Honda Jazz (1996-2001) Review

Running Costs

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We don't know yet how the UK-spec Jazz will be priced, but in Japan, the Fit starts at around £7000 - about what you'd pay for a Daihatsu YRV or Toyota Yaris Verso. Purchase price aside, we'd expect pretty competitive running costs on the Fit/Jazz, thanks to its high-economy engine and Honda's reputation for reliability, backed by one of the longest warranties in the business (three years/90,000 miles). Since the car hasn't even been launched in the UK yet, it's way too early to talk meaningfully about its second-hand performance. However, like most Hondas, the Fit should be a pretty painless and reliable second-hand buy, so long as it has been looked after. Depends on how you look at it. Against the outgoing Logo, which started at a scarcely believable £4600 in Tokyo, the £7000-plus Fit seems a bit of a jump, but then that's the price ballpark for local versions of the Yaris Verso and Mazda Demio. Also, the Fit does offer a lot of bang for your buck, with its fresh, modern design, interior space and state-of-the-art, super-eco engine. Hondas usually command something of a price premium in Europe, however, so the 2002 Jazz is unlikely to be much of a giveaway. Honda's reputation for build quality should go a long way to holding up second-hand values, though, which will help to cushion the financial blow.