Hello everybody, I'm from Italy and I'm collecting information as I am thinking about buying a Copen 1.3 for weekend touring. I am scouting the web for a good exemplar under 100k km but I suspect many have run more km than it is told... the wheel looks to me more weared than I would expect... or maybe the momo leather isn't that good. In your opinion would be less risky buying a Copen with 2 previous owners, less than 80k km and no maintenance history or a Copen with only 1 owner, almost 160k km and full maintenance history. I don't know what to expect, I still have to examine the cars, I only have some photos. Thank you guys! Andrea Ps: could anybody send me the mainteinance schedule so that I can figure out what is to be done?
Hi Andrea. Your hypothetical is rather difficult to judge without knowing more about the cars. The former is more risky, but if you know the mileage is genuine and the appearance looks genuine (not made up, or "tarted up" as we like to say here in England!), then the former may be a good buy, But if you're not sure, it's best to try and get a mechanic's report done on the cars. This is a good idea with the Copen anyway, with regard to hidden rust in the structure. A car that on the surface appears ok, may be hiding rust that could be trouble down the road.
One of the first things to consider is the availability of spares and service expertise in Italy. Increasingly, new buyers are coming on here with various problems that need specialist help and there are limited ex-Daihatsu dealers around. Service items such as filters, brakes are generally available but things like ABS components and shock absorbers/springs are increasingly rare.
