Just stopping in to say hello. Test drove a Copen on Saturday and very close to going for it, just need to check the service history and a few pointers. I'm sure I'll be spending quite a bit of time here! It's great that communities like this exist for cars!
Any opinions? Hello there and hi Adam. Adam has been really helpful on copenownersclub, but I believe that site is on the way out, so I'm reposting here for any input you might be able to give. I've been looking at an 04, low mileage copen for the past few weeks and I got The AA to perform an inspection on it. There were a couple of advisories on the last MOT which haven't been fixed, but also a problem with the aircon has been noted. Here's some edited highlights of the report. Essential Repairs to be fixed before purchase • Front windscreen wiper blades noisy operation. • Minor areas of corrosion to offside sill step and offside rear wheel arch. Smart (localised) paint repairs may be possible. • Air conditioning does not provide sufficient drop in temperature. Test system for leaks and repair as necessary, service and anti-bacterial treatment required. • Oil leak around engine sump. • Oil leak around gearbox/final drive unit. • Squeak evident from clutch pedal mechanism when pedal is depressed. Advisable • Paintwork - Dull finish to paintwork/lacquer around wings/wheel arches. Re-polish paintwork as required. Any thoughts would be welcomed
Your right about the Copen Owners site. There dosen't seem to be any active moderators any more. The car sounds pretty good from the report. Some simple things to fix like wiper blades. Air-con recharge. Clutch pedal may need greasing. I would insist that the oil leaks are repaired if you were to buy the car. The car needs a good moping with a polisher. The only issue are the rust patches. Will they repair them? Or use it as a point for price negotiation. Especially as he recently put the price up!
Are aircon recharges costly? I do some work for a car valeting company, so I'll get them to give it the gold treatment. When I spoke to the AA guy he implied that they were small blemishes, which just needed a dab of paint on them. I'm crap at negotiating, but I'll call them today and say that I'll take the car providing they fix the oil leaks. How can I tell this has been done though? Ask for a certificate of works? On a lighter note, he said that the oil was fairly clean and front disks had been done.
Air-Con recharge/service will cost you £50. You could park the car with a piece of card board under it. If oil drips on it overnight, they haven't fixed the problem. Good luck with the deal & welcome to Copen ownership.
Thanks Adam! Fingers crossed. One question (I was going to say last, but probably not!). If it's not blowing cold on the Air Con, could that mean it's knackered? I've never had aircon before so I can live without it for a bit anyway. Also, the AA guy said on the phone that it would be advisable to get the underside of the car "treated" would I get this done at a garage or a car detailer?
Air con systems need to be re-gassed every couple of years. There is oil in the system that keeps the compressor lubricated. If the gas is low the system will not put out cold air. Or the system will not work at all. Re-gassing puts fresh oil into the system & new gas. Air con works on heat too. It's very useful in the winter as it clears the window a lot quicker than just the fan alone. You can rust protect yourself if you have access to some axle stands, a socket set & screw drivers. See here: http://forums.copenworld.com/showthread.php?t=535 Failing that you can get a company to do it for you. http://www.rustmaster.co.uk/?gclid=CLrtmc_nzKwCFYYPfAodCU11qQ
Spot on as usual. No access to anything apart from a side of the road parking space! Knutsford isn't that far from me, so I reckon I'll look into that if I get the car.
dwayner most of those things you mentioned seem small. wiper blades are very cheap - so are the other things, oil leaks are something else though. I was reading one entry that air conditioning recharging every 2 years, Well, if you use your airconditioning a lot more often - say twice a week, then you shouldnt need to recharge ever! The reason you have to recharge, is when the airconditioning isnt being used, the seals thrink, and aircon gas escapes (for want of a better description) I have had my copen since 203 - and never had it charged up. its a case of use it often, or lose it.
Congratulations! Picking it up next weekend? The first thing I'd buy is something for the car, like a new set of mats or shiney step guards. Here's the link to the accessories. http://forums.copenworld.com/showthread.php?t=588
I was watching those mats too. . Messed up my bid at the end & lost out. Hope the weathers going to be nice for you. Remember, if it's not raining the roof should be in the boot. Take a scarf, glooves & a good wooly hat. Have Fun.
Back in my Cappuccino ownership days I found a company that had the mat pattern & would stitch in the logo onto the mat. The result was a copy of the original accessory. It wasn't cheap though. They cost £75 + £7 postage. I'll see if I can find the dealer, they could make mats almost identical to the ones that were just on ebay. I would try your nearest daihatsu dealer first, see if they have any of the original mat accessories left. These are available: http://daihatsu-copen.sgpetch.co.uk...gory=ROOT-interior/accessory=Car+Mats/id=8416
Thanks Adam, not too sure on those checkered ones! I'll call the local dealer, I think there's one in Crewe, though I don't know why they are Daihatsu, I never see anything but other makes of used car there.
Yeah those mats aren't the best. Daihatsu have officially pulled out of Europe for car sales. Poor exchange rate from Yen to Pound. Spares will still be supported. So any old Daihatsu dealer should still be able to get you parts. Failing that you can try a Toyota dealer. You'll notice if you look close that the Toyota name is on the middle brake light on the boot lid.
This is the company that did my mats for the Cappuccino. I checked again, they were only £65 not £75. Still pricey, but very good quality. http://www.autostyle.co.uk/ They don't list the Copen though. These are the mats they made for me. There are "tailoured mats" on ebay £20-£35.
