2005 Jazz VTI ride

[chrismah]

Hi 'I'm looking at a used Jazz MY05, manual, first purchased in Aug 2005.

Can anyone tell me if there are any issues with this model that I need to be aware of?

I have had a test drive, and the ride seemed to be a bit hard to me, but not sure if it was just because I'm used to my Civic automatic.

Thanks,

Chris

[kongfu]

if you are not confident, you can always do a RACV pre-purchase mechanic inspection.

[blahZ]

Why not vtis?

[chrismah]

Good idea - i intend to have an RAA check.

I loved my Civic, but I'm not familiar with the Jazz yet. Apart from the somewhat rough ride, I thought it was a great little car for its age. Thought it might be a typical feature of the model.

Havent come across any VTIs as yet - are they better? If so, why? Probably a stupid question, but if you dont ask !

C

[Artie]

Vti & Vti-s are different in appearance only. They both have the same running gear. The only usable feature that the Vti misses out on are fog lights. I guess you could argue that the bigger alloys and lower profile tyres on the Vti-s might give it a handling advantage. All other differences are cosmetic only.

There really aren't any common issues with these cars in manual form. Early versions were going through rear wheel bearings prematurely but that's about it. Just do the usual checks that you would do with any car. Look for service history and poorly repaired accident damage. One of the major complaints about the GD Jazz when it was released in 2002 was that the ride was hard but some (including myself) like it like that.

Just be aware that the Jazz can be a bit of a slouch when driven normally. It really does come alive though in the higher rev range. Pushing it past 3500 revs is where you need to be if you want it to get up and go.

Good luck with your purchase.

Cheers
Artie

[chrismah]

Thanks Artie thats helpful. Chris

[08ESE]

check the channels in the roof where they end near the hatch for cracks, water gets in here and rusts out near the body side of the hatch struts and also the spare wheel well. check the spare wheel well for signs of water / rust. Take the spare out and look too, if its been wet in there the bracket that the spare screws to will rust, mine has, and so has my sisters.

use some neutral cure ( NOT acetic cure ) silicone on these cracks in the roof to stop it from happening.

if its a manual, listen for a difference in the sound of the gearbox with the clutch in and with it out, the carrier bearings in the gearboxes are prone to dying and making a noise. had mine repaired at 60 thou kays and now at 170 thou prob needs it done again.

as mentioned, rear wheel bearings can get noisy, and there can be a noise from the gearbox while on a smooth road at a constant speed like a whoom whoom noise, mine has done it from new and my sisters does it too, not sure what the hell it is, but it doesnt seem to hurt.

mines now got 170+ thousand on it and it been treated BADLY, no other car treated this bad, would still be this good!! the 1.3 has been thrashed to death, and still does not use a drop of oil or water. it has a leaky rear main seal, but has done from new.

i was considering buying one of the new limited edition japanese Vibes coming in feb, but it looks like ill give old faithful (02 gli) a freshen up.