Hi there Just signed up to the site and thought I would say 'hello'! I have my heart set on getting myself a little Copen and have a viewing arranged at the weekend. There is however a little bit of rust/bubbling on the back wheel arch. From doing my research into this it seems to be a common issue and I am now thinking (no doubt against my better judgement) that it doesn't really matter if I buy one with rust now as it is likely to get rust in the future anyway! Plus I really like them But, (sorry, rambling now) can anyone tell me how big an issue the rust on the back wheel arches actually is, and if this is fixable? Thanks Cat
Hi Cat, welcome to the forum. I bought a 54 plate Copen in early November. I then noticed it a couple of rust spots. One on the passengerside rear arch & both front edges of the sills. As it was just outside the corrossion warranty I thought I'd give claiming a go. No luck though as although my car had all the service stamps in the book. It had none for the corrosion checks. So first piece of advise, is the car still under six years old. Check the service book, in the back section under the corrosion checks for dealer stamps. If you have both of these things. Take the car to Daihatsu & get them to fix the rust. You can also claim on corroded alloy wheels. As I said, my car was outside of warranty. So I paid a body repair shop to fix it. They cut in new metal & resprayed the area. They also put some wax-oyl behind the repairs. Plus I got to keep a little pot of left over paint for stone chips. All this work for £415 including VAT. When the weather gets better (read warmer) I'm going to put some Dinitrol cavity wax behind both arches & in the sills. I've already put some Dinitrol under seal in the rear arches. So, If you really like the car. Don't be affraid of the rust. As long as you care for the car by protecting it & repair what rust it has now. You should be fine. It certainly want fall appart & fail it's MOT.
Hi Adam Thank you for the quick response, that's very helpful. The car is 2004 and so I suspect out of the warranty period. It is however being sold at a reduced price compared to others on the market and as such my thoughts were that as the car is a good price I would be happy to pay a bit of extra money on getting the rust patches fixed (and still the price comes out lower than some of the others on the market). So, your advice is very helpful indeed and confirmed my opinioin that if everything else is ok, that I would probably get it and then deal with the rust patches after purchase. Viewing is on Sunday....will keep you posted! Many thanks once again for your advice Cat
Hi, I bought a 54 Copen last April, in October a few tiny bubbles appeared on the rear arches of my Copen suggesting there was some rust building underneath. Local body shop stripped the arches back cleaned out any rust spots and used an anti-rust primer before respraying the arches and lacquering the whole panels, all in cost me £100 and looks as good as new! I then went on to Waxoyle the arches and panels and am trying my best to keep it clean and waxed. Hopefully it won’t come back to soon. The problem i have now is the exhaust needs replacing and I’m in the process of getting quotes. Still, as unpractical as it is i do love driving it! Andrew
Hi, I have a '53 Copen I bought two years ago. Shortly after I got it I noticed there was a tiny bit of rust starting around a stone chip on the rear wheel arch; I asked Chipsaway if they'd sort it out for me, and they made a lovely job of it. I notice it's creeping back this winter, and there's no point in approaching Daihatsu about it as the bodywork section of the log book hasn't been kept up to date and she's out of warranty anyway, so I'll be asking my local village garage, where she goes for all her services etc, to recommend a body shop, and go the same route as smx. Yes, they are unpractical. And expensive, with the 3000 mile oil services. But aren't they great?!
Hi, Have a 57 plate 1.3, which has had all of it's body checks since new, 3 so far, book stamped and tear off sections returned to Daihatsu. Last year I found a little rust under the boot seal (the rubber profile the the boot lid seals too) together with a couple of spots down towards the sills, just by the door hinges. To date nothing around the rear arches, will say that this is probably down to care and attention? - the rear arches do not have Plastic Inner Arches and as such are open to the elements. (the good old Britsh weather) With that said Daihatsu did the lot, no questions, no fuss, car like new! Also, came back with a new set of alloys. So you no, a new set of rear panels on a Copen, supplied and fitted work out a £1,400. (£700 a side) My experience of the 1.3 model, has been good, 16,000 miles to date with no known mechanical issues. Runs well and the performance is a pleasant surprise (please note that I cannot comment with regards to the 660cc turbo, as I have driven this model) Running costs apprear to be quite good - next service due in the spring, which I has been quoted as £208.76 (Daihatsu dealer) £35.30 of which is for the Air Filter?! Hope this helps. Regards. Regards.
Thanks guys That's all really helpful stuff. Seeing one today so will let you know how we get on!!! Many thanks Cat
Hi Everyone, I am also thinking of buying a Copen as I saw one recently and have fallen in love with them. What does everyone think about the 700cc compared to the 1.3l?? Thanks
Hey Sharky, welcome to the forum. I'm a Kei car fan. So I'd go with the 660 every time. It's slower than the 1.3, but it's sure fun reving that 660 turbo!
I would say it depends how you plan to use the car. If you are going to use it for everday use, I would say the 1.3 as the 3000 mile oil change on the 660 could be a pain. Rex.
I bought it!!!! I am now a proud owner of a black copen with red leather interior She looked a little unloved when we viewed her which I think helped with the price negotiations being in our favour, but she was cleaned inside and out as soon as she got home and she is looking really good now. I'm arranging a service this week (service history is perhaps a little negligible - although this has been reflected in the price!) and will also probably spend some money on sorting the small bubbles on the back wheel arches but even with the service and some body work done I think I still got a pretty good deal on the money side. Plus even just a good clean this afternoon and she's looking heaps smarter and nice and shiny! Such a fun car to drive....thoroughily enjoyed my drive home in my new purchase!! Thanks so much for everyone's interest and help. Great forum...will stay in touch...feel part of the 'copen gang' now! Cat Ps - Sharky...mine is a 660 and is really good fun to drive. I did have (well still do actually although now need to sell it) a 2.8 BMW Z3 and I have to say that I loved driving the copen home...in fact I think I prefer it!
