2012 Honda Jazz 1.3L Petrol · YP12 DVC

The 2012 Honda Jazz most recently passed its MOT on 13 February 2026, subject to three recorded advisories concerning the rear braking system and a near-side rear brake binding issue. Looking back across the available test history, the maintenance trend has been broadly stable, with several clean passes in 2018, 2019, and 2025, but a cluster of advisories appearing in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 related to rear tyre wear, and a fresh set of rear brake concerns emerging at the 2026 test. This pattern suggests the vehicle has been generally well maintained but is beginning to show age-related wear on rear axle components, particularly the brake discs, pads, and possibly the rear caliper or drum mechanism. The absence of any structural or corrosion advisories across the entire MOT history is a positive indicator, as the Honda Jazz is known for robust body integrity, and there are no recorded failures or refusals at any point. With 64,577 miles recorded on a 14-year-old vehicle, the annual average works out at approximately 4,613 miles per year, which is notably low for a car of this age. This usage profile strongly suggests a pattern of light, short journeys and extended periods of standing, possibly with significant gaps between uses. Such low-mileage conditions tend to be less demanding on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch, but they accelerate certain age-related issues. Standing exposure to moisture encourages corrosion on brake discs and callipers, oxidation of exhaust components, and degradation of the 12V battery, while infrequent use prevents the engine and ancillaries from reaching full operating temperature, encouraging moisture accumulation in the oil and potential seal degradation. Given the recurring advisories on both rear tyres wearing down to approximately 3mm in successive tests from 2020 through 2024, the buyer should pay particular attention to the rear axle geometry and suspension condition. Persistent symmetrical or near-symmetrical edge wear on both rear tyres over consecutive tests suggests a possible rear wheel alignment issue, weak or perished rear suspension bushes, or sagging rear coil springs, all of which are plausible on a vehicle of this age. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, and visually inspect the rear tyres for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking, or perishing from age, as tyres over five years old can deteriorate through standing exposure even with adequate tread. The 2026 advisory on rear brake disc pitting and scoring, combined with the rear brake binding concern, points to either corrosion build-up on the discs from infrequent use or a sticking rear brake calliper or brake shoe adjuster mechanism. Symptoms to watch for during a road test include a pulling sensation to one side under braking, juddering through the brake pedal, or excessive heat and smell from one rear wheel after driving, indicating binding friction material. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer of this low-mileage 14-year-old Jazz should carry out several age and usage-appropriate physical checks before purchase. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as old tyres can fail suddenly despite having legal tread depth. Verify the 12V battery condition by checking its manufacturing date stamp and asking when it was last replaced, as batteries beyond five years of age are prone to failure, particularly in vehicles used infrequently. Confirm when the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid were last serviced, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage, with brake fluid being hygroscopic and particularly susceptible to moisture absorption. Examine the underbody, wheel arches, and exhaust system for surface corrosion consistent with age, though the clean MOT history suggests no significant structural issues. Finally, confirm the service book history and ask for evidence of regular cambelt or timing chain inspection intervals if applicable to this engine variant, as well as verifying that all recall work has been completed. A thorough road test covering motorway cruising, urban stop-start driving, and uneven road surfaces will help reveal any underlying issues not yet documented in the MOT record.