Used Honda Jazz Hatchback 2001 - 2008 reliability review

Name: Used Honda Jazz Hatchback 2001 - 2008
Rating: 4
Author: Stuart Milne

Pricey, but Jazz owners are the most satisfied supermini drivers around

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What should I look for in a used Honda Jazz?

You'll struggle to find a Jazz with any kind of problem, never mind a serious one.

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Check the suspension, though, judging from comments made by owners in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey. Watch, too, for it pulling to the left as a result of being kerbed.

Cars that have spent most of their time in town - an ideal environment for the Jazz - tend to pick up dings and scratches, so inspect the bodywork, wheels and tyres closely. Ensure the door mirrors are undamaged and adjust properly - they're expensive to fix.

City life can also cause the Jazz's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve to get stuck, which can lead to jerky, inconsistent engine response (the EGR takes exhaust gas back to the engine intake system to help improve efficiency). Avoid any that behave like this.

Other than that, a full service history adds reassurance and value to the car when you come to resell it.

Tips & Advice

Check for outstanding recalls

Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy

Choose the right breakdown cover

You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice

Make sure you have warranty cover

New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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