Owner Review: A daily and a track car in one - My 2003 Honda Jazz GD1

** This article is published on WapCar Community. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://www.wapcar.my/forum

Basic information

2003 Honda Jazz GD1

Reason why I  picked this make & model

• “Upgrade” options - if I am already bored with the L15A1, I have the option for a K-swap
• A sound and safe car
• Practically strong/rigid chassis
• Abundance of parts
• Magic seats [removed now]
• LOADS of space in the boot due to the car's design
• To beat Eric at Sepang Circuit
• Not too costly to maintain

Ultimately, I've gotten my car fixed up enough now and on dyno it is making about 120PS. It's probably good enough to take Eric head-on with his stock-itu-indah M16A Swift. Smiles per mile with the Jazz? Guaranteed.

Car selection process

Some couple of years ago, I was in the market for a used car that could be used for track, daily, as well as a weekend car. All the while, I've had my trusty M600 Myvi, which is still with me today, that I have now given to my partner who uses it to commute to work - pre-Covid that is.

Today, both cars are only driven on weekends, no thanks to the pandemic. Now, that article from Wapcar about having a car during this period makes perfect sense.

In search of the car, I engaged a friend, a good friend, great advisor who doesn't mince or sugarcoat his advice (rolleyes), editor at WapCar, Eric. Also, the father of all racun lah. Noting he already has a Swift, I didn't want to have the same car simply because I want something different but one that can compete with him on the track - in the same category so to say.

So with a mere MYR 20,000 to acquire a shell; several racun and searches on ad listings, some road trips were made to view the 'shortlisted' cars. To share further regarding this process, often finding a used car is tedious because you are to check for a car that has been in an accident, if it had loads of engine or mechanical issues, rust, among many others.

We finally came down to two same make and model and I jumped on getting this little red car - 2003 Honda Jazz GD1, 1339cc i-DSI with a CVT. It wasn't in the best condition, exterior and mechanically (the gearbox). Paint on the left side is oxidized while the right side looks pristine, highly likely to be parked next to a wall. No major rust, neither signs of (major) accidents.

After having acquired the car and registered it under my name, so begins the journey to restoring and getting the car prepped for all the above mentioned reasons (of getting a second car).

I will leave the small bits like tyres, suspensions changed out of this write up to save you the boring part (not that it is interesting to begin with.) I have gotten the engine and gearbox swapped with the 1.5L VTEC (L15A1) and a 5-speed manual transmission, and one main reason was because the CVT has signs of failing already. On paper, Honda claims that the 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine produces 110PS at 5,800 RPM and 143Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM. While I am no expert at 'feeling' these horses, I didn't quite believe the claims as we all know these figures are usually higher than usual.

Ratings

Total Score: 4
Performance: 4.7
Quality & Features: 4
Space: 5
Ride Comfort: 2.5
Fuel Economy: 4
Price & Cost: 4.5

Pros & Cons

Pros

Engine lasts a lifetime, little to no maintenance required, it's a Japanese, duh. Parts are still abundant. Upgrade options such as coilovers are available. Solid chassis, great handling because it's a hatchback. The VTEC engine is extremely reliable thus far.

Cons

The CVT gearbox is total B-S. If you are getting a used car and you had not known how the previous owner took care of the gearbox, be prepared to fork out some money to repair the flywheel when it goes bust, however, with proper care afterwards you SHOULD be fine though don't quote me on that. The i-DSI engine has 8 coil packs, 8 spark plugs, good luck with troubleshooting that engine however.

Summary

Yes if you certainly didn't mind driving a stick in town. With addition that it comes with plenty of space in the back to carry everything and anything you can think possible.

No if you insist on an automatic tranny. But it's your discretion.

📢📢Announcement:

After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!

You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.