What Car? Used Car of the Year - Superminis

Honda Jazz 1.4 SE
Price from £5000 Year '02/02

The Honda Jazz is a formidable car. It's practical, cost-effective, very reliable and even quite cute.

We're not big fans of the slightly firm ride, but it won't bother most people - owners certainly haven't complained so far.

In fact, their high ratings have twice put the Jazz in top spot in the JD Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Owners don't get rid of their cars in a hurry, either, so it's taken a while for decent numbers to come onto the used market.

However, six years after the Jazz was launched, there's now a good pool of cars to choose from, so you're more likely to find the colour you want.

Prices have been slow to come down, though. Dealers discounted very little when the car was new and, because most models stayed within the dealer network, prices remained high.

That said, while values should remain strong in the future, you can get a good 2002 1.4 SE for around £5000. Honda dealers still have much of the stock, but older cars like our 02-plated choice should be more widely available.

Mini outside, maxi inside
As well as buying into high-quality Honda peace-of-mind, you'll also be snapping up a supermini that has enough space to make a small family car blush.

The boot is big, while the flip-up rear seat is easy to use and adds another storage option in the cabin.

The 1.4-litre engine is peppy and economical, and the steering, gearbox, clutch and other controls are easy to operate.

You might consider the 1.2-litre version - it isn't much slower, although it doesn't come with the option of air-conditioning, which the 1.4-litre has as standard. It's a later addition to the range, too, so it's harder to find.

Buyer's Guide
Power: 82bhp
Fuel economy: 50mpg (average)
Depreciation: 51%
Insurance: Group 3
CO2 g/km: 137
NCAP rating: 4 stars
Reliability rating: 4/5
Service intervals: 12,000 miles

Also consider...

Under £4000
Fiat Punto 1.2 Active 3dr
'03/03 £3000

Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 Club 3dr
'01/X £2500

£4000-£6000
Toyota Yaris 1.0 T2 3dr
'03/53 £4500

Up to £6000
Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec Climate 5dr
'05/55 £6000

Over £6000
Mini Cooper Chilli
'02/02 £8000