Which Jazz? ~$10k

[gilbert]

Jazz-newbie here.

So I'm considering getting a Jazz in the near future as my second car (the other is a kombi campervan). Just not really sure which model or options I should be looking at.. what are your thoughts as to the best car for me?

- Max spend $10k
- Prefer value for money spend even if it means an older car
- No preference for manual or auto: I gather manuals are less troublesome?
- Low fuel consumption would be ideal: Should I be looking at the 1.3L engine?
- Car will be used on winding, hilly roads around Tasmania: Perhaps the 1.5L would be best?
- Storage space is critical, I'll be taking a surfboard with me often

I guess what I'm asking is, for less than $10k, are any particular years or models better than others? Should I be looking for a VTI?

Thinking of something along the lines of a 2008-2009 Jazz VTI with <100,000km on it.
Is there any expensive service at xxxkm which I should be trying to avoid?

Thoughts would be appreciated!

[Jasemas]

Every 80k kms the fuel filter needs to be changed - in tank filter
Every 100k kms the spark plugs need to be done
Other than that. Regular oil changes/filter/air filter changes
I'd get the 1.5 litre and if going with the 5spd auto make sure its been serviced with Genuine Honda ATF & filter change. If not, stay away.

[gilbert]

Cheers for the reply. Any idea of the ballpark costs of these changes (fuel + spark plugs)?

Will focus my effort on a 1.5L engine - auto or manual doesn't worry me but thanks for the tip regarding genuine Honda parts. I imagine these would be recorded in the service book somewhere.

[Jasemas]

Should show up in the logbook if it's been well looked after
Iridium spark plugs will set you back $35 each x 4. Or make a friend with a mechanic or a guy who works in the auto industry
The fuel filter alone is about $100+ for aftermarket. Add a few more $$$ for genuine
Then add some Labour on top. Maybe 3-4 hours.

[gilbert]

Awesome, good info thanks.

In my sort of price range, are any particular years better than others, or just go with the newest?

Are all the 1.5L models VTIs? I'll for sure look for one of these.

[Jasemas]

Well the 2nd gen Jazz 08-13 isn't the newest one
But they're newer than the 1st gen and that's a bonus
And if you're going auto. Then the second gen is another plus.
Though if it bothers you where your car is made. Most 2nd gen Jazz were made in Thailand
except the Jazz vibes which were made in Japan. Due to the Thailand floods
Most Jazz will have the 1.5l engine

[gre03]

doesn't GLI have 1.3 and VTI have 1.5 as indicated by dot above J?

[gre03]

do jazz's still have electric power steering?

i've got 1st gen Jazz from Jap and going strong at 134,000kms

[Jasemas]

do jazz's still have electric power steering?

i've got 1st gen Jazz from Jap and going strong at 134,000kms

I'm pretty sure it was the 1st gen Jazz that had the dots to distinguish each model
The second gen have something similar I guess to gli/vti/vtiL
I'm pretty sure it's still electrical steering.

[Artie]

GD (1st gen) has lowest fuel consumption.

Definately avoid the 1.3 litre (GLi) if you intend to frequently drive on winding, hilly roads.

If you do decide to go with an automatic, go with the GE. The GD is known to have CVT issues. The GE has a conventional 5 speed auto.

A well cared for, low milage, manual, MY06 GD, VTi or VTi-s would be my recommendation and with some of the change you get from your $10,000 you could get an aftermarket cruise control and blutooth.

Cheers
Artie.

[gilbert]

Cheers, useful stuff!
So none of these came standard with cruise control? And it's possible to get it fitted aftermarket? Any idea how much this costs?

And, can all years take roof racks?

[Artie]

I have an aftermarket Command AP60 cruise control fitted to my Jazz. It works fine. I paid $210 for the kit plus $20 for a clutch switch which wasn't in the kit. My brother in law (a mechanic) fitted it which took about 5 hours.