2018 Honda Jazz 1.3L Petrol · CT18 FKB

The most recent MOT test on this 2018 Honda Jazz took place on 20 May 2026 and resulted in a Pass, albeit following an earlier failure on the same date which was subsequently rectified. The failure itself was driven by two significant items, a Dangerous defect recorded against the nearside front tyre for tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum, and a Major defect concerning the offside front wiper which was not clearing the windscreen effectively. Both items are now resolved and the vehicle holds a current pass certificate. However, the surrounding advisories warrant close attention. The offside rear tyre was noted as slightly damaged or cracking and perishing, and the nearside rear service brake was recorded as binding but not excessively, an advisory which has also appeared on the 2024 test, suggesting a recurring brake issue rather than a one-off observation. The presence of a child seat preventing full inspection of the adult belt is a procedural note rather than a mechanical defect but should be considered if a thorough seatbelt check is required. Looking at the broader trajectory, the early tests from 2021 through 2023 were entirely clean with no advisories recorded, while the 2024 and 2025 tests began to show tyre deterioration and brake binding advisories. The 2026 test has escalated to a genuine failure, which indicates a worsening rather than improving maintenance trend and reflects the natural wear progression of an ageing vehicle. Recorded mileage stands at 47,504 miles over approximately eight years, equating to roughly 5,938 miles annually. This is a notably low annual figure for a vehicle of this age and suggests either predominantly short-trip urban use or extended periods of standing between drives. Such usage patterns carry distinct mechanical implications. Low-mileage examples commonly suffer from brake disc corrosion due to infrequent use, particularly on the rear axle, which dovetails directly with the recurring advisory concerning nearside rear brake binding. Standing periods also accelerate tyre sidewall perishing through UV exposure and ozone degradation, which aligns with the consistent advisories recorded against multiple tyres over the past three tests. Battery life is frequently compromised on low-use vehicles as the alternator does not have sufficient opportunity to replenish charge lost during standing. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely through use, so time-based servicing is particularly relevant. From a buyer inspection perspective, the recurring nearside rear brake binding advisory should be investigated thoroughly. On a test drive, listen for any dragging or scraping noise from the rear corner, smell for hot brake disc odours following a journey, and verify that the vehicle does not pull noticeably to one side under braking. A binding caliper or seized slider pin is the most likely cause, and although it was deemed not excessive on both occasions, continued use risks premature pad wear, uneven disc corrosion, and reduced fuel economy. The offside rear tyre perishing and the nearside front tyre condition flagged in 2025 warrant a careful physical examination of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, bulging, or dry rot, paying particular attention to the age marking on the sidewall as tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Verify that the front wipers now clear effectively across the full swept area, and inspect the wiper blades for tearing or hardening of the rubber. Given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, several calendar-based service items merit verification before purchase. Confirm that the brake fluid has been changed within the past two years, as moisture absorption reduces boiling point and can compromise stopping performance. Inspect the 12V battery for its manufacturing date stamp and check for signs of slow cranking or voltage drop, as a battery that has sat partially discharged for extended periods may fail without warning. Examine the exhaust system for surface corrosion and check the underbody, particularly the suspension components, rear beam axle bushes, and anti-roll bar links, for any corrosion or perished rubber consistent with eight years of service. Verify the presence of a complete service history with stamps at the correct mileage intervals, and confirm that the timing chain or cam belt has been replaced in line with Honda's published schedule. Finally, ensure the tyre pressure monitoring system warning light, which appeared as an advisory in 2024, has been rectified, as a persistent fault may indicate a sensor battery issue which is common on ageing vehicles.