Ask an expert

I have been researching cars of late and have liked a Honda Jazz 2012 model. We obviously want something that is going to last, is economical, my wife can drive and for my knees have seating that is higher than the average. I looked at a Ford Fiesta 2012 Model a Mazda 3 and a Ford Focus. What should I be aware of with the Honda Jazz.

These are all good cars, the Mazda3 and Ford Focus being bigger than the Fiesta or Jazz. In reply to your specific question, there's nothing really to be aware of with the 2012 Honda Jazz. Earlier Honda Jazz models had a CVT transmission which was known to give trouble and be expensive to repair. To overcome the problems, Honda have reverted to the old 4 speed automatic, which has been reliable. If there's a slight down side, 4 speed autos tend to be less fuel efficient. Otherwise, it's a good car with plenty of space.

Thanks for the prompt answer. Would I be better to try for a late model Focus or Mazda 3. Fuel economy is something dear to my heart, I was gifted a Nissan Maxima and so I sold my 1997 270,000 km Toyota Corolla GLXI to my son. The Maxima drinks the fuel in comparison to the Corolla.

Not necessarily. The Jazz will not be anywhere near as thirsty as a Maxima.
Honda quotes 6.7L/100km for a Jazz Sport Auto. While you may not quite achieve that figure in real world conditions, it should still be somewhere in the 7's, which is still not bad and within a similar range as the other cars you mention.
My comment was more based on the fact that the latest Jazz is perhaps not quite as frugal as the previous model - something we find strange in this era when manufacturers are all striving for better fuel economy.

OK, thanks very much.