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Its time to replace our run-about. Looking for something small but with a reasonable boot. We have a camper/weekend car so don't need masses of space but it would still be nice to get the bikes or other larger kit in sometimes. Had a look at a Honda Jazz at it seems about perfect size wise, outside and in. The seats folded flat are pretty nifty. Struggling to find one at a reasonable price, though. I expect we'll run it into the ground so don't really care about re-sale. What else out there should we be looking out for? Nissan Note seems OK, maybe a Colt? Anything from the less popular brands? Or does it have to be the Jazz?
I hate the Jizz with a vengeance.
We run Skoda Fabias, I can get bikes in easily with both wheels off. I do have a towbar bike rack, though, which is preferable. Cheap and reliable.
+1 for the fabia. Absolutely could not recommend enough.
I had a Colt hire-car once. It was pretty dreadful in every aspect, seating position, comfort, power, handling, not very economical etc.
Handing it back at Cork airport was a pleasure.
Toyota Yaris Verso, pre 2003. Bike goes in whole or you can get 3 bikes in upright with front wheels off and 3 adults. Jeremy Clarkson once describe them as being 'the sort of car you drive whilst you wait to die' and there is no doubting their total lack of cool but as a small lugger I can't fault mine.
I've recommended the Jazz to two sets of people (in laws and a previous boss), both to be used as practical run around 2nd cars
In both cases they love it
It's not a fun car, but it's a good one
The Jazz is awesums! 1.4 vtec engine - that revs hysterically like a motorbike if you want it to - great steering feedback and handling - for something that shouldn't do that - plenty of space - loads of doors. Honda bulletproofness.
Can't go wrong I'd say..
another fabia fan here.
Jazz is a big practical sized car for the physical dimensions. Dull as, but very practical.
All those saying the Fabia, you may as well look at the Seat too, as same car but cheaper
[quote=FunkyDunc said]All those saying the Fabia, you may as well look at the Seat too, as same car but cheaper
The Ibiza is similar but not, it's considerably less spacious than a Fabia or Jazz which limits its practicality. It has a much better driving position though, good and low. Which, if you're looking at Jazzes, you may not care about. They are about the same price as a Fabia but certainly look better.
@no-eyed-deer - Honda cut the Jazz engine in half and put it in a motorbike - NC700 series
Jazz owner here - Can get 2 bikes in standing up, front wheels off and seatposts dropped (or out) with back tyres just poking through the gap between the front seats. Interior space given the actual size is phenomal.
1.4 engine's peppy enough and decent mpg (45-50 on a run). Stereo's not bad either.
Plus if you're buying second-hand you'll benefit from the one-careful owner middle-class OAP fully-serviced mentality.
Plus if you're buying second-hand you'll benefit from the one-careful owner middle-class OAP fully-serviced mentality.
Are they the same ones that don't have peripheral vision so constantly bang the car over kerbs, have no understand that cars have gears and do not need to be driven round in 1st gear everywhere, and ride the clutch all the time. The brakes will be fine though because they will have used the gears to slow the car down, as back in the day car brakes were rubbish. 😆
I had an old Jazz on holiday once as a hire car. It was quite fun, roomy and comfortable. It was a CVT Auto which was a bit rubbish but still, I'd definitely have one if I was after that sort of car.
Jazz has a reputation for needing very little done on MOTs, great cars to buy in the ~£2k second hand market.
Have a look at the Civic too, more for your money in many ways, and a very practical interior too
(I do have one for sale, but the practicality was a big draw which is one the reasons we went for it)
Older Civic will run for years and is a nicer place to be than a Jizz. Based on driving a Civic day to day and getting Jizz courtesy cars from Honda.
We love our '07 Jazz, which was almost the last of the old shape. It had a service recently and the loaner was a current generation Jazz, not as spacious and less fun to drive, "spongy" was my wife's verdict.
My MiL has a Jazz, bought new in '06 and has never ever given her any problems. For what they are, they're excellent cars.
I had a Jazz as a courtesy car once. If you can get over the OAP optics, horrible interior quality and bendy steering wheel then it's a great little car - very spacious given the size and actually handles quite nicely.
We had an 08 Jazz from new for 8 years. Rear seats are very clever. Gave us no trouble at all. Transported kids/dogs/etc needing nothing but services and tyres. Never had bikes in it tho. Swapped it for a Fabia in March and the Fabia is a far nicer car to drive, and better built as well. Again can't talk about bikes as I'm not allowed to put mine in there!
Another Yaris Verso fan here - bought ours new in 2000 and it simply refuses to die. In for MOT at the end of the week, but expect it'll be like previous years it'll sail through. It's a brilliant bike and dog mobile with the rear seats living permanently under the floor. Ugly as sin, so no worries about theft but still see a surprising number of them still around.
I have a Colt (of the CZT "Sporty" variety) 0-60 in 7.2 seconds. Pretty pokey.
The engine is good. The rest of the car built around it is cheap and a bit nasty. After 6 years of ownership I have little love for this car and I won't be getting another Mitsubishi in my lifetime, frankly.
If it's not the CZT or Ralliart you're considering, then definitely look elsewhere.