Buying a Jazz, what to look out for when viewing.

[Chris_Music]

Hi guys

I have just sold my 2.2L Accord Diesel and I am on the look out for a facelift (54reg+) Honda Jazz, would love an SE Sport, but they seem to hold their value ridiculously well, so I will most likely be buying a 1.4i SE.

I just wanted to know what were the things I should look out for when viewing a Jazz.

I have my eye on a 2006 1.4i SE with 59k on the clock. The only thing thats putting me off is that it has a part Honda service history, rather than full. I have had 3 Hondas in my life, and I had all of them serviced at Honda. I wanted to know if it is something I should consider, or should I avoid it and just aim for ones with full honda service history. I am also worried about the resale value with non honda service stamps, as well as the work done on the car.

I have noticed that there are a lot of Cat C and Cat D Jazz's around going for cheap, though I will of course avoid them like the plaque, but some people don't even bother to put it on their ads and its up to us to find out, lol!

Any help would be appreciated, I look forward to owning a Jazz !

Chris

[guest1844]

Main thing is that it has service history, and all the oil changes were done on time/mileage. I wouldn't be that put off if it's not all Honda, especially if it brings the price down a bit.

Have a good look underneath for rust - I always think mine is a bit rustier than it should be for an '05. Also bodywork paint chips easily and can then rust underneath.

Check for smooth gear selection -  it should be very precise and light. Some cars have had trouble with 1st and 2nd & need replacement 'boxes.
Check for rear wheel bearing noise - there have been high failure rates of these, though not expensive to fix.
Some cars suffer from "stiff" steering - most noticeable on the motorway - it feels like there is a bit of friction in it. Not much you can do about this - just make sure it won't annoy you on long journeys. Not all people have it/notice it.
A "jerky" behaviour on pull-off or low revs (like it almost stalled) is the EGR valve bunged up - it can be easily cleaned or replaced DIY.
Remember there's 8 spark plugs - some garages don't realise this (25kmile replace interval).
The tappets are supposed to be manually adjusted every 25k - not sure it's necessary at quite so regular intervals but see if the service history mentions it.

[Chris_Music]

Thanks for that

I have found one that I like with a full honda service history, but it has done 89,000 miles.

Is this something I should avoid on an 05 plate Jazz? Its only had 1 previous owner.

Its seems that its so damn hard to find a good Jazz at a low price!

[guest1844]

I can't comment on the mileage - personally I usually go for high mileage cars providing the service history is there and the price is marked down accordingly as there's nowt wrong with them. Having said that my Jazz has only 30k, and I didn't think I paid a premium for that last May. Just think about the price when you eventually sell it on. What are Jazzes two years older selling for? It'll give you an idea of what the depreciation might be.

I'm guessing any small economical car is holding its value well "in the current economic climate".

[guest1461]

Have seen a jazz with 177000 miles on the clock and going strong. If it is well looked after service wise then dont really see a prob with high millage cars.

[Chris_Music]

Well Honda's do seem to just keep going!

I have found a nice little silver 05 sport, but the car had gearbox problems and the trader had a 2nd hand box (30k on it) fitted with a new clutch. If the gearbox needed replacing, could that mean that the car has not been driven well? I know Bazzer commented on the gearbox problems. It has 55k on the clock with a full Honda service history.

Hes asking £4995 and it will come with a fresh Honda Service, 1 year tax and 3 months MOT!

It is a little higher than I wanted to spend (£4500 was my ideal budget), but I do like the sports and would pay a little more to have one, so long as it was a good deal!

Cheers for everyones help, I can see I will be on here a lot when I get my Jazz !

[DV]

Read this too, http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/jazz-2001/?section=bad before buying anything.

[guest1874]

what sort of budget u working with??? ive seen a few 05 jazz sports for as low as 4.5k

[Chris_Music]

what sort of budget u working with??? ive seen a few 05 jazz sports for as low as 4.5k

Well, I'm thinking that maybe I should get a Jazz thats a bit older and cheaper. I sold my accord as I wanted to downgrade to a smaller cheaper car. But if I spend £4.5k on a Jazz, I may as well have kept the accord.

SO probably around £3-£4k max really.

I have heard to avoid all Jazz's before 2003, So probably something like a 2003-2004 1.4i SE or something. Or if a facelift comes up at the right price.

But I will call up the company that has the high milage sport for sale, as its in my budget, and Honda's dont matter so much with 89k on the clock!


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Right

I have decided to go for the 89k Jazz Sport.

I just found out that the car was a company car used for South Lincs Chilled Couriers Ltd, who pride them selfs on looking after their company cars.

My previous car was a Honda Accord 2.2 Diesel that was a company car, and it was brilliant, as the company kept every little receipt of the work that was done on the car and it was very well looked after. It had 80k on the clock, but it drove like it was brand new.

So Im going to go and test drive it and if everything is alright I will buy it !!

I just wanted to thank everyone who has given me advice on this forum, and Im sure I will be back on here posting and giving updates !

Cheers