news, just to finish your enjoyment check the cabin filter -  its located behind the passenger glove box, a mere 3 minute job to replace.These are often overlooked during a service .
 I can recommend Blue Print and or Febi filters.

[jazzyb88]

Great news, just to finish your enjoyment check the cabin filter -  its located behind the passenger glove box, a mere 3 minute job to replace.These are often overlooked during a service .
 I can recommend Blue Print and or Febi filters.

Such good advice. Every used car I have ever bought, the cabin filter has not been changed from new!