2006 Honda Jazz 1.2L Petrol · ML06 NXT

The Honda Jazz presented a PASS at its most recent MOT on 18 November 2025, although the test was preceded by a FAIL the day before on items of clear mechanical relevance. The current pass is accompanied by an advisory for an oil leak described as not excessive, an advisory relating to brake pipework corroded but coated in grease or underseal material, a minor for an offside rear registration plate lamp defect, and an advisory noting underseal treatment to the underbody. The immediately preceding failure cited parking brake efficiency below requirements together with major defects on both front upper strut mount bushes, indicating that significant front suspension work has evidently been carried out to secure the pass. Looking back over the available history, the pattern is not entirely stable; exhaust emissions were a major failure in 2022, followed by recurring drive shaft boot, suspension bush, parking brake and tyre advisories through 2023 and 2024, with the 2025 retest addressing the suspension mounting issues. The trend suggests that the car has needed progressive remedial attention to suspension and braking components but is, on the latest evidence, being kept in a roadworthy condition. With 135,309 miles recorded on a 2006 vehicle, the Jazz has covered approximately 6,765 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for a car of this age. There are no obvious extended gaps in the recorded test history, and mileage appears to have accumulated steadily, implying consistent use rather than long periods of standing. This pattern is favourable in terms of avoiding calendar-related degradation of seals, brakes and tyres, but it does mean that higher-mileage wear items such as suspension bushes, exhaust mounts, engine and gearbox internal components, and clutch may have accrued significant wear. The recurring advisories relating to coil spring corrosion and anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers, combined with the major strut mount defects, suggest that the vehicle is reaching a stage where front suspension refreshment is the expected maintenance rather than an exception. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension, as the upper strut mount bushes on both sides have been flagged as excessively worn. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps, uneven surfaces, or when turning at low speed, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle which is a classic symptom of deteriorated strut top mounts and worn bushes. The nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush was previously flagged as excessively worn and the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover was split, so inspect the nearside front for any evidence of recent renewal or continuing wear. On the test drive, also listen for any rumble or vibration through the steering, particularly when turning, which could indicate renewed drive shaft CV joint deterioration; the nearside outer CV boot has been recorded as split on two separate occasions, and contaminated or perished boots will ultimately lead to joint failure if not replaced. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, it would be wise to budget for a full front suspension refresh including drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, lower arm bushes, and possibly coil springs if corrosion has progressed beyond surface scale. The exhaust system exceeded manufacturer CO limits at the 2022 test and although it passed subsequently, this can be indicative of ageing engine management sensors, a worn catalytic converter, or general combustion chamber carbon build-up at this mileage. Cold-start behaviour, any misfire under load, and the state of the catalytic converter and downstream oxygen sensors should be assessed. The persistent minor oil leak should be monitored by checking the underside after the vehicle has been parked and inspecting the level and condition of the engine oil on the dipstick; fresh leaks may worsen as seals harden with age. The brake system requires careful scrutiny given two parking brake efficiency failures and an advisory on the front to rear brake pipework; on a test drive, check for pull under braking, any grinding or vibration through the pedal, and verify the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline. As this is a twenty-year-old vehicle regardless of mileage, attention should also be given to age-related items not always captured by MOT records, including the condition and state of charge of the 12V battery, the age and clarity of all brake and clutch fluid, the condition of coolant and any evidence of hose weakness, and the integrity of the fuel lines and injector seals. Tyres should be checked closely for sidewall perishing and cracking as the 2023 advisory already noted perished rubber, and the spare wheel or repair kit should be verified for serviceability. Confirm full service history stamps to evidence timely replacement of cambelt, plugs, and fluids appropriate to a high-mileage Honda Jazz of this vintage.