2009 Honda Jazz 1.3L Petrol · FE09 UBP

A clean MOT history across the last four test cycles positions this 2009 Honda Jazz as a notably well-maintained example within its age bracket, with the most recent assessment on 1 April 2026 confirming a pass alongside a contemporaneous failure entry that did not record any defects against the vehicle. The absence of advisories at all four consecutive tests is unusual for a seventeen-year-old car and indicates that the consumable components typically flagged at this age such as brake pads, tyres, suspension bushes, and exhaust mounts have either been recently replaced or remain within serviceable limits. While the dual pass-and-fail entries on the same day suggest an immediate retest following a minor rectification, the lack of recorded defects across the board means there is no documented pattern of mechanical deterioration to act as a negotiating point. The overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness rather than decline, though the absence of recorded items does not constitute a guarantee of underlying condition. With 151,930 miles accumulated over seventeen years, the Jazz has averaged around 8,937 miles per year, which is broadly representative for its age and consistent with regular commuter or family use. There are no significant gaps in testing history that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the mileage progression between annual tests appears steady rather than exhibiting any sudden surges or freezes. This kind of consistent running pattern is generally favourable mechanically, as regular use tends to keep seals, gaskets, and drivetrain components lubricated and functioning, while avoiding the corrosion issues that often afflict vehicles left standing. The high overall mileage does, however, place the engine, transmission, and clutch assemblies closer to the upper end of their expected service life for this model, particularly given the Jazz's CVT automatic or manual gearbox variants that are known to require close attention at this odometer reading. For a prospective buyer, the lack of advisory history means the inspection focus shifts to components that commonly fail on high-mileage Honda Jazzes but may not have been flagged if recently replaced. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the rear brake drums and shoes, as these are frequently overlooked but prone to wear on cars exceeding 100,000 miles, often producing a scraping or grinding noise when reversing. Listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, lower arm compliance bushes, or worn front shock absorber top mounts, all known wear items on this platform. Steering should remain precise without vibration through the wheel between 50 and 70 mph, as imbalance in the front pair of tyres or worn front damper units can manifest as a shimmy at speed. Check that the gear selection is smooth in a manual or that the CVT responds without judder or slipping under moderate acceleration, as both transmissions are sensitive to fluid condition at this mileage. Closer inspection should also cover the exhaust system, particularly the front flex joint and centre mounting, which can corrode through on Jazzes of this age and emit a characteristic exhaust ticking or drone under load. Examine the underside and inner arches for any surface corrosion on subframe mounting points and rear axle beam, paying special attention to the front chassis legs where Honda models are known to develop bubbling under the paint. All fluid levels should be checked with the engine warm and level, with attention to any signs of mayonnaise on the oil cap indicating head gasket concerns, though the Jazz i-DSI and i-VTEC engines are generally robust in this respect. Finally, confirm that the recent advisory-free pass aligns with the physical condition of brake discs, which on a sixteen-tonne-mileage car should show a visible lip but no excessive run-out or pulsing under braking. Given the documented track record, the priority is to verify that whatever allowed this Jazz to pass clean has genuinely been attended to rather than the advisories simply not being applied by the tester.