I come back to France with my 2007 1.3 copen. Good points : the bodyworck is clean and the engine seems good. Sad points the substructure is covered with rust (but it is not deep) and the iron front part of the engine block too (lot of rust). I will use phophoric acid. The millage is 76000, should I have to change the chain belt ? Is the 1.3 a non-interference engine? I don't like the 15'' weels ( very uncomfortable) what size and tires can i use? Thanks Jérôme
Hi @Goulet, welcome to the forum. I understand what you are saying about the uncomfortable ride, but you have to look at it as a very sporty, responsive car that is not meant to be a smooth rider. They certainly are not and that's something that you get used to. In my experience you would need to replace quite a few things to make the ride smoother but at the cost of jeopardising the feel of it. Replacing the rims and tyres would not make a vast difference and you'd be modifying the car (check with insurer, and MOT if this can be done first without further implications). I'm looking to buy a LHD Copen myself in the near future, how did you find yours?
Hi, thanks for answer. I have yet a very sporty car (MR2 turbo MK2), me and particularly my wife will drive the Copen quietly. I read that the first 0.65 turbo could be equipped with 14'' wheels. My Copen is RHD (like my MR2) and I found it in England. Concerning the chain belt it seems that as long as it does not make noise, I can keep it.
I've got 14" wheels on mine and to be honest they don't make much difference to the ride. Smooths out some of the road chatter but anything bigger than a pebble and you'll feel it still.
I put these wheels 5,5x14 / 35 / 165x60 . Result : better handling (on country road), better comfort and better look. Now I'm happy.
