Advice needed on Jazz purchase

[guest1809]

Hi Everybody,

It’s been a while since I’ve posted something on this forum since I’ve sold my Jazz 3 years ago due to the family member increase! Now that our children don’t need the buggies anymore and we can travel lighter than for the past three years, I’ve been looking to buy my old love, a Jazz GD 1.4. Now I’ve found one and I’m about to take it for a spin this weekend but having second thoughts even now. Why, well there is one thing that’s bothering me and I have no experience with and that’s the CVT. My old one had manual gearbox and this one has CVT. I know which things to check on a Jazz, which are the weaknesses and strengths but since the CVT is all new to me I need your help and advice.
Car is from 2006, has 91000 km’s on it and it’s been maintained regularly by a dealer but still when I read all the topics on the forum regarding CVT issues, I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to buy this one or to skip it and keep searching for a manual one!

Thank you in advance,

Kind regards

[jonathan]

I've never driven a CVT gearbox car but with the issues club members have I would stick with manuals that your used to....In anticipation welcome back....

[Jocko]

After what I have read here - and I am aware that it is only owners with problems that post issues here (99.9% may not have problems) - but personally I wouldn't touch a CVT Jazz with a barge pole. (No personal experience of a CVT - Honda or otherwise).

[Kenneve]

I'm afraid I can't comment on a CVT car of that age, but I have had 3 CVT Jazz cars since around 2010 and all have been perfect. Currently on a Mk3 version and love it. My only comment would be to make sure it is a CVT and not the I-shift auto box, which in my opinion was a real pain and was only offered for a couple of years. Make sure also that it has been regularly serviced, particularly in respect of gearbox oil changes, as boxes not properly serviced are known to create judder.
Having driven auto cars for many years, I would not consider reverting back to a manual gearbox.
So if everything is in good condition, then go for it!!

[Jocko]

After 26 years of driving automatics (cars and buses) I bought a manual Jazz last year. It took a bit of getting used to. In heavy queuing traffic it is a total pain, but I am happy enough with it in normal driving.

[guest1372]

If you keep up with recommended CVT fluid changes to avoid judder, it costs more to service than the manual....   but that could suffer from a degenerative bearing whine.  Choices.
--
TG

[VicW]

The CVT gearbox has no real problems. Having to change the gearbox oil every two years or 25K miles is no different to many other aspects of car ownership that require routine maintenance.
I have owned/own five Jazz's with the CVT box and had no problems doing about 12K miles a year.

Vic.

[MikeG1944]

After having my first Jazz, an 08 plate CVT I find it much better than a manual; in fact I find driving the wife's manual a real pain now. Up to 08 plate should be the best CVT as 58 plate went over to the i-shift I believe which most owners don't like.

[VicW]

Up to 08 plate should be the best CVT as 58 plate went over to the i-shift I believe which most owners don't like.

The CVT box returned with the 2011 facelift model and the introduction of  a torque converter clutch.

Vic.

[Ozzie]

I have a CVT gearbox on my 2011 Hybrid Jazz, (not exactly a 2006) its now at 209,000 miles, no gearbox problems, no engine problems, only a moody air conditioning compressor, but the windows work fine 
It has been regularly serviced at the main dealer, and soon due its 18th service 

[jazzway]

There's nothing wrong with an iShift! But then, i have never had a Jazz CVT. The iShift is my first (semi) automatic car in 30 years manual and i must say i like it. So where all those iShift 'problems' come from i have no idea.

[alfy]

Owned my 2007 cvt for three years with no problems. I have replaced cvt-fluid every two years.

[guest5079]

Given the antipathy towards the I shift, you might find one a bit cheaper than an equivalent year with manual change. Thus getting a later model.
I am into 30 months of I shift driving and I too have no problems with it. My only criticism is when it selects 1st gear from 2nd there is such a jump in ratios. Who so ever says the gear changes are lumpy/jumpy either hasn't driven one or not for any time. I am given to believe there is a certain amount of 'computer adjustment to driver' involved but once this has sorted itself all is well. The flappy paddles can induce a bit of a snatch but if you just let the car get on with it my Jazz gear change is very smooth and the delay is minimal. After 3 previous cars with  auto boxes I honestly don't think there is much in it.
Unless the previous owner has balanced the car on the throttle at traffic lights having a manual box with a little man changing gear for you should alleviate any concerns there. Mind you if this is done with a straight manual a clutch will suffer.  Good hunting

[Kenneve]

I think possibly 'Jazzway' has answered his own question:- "But then, i have never had a Jazz CVT.".
My first Jazz was an I-shift and it nearly put me off the Jazz for life. My main concern was the long time it took to change gear, particularly from 1st to 2nd.
I guess most manual drivers can change gear in less than a second.
Imagine joining a busy main road from a side road. You start off in 1st, get half way across the junction, when all acceleration stops, whilst the the gearbox 'thinks' about changing gear, which I submit, puts you in a very vulnerable position.
Fortunately at the time I had a friend with a new CVT Jazz, and for me the difference was like chalk and cheese, a very smooth take off and no lags in acceleration anywhere.
So, as soon as I had saved up the pennies I swapped to a CVT and have never looked back.

[guest334]

Its all about the condition of the car you have found , drive it if you like it fine, just look around the vehicle are the tyres all the same make in good condition, wiper any splits of missed patches when used, inside free of smells scuffs cig burns, is the jack & tools inside the rear compartment. Does it feel right when you drive for at least 30 mins. As regards the CVT box we have had them since 2002 and not one trouble issue.
If buying from a dealer then you have the upper hand ask for fuel mats and if MOT or similar due within 4/5 month ask for 12 months. Negotiate and then press the salesperson for more discount.
Good luck & let the forum know how you get on