2016 Honda Jazz 1.3L Petrol · WD65 RNF

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 January 2026 resulted in a Pass, with only one advisory recorded for surface corrosion on the exhaust system. Looking across the four-year MOT history, the overall trajectory is broadly stable but carries a few concerning signs of component degradation that warrant attention. The vehicle has passed every annual test since 2021, but the number of advisories has crept upwards in recent years, particularly around tyres, brake pads, and brake discs. The 2023 failure for an excessively binding nearside rear service brake is notable, as this points to a caliper or hydraulic issue rather than normal wear, and any recurrence should be ruled out. A previous dangerous failure in January 2022 for a bulging nearside rear tyre also underlines the importance of careful tyre inspection, as structural tyre failures can develop without obvious warning before they become critical at speed. At approximately 125,242 miles over a ten-year life, this Honda Jazz is averaging around 12,500 miles per annum, which is considerably higher than typical private-car usage of 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This level of annual mileage means that wear-related components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, brake discs, pads, and drivetrain mounts will have accumulated substantially more fatigue than the odometer figure alone might suggest on a car of this vintage. Conversely, there are no extended gaps between MOT tests that would suggest long periods of standing, which is positive because it reduces the likelihood of seized calipers, deteriorated battery health, and brake disc corrosion from inactivity. However, the higher mileage places greater emphasis on verifying service history stamps, cambelt or chain replacement intervals (Honda chain-driven units still require periodic inspection of tensioners and guides), and the condition of the clutch and gearbox if a manual transmission. Given the recurring advisories around tyre edge wear on both front and rear axles, the vehicle should be inspected for geometry issues, particularly tracking and rear axle alignment, as uneven shoulder wear that returns on multiple tyres over consecutive tests is often a sign of misalignment rather than just driving style. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes, drop links, or strut top mounts, all common at this mileage on the Jazz platform. Pay particular attention to brake feel, checking for any pulling to one side under steady braking, a soft or spongy pedal, or any residual binding that suggests the nearside rear caliper issue has reappeared, perhaps through a sticking slider or perished guide pin boot. The brake discs were previously noted as pitted or scored on the nearside front, and at this mileage replacement is a reasonable expectation on the test route, so verify the condition by feeling for shudder through the steering wheel under firm braking from speed. Beyond the recorded defects, a ten-year-old Jazz with this mileage warrants several age- and use-appropriate physical checks regardless of its clean MOT history. Inspect the sidewalls of all four tyres closely for cracking, perishing, or brittleness, which occurs independently of tread depth and can lead to sudden failure even where tread remains legal, particularly on a vehicle kept predominantly outdoors. Examine the exhaust system, especially given the noted surface corrosion, looking for any perforation, broken hangers, or failing flexible joints that could worsen quickly through winter road salt exposure. Check the 12V battery health, as units beyond five years of service often show reduced cranking performance, particularly on short urban journeys. Finally, confirm that brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid have been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage intervals, because fluid degradation from age and moisture absorption can compromise braking and cooling performance long before the mechanical components themselves wear out, and a full service history verifying these items will materially affect residual value.