Car Guide and Inspiration Quickie Used Car Review - Honda Jazz (2008-2014)-Cars Blogging

2008-2014 Honda Jazz

The Good: Flexibility in a small package, reliability

The Bad: Firm ride and wind noise intrudes the cabin

The Say: An all around vehicle hampered by imperfections.

Go For: 1.5 V
Avoid: 1.5 V Mugen

Price Range: P350,000-P580,000
Our Rating: ****

Related Review: Used Car Review - Honda Jazz (2008-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Jazz

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2011
2011-2014

Vehicle Overview
The second generation Jazz, which was introduced in August 2008 as a 2009 model locally, offers a longer wheelbase and a wider profile while the cabin gets more larger but trunk space is smaller. This model signaled the drop of the CVT transmission (a conventional automatic was used here, although it was reverted back for the third generation) and the i-DSi engine.

As mentioned earlier, the exterior dimensions grew larger although its height remained the same. The growth in size translated for more space for humans but lost some trunk space. The famed three cargo configuration modes are retained and there is no need to push the front seats forward to give way for the rear headrests, just release the locks and push the seats which results to a flat cargo space.

While the occupants get great visibility, it is still the same old Jazz you got to know which has that easy to drive personality and fun to steer dynamics. Unlike the previous model, this one has an all VTEC technology engine line-up that gives both the 1.3 and 1.5 more grunt. Choosing the 1.3 will require you to push the pedal harder to have decent acceleration and going for the 1.5 doesn't have any drama when accelerating. If you aim for a manual for the 1.5, better luck next time my friend since there is none for this generation.

What Should I Get
You'll mostly encounter two variants during your Jazz search: the S and V. Going for the S gives you the 99hp 1.3 engine, all power features, dual airbags, ABS brakes, CD player with MP3 and auxiliary function, rear wiper, alarm with immobilizer, keyless entry. V models add a 118hp 1.5 engine, side mirror signal repeaters, and folding side mirrors to distinguish from its lowly brother. An update in March 2011 added USB function for all models and for the V these exclusive goodies like fog lamps and paddle shifters. A limited edition V EX was introduced in February 2012 which was imported from Japan (late 2011 saw Honda's plant in Thailand flooded) and has features that aren't available among local models including a cruise control, glovebox cooler, and steering wheel controls. Mugen and Modulo body kits were made as an extra cost option for the V from August (Mugen) and December (Modulo) 2012 respectively

How Much Would It Cost Me
If the previous model was plagued of the CVT issues, fear not as you don't need to worry for one plus keeping this baby is on the average range of rivals. Since this has more power and torque than before plus the rev-happy characteristic of this vehicle means fuel consumption is high. Common problems that this generation of Jazz face include the starter system which makes has the tendency of starting the engine difficult especially when the vehicle is shut down for a short time and a weak alternator.
Watch out for the different recalls which were issued for this vehicle, since you must look out if these were performed, and these include a spring that causes friction resulting to stalling or engine failure (for 1.5 models assembled between August 2008 to April 2010, issued last February 2011) and suspected defect in the driver side airbag's deflator (2009 to 2011 assembled models issued last September 2015 and 2012 to 2014 assembled models issued last March 2016).

Car Guide and Inspiration Recall Alert - Honda Philippines Recalls Select City, CR-V, and Jazz-Cars Blogging

If the two recalls last year which involved nearly every car in Honda's line-up built from 2003 to 2011 due to a suspected defect in the driver's airbag inflator, this time the recall had now included 2012 to 2013 Jazz hatchbacks, 2012 to 2014 City sedans, and 2011 CR-V sport utility vehicles. This voluntary preventive measure campaign aims to remedy this problem before things may arise.

Although no related incidents were reported in the Philippines, this campaign ensures the safety of the owners and to avoid any untoward incidents in the future. Replacement and repair of the affected part will take only one hour free of charge to the customer. Affected owners are advised to contact
their nearest Honda dealer to schedule an appointment.

To check if your vehicle is affected, you may check the vehicle identification number at http://hondaphil.com/news/honda-cars-calls-for-the-owners-of-the-select-2011-2014-jazz-city-and-cr-v-for-preventive-measure-campaign/

To check at other vehicle recalls, go to our comprehensive recall alert page.

Car Guide and Inspiration Recall Alert - Mitsubishi and Honda Recalls-Cars Blogging

With Honda and Mitsubishi issuing vehicle recalls within a span of days, it would be better if they would be published together in one article. The recalls involve Mitsubishi Lancer EX and Evolution models and Honda City and Jazz units for various issues.

MITSUBISHI

A safety inspection campaign was announced for the Lancer Evolution and Lancer EX (those with the 2.0 engines), in which the Mitsubishi Electronic Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS) electronic control unit that are suspected to have improperly manufactured parts which may cause the headlights to turn off and/or the windshield wiper not to operate when the vehicle is in use.

The recall involves six units of 2009 to 2010 Lancer Evolution and 1,825 units of 2009 to 2011 Lancer EX and Ralliart (all 2.0 models) and will take an hour for the inspection and replacement procedure. This fix will not involve any charge for affected customers.

Although no incidents were reported, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation was directed by the Japan HQ for this recall.

To see if your unit is affected, you may check out your vehicle identification number at http://www.mmpc.ph/latestnews/lancer-safety-campaign.html

HONDA

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. had issued a recall for 2,500 units comprising of 2014 to 2015 Honda City and Jazz models for an update which involves the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. This software update will help prevent high stress and for the drive pulley shaft not to be broken so wheel lock wouldn't happen.

The fix costs free and will take 30 minutes. Affected customers are advised to contact their Honda dealer for details.

To check at other vehicle recalls, go to our comprehensive recall alert page.

Car Guide and Inspiration Recall Alert - Honda Philippines Recalls Civic, City, Jazz, and CR-V-Cars Blogging

Last month, Honda had issued a recall involving Accords and Pilots in which it was a preventive measure to avoid any future incident related to a suspected defect in the airbag deflator of the driver side airbag. Now, this preventive measure done voluntarily had also expanded to selected 2007 to 2011 CR-V, 2006 and 2009 to 2012 Jazz, 2006 to 2011 Civic, 2003 to 2011 City, and 2011 to 2012 Insight (2 of them are included, we had no clue who are the owners here). With this involving thousands of units, owners read this one carefully.

Similar to last time's recall, this one involved more popular and mainstream Honda models and with the saying goes that prevention is better than cure, the Japanese brand will make a remedy before things get worse.

Although no incidents related to this issue had been reported yet, Honda's announcement is part of their efforts to ensure the safety of their customers and encourages to bring their units to their nearest dealers for repairs that will take an hour and it is free of charge.

Repairs had started last September 14, 2015, with affected owners being requested to contact their nearest Honda dealership.

To check if your vehicle is affected, you may check the vehicle identification number at http://hondaphil.com/news/preventive-measure-campaign/

To check at other vehicle recalls, go to our comprehensive recall alert page.