2011 Honda Jazz 1.2L Petrol · LR61 VRY

The defining mechanical story across this Honda JAZZ's MOT history is a generally clean roadworthiness record undermined by a cluster of recurring chassis and suspension-related advisories, particularly around the rear dampers, anti-roll bar linkages, and braking components. Across eight recorded tests since 2019, the vehicle has passed on every occasion apart from one failure in September 2020, which was attributable solely to defective windscreen wiper blades and was rectified on the same day before the test was re-recorded as a pass. The more telling pattern lies in the advisories: rear shock absorbers were flagged with light oil misting in 2023, front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2022, both front tyres were close to the legal limit in the same year, and the offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover was flagged in 2022 and again in 2025. While none of these items resulted in a test failure, the recurrence of suspension and bushing-related notes suggests that wear in these areas should be monitored closely rather than dismissed as one-off observations. With 104,305 miles recorded over fifteen years, this Jazz has covered approximately 6,950 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of its age. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would imply extended periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests is consistent rather than erratic. That said, the odometer reading places the car firmly in high-mileage territory, and components such as the rear shock absorbers, brake pads, and suspension linkages already showing advisories will inevitably continue to deteriorate at this rate of accumulation. For a buyer, the relevance is that consumable wear items previously flagged are now likely to be approaching or past the point of replacement, and a pre-purchase inspection should pay particular attention to the condition of the rear dampers, front brake discs and pads, and any perished or cracked bushes in the front suspension. A physical inspection and test drive should concentrate on the items previously flagged. For the rear shock absorbers that were noted as misting in 2023, look for any fresh oil residue around the lower seal area and bounce each corner of the car firmly with your body weight, counting the number of oscillations after release — a healthy damper will compress and rebound once and settle, whereas a worn unit will continue to bounce or oscillate multiple times. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, which would indicate the dampers or their upper mountings have deteriorated further. For the front brake system, where pads were flagged as wearing thin in 2022, expect that pads and possibly discs will now require replacement; check for a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal under firm application, which would indicate warped or excessively worn discs, and listen for any grinding or squealing under light braking. Visually inspect the front brake calipers for any signs of binding, uneven pad wear, or corrosion around the slider pins. Regarding the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers that have been flagged on two separate occasions three years apart, the nearside front upper cover was noted as severely deteriorated in 2022 and the offside equivalent in 2025, suggesting an ongoing wear pattern that may now affect both sides. With perished dust covers, contamination of the ball joint is inevitable, accelerating wear in the joint itself. On a test drive, listen for any metallic knocking or clunking from the front end, particularly over speed humps, rough tarmac, or when turning into kerbs at low speed. Steering should feel tight and direct without excess play, and any vagueness on turn-in or clonking through the steering rack would warrant close inspection. Finally, given the headlamp lens defects noted as minor items in the latest test, verify that both headlamps produce an even, symmetrical beam pattern, as condensation behind a degraded lens can reduce night-time visibility and result in a future MOT failure should the condition worsen.