2012 Honda Jazz 1.2L Petrol · LP62 EKB

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 August 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the most favourable outcome possible. However, looking at the broader picture, the vehicle has accumulated a noticeable number of advisories and minor defects across successive tests. In 2025, the car received four minor items relating to insecure side repeater lamps and slightly defective headlamp lenses on both sides, alongside an advisory for a slightly distorted nearside front inner road wheel. The 2024 test cycle saw an offside registration plate lamp inoperative on both the failed and re-test entries, plus a nearside front position lamp failure, and in 2023 a major defect was flagged for a perished nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover with an accompanying advisory for worn front brake pads. This is consistent with a vehicle that is otherwise well maintained but is beginning to show its age in terms of plastic and rubber deterioration and consumable wear. With 89,306 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, annual usage works out at roughly 6,379 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a Honda Jazz of this generation. MOT intervals have been consistently annual, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for prolonged periods, and there are no unusual gaps or clusters in the mileage that would suggest clock irregularities or extended storage. Regular driving of this kind is generally beneficial for mechanical longevity as it prevents the issues associated with long-term standing, such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, and flat-spotted tyres. That said, a number of areas warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The 2025 advisory for a distorted nearside front inner road wheel should be examined, as a bent or cracked alloy can lead to steering vibration, uneven tyre wear, and gradual air loss; a thorough check of both front wheels for cracks or buckling is advisable, and the tyres should be inspected for any uneven wear patterns suggesting tracking or suspension issues. The 2023 anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failure should prompt a careful inspection of the front anti-roll bar drop links, ball joints, and bushes for any perished or split boots, with particular attention to any clonks or knocks over speed humps or during direction changes on a test drive. The 2023 advisory on the front brake pads suggests these will likely be due for replacement imminently, so a check of remaining pad material and disc condition, including lipping and surface corrosion, is worthwhile. Brake feel should be tested for any shuddering or pulling to either side under firm application. Given the age and mileage of the vehicle, several additional age-related checks are prudent regardless of the MOT record. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing or cracking from age, as fourteen-year-old rubber compounds harden and lose grip even where tread depth remains adequate. The 12V battery is likely nearing the end of its useful life and should be load-tested if possible. Brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual gearbox oil should be considered for renewal on a calendar basis irrespective of condition, as these fluids degrade chemically over time. The headlamp lenses noted as slightly defective on the 2025 test may have deteriorated further with hazing or UV damage, affecting night-time visibility, and could benefit from restoration or replacement. Finally, with the position and registration plate lamps previously flagged, all exterior lighting should be verified during a walkaround, and the area around the radiator, coolant hoses, and undertray should be inspected for any signs of fluid leaks or corrosion typical of a vehicle that has seen over a decade of UK road use.