2005 Daihatsu Copen: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Daihatsu Copen?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Daihatsu Copen than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  Daihatsu Copen

  15% All 2005 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.9%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Chassis rust or damage2.6× usual
  Daihatsu Copen

  8.3% All 2005 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2005 Daihatsu Copen MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Daihatsu Copen MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  29% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  22% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Daihatsu Copen

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2005 Daihatsu Copen as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2005 Daihatsu Copen as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?