2006 Honda Jazz 1.3L Petrol · DY56 AZP

A twenty-year-old Honda Jazz with 113,746 miles showing on the clock presents an MOT narrative dominated by recurring corrosion advisories on the rear subframe and surrounding structure, alongside persistent front suspension arm bush wear. The most recent test on 31 July 2026 was a pass, but it carries forward advisories for rear subframe corrosion, worn front suspension arm rear bushes on both sides, and thinning rear brake pads. This pattern stretches back through 2025, when identical subframe and front bush advisories were recorded, and into 2024, when the tester noted both side rear vehicle structure corrosion and corroding subframe suspension components. Earlier passes in 2023 and 2022 recorded no defects at all, indicating that the corrosion picture has developed gradually over the last two to three years rather than appearing suddenly. The single failure in this history occurred in November 2020, when an offside rear brake pipe was rejected for excessive corrosion, though the vehicle passed the following day. Against an age of roughly twenty years, the recorded 113,746 miles equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 5,687 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age. Such restrained usage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components but brings its own considerations, as prolonged standing periods can accelerate corrosion on unprotected ferrous components and allow rubber and plastic items to deteriorate from inactivity rather than abrasion. The MOT testing record itself is continuous on an annual cycle from 2020 onwards with no multi-year lay-up gaps, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout, which is consistent with the corrosion pattern being driven more by age and exposure than by outright neglect. There is no evidence of mileage spikes between tests that might indicate a heavy motorway commute followed by light running. For a prospective buyer, the rear subframe and rear structure corrosion should be the primary physical inspection focus. While the advisories specify that rigidity is not significantly reduced at present, subframe corrosion on a Jazz of this age tends to progress around mounting points, suspension link pick-ups, and brake pipe runs, so a close visual examination from underneath with a torch is worthwhile, paying particular attention to the offside rear where the 2020 brake pipe failure originated. The front suspension arm rear bushes flagged in both 2026 and 2025 are worth evaluating on a test drive by driving slowly over a speed bump or uneven surface and listening for clonking or knocking from the front end, as well as feeling for imprecise steering response over undulating roads. A check of brake pedal feel and the rear brake response under firm application is advisable given the 2026 advisory on thinning rear pads and the 2020 brake pipe failure. Additional test drive attention should be directed toward the nearside rear tyre noted in the latest advisory as slightly damaged or cracking, and the inoperative nearside registration plate lamp, both of which are minor but worth confirming have been rectified or priced into any offer. The headlamp lens defects flagged in 2021 did not reappear in later tests, suggesting they were either replaced or no longer considered problematic, though a visual check for lens clouding and MOT-compliant beam pattern remains sensible. Given the recurring corrosion theme, a thorough underbody inspection on a ramp is strongly recommended before purchase, and budgeting for eventual subframe treatment, brake pipe replacement, and front suspension bush renewal would be prudent on a Jazz of this vintage with this documented history.