2009 Honda Jazz 1.3L Petrol · FE09 DFV

The most recent MOT on 20 January 2026 was passed, with only a minor fault to the off‑side windscreen wiper blade and advisories concerning the condition of the rear tyres and the rear brake discs. Over the last four years the vehicle has shown a mixed record – two outright failures in 2022 and 2024 for anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust‑cover deterioration and lamp failures, and a series of tyre‑perishing advisories each year. Although the latest test cleared the car, the persistence of tyre and rear‑disc advisories indicates that the underlying condition has not fully improved, but the pattern of passing after remedial work suggests a generally stable maintenance approach with recurring age‑related wear items. At 91 022 miles recorded in September 2026 the 2009 Honda Jazz averages roughly 5 350 miles per annum, which is well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles per year. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be advantageous for engine wear but can allow rubber, seals and metal components to degrade through ageing rather than mileage. The modest mileage means that consumables such as clutch, gearbox and engine internals are likely to be in good condition, yet the vehicle’s age means that corrosion, tyre perishing and fluid oxidation are probable concerns that merit close inspection. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile examination. Look for side‑wall cracks, dry rot, bulges or any loss of tread uniformity, especially on the rear off‑side and near‑side tyres which have been repeatedly flagged. Measure tread depth to ensure it exceeds 1.6 mm and assess whether the tyres are of the same brand and specification. During a test drive, listen for thudding or vibration that could indicate a tyre that is losing structural integrity. The rear brake discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored; verify disc thickness with a micrometer or have a garage check it, and feel for any pulsation or shudder through the pedal when braking, which would signal the need for disc resurfacing or replacement. The anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust cover on the near‑side front has failed on several occasions; inspect the ball joint and dust cover for excessive play, corrosion or missing seals, and be alert for clunking noises over bumps that would denote a deteriorated bush or joint. Given the vehicle’s seventeen‑year age, time‑based maintenance is as important as mileage‑based wear. Test the 12 V battery voltage and check for signs of sulphation or case cracking, especially if the car has spent long periods idle. Confirm that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – old fluids can become acidic and cause internal corrosion. Examine the suspension components, particularly the front coil springs, lower control arm bushes and anti‑roll‑bar links, for rust, cracked rubber or loosened bolts, as standing can accelerate corrosion. Inspect the exhaust system for rust perforations and ensure the catalytic converter is intact. Finally, verify that the service book contains regular entries and that any major items such as timing‑belt or chain replacement have been recorded, as this will give confidence that the car has been looked after despite its low mileage.