New and need advice please

Hello
If its from 2003 it might be one of the first, definitely a 660cc turbo that needs and oil change evers 3000 miles or half year.
You can get most parts one way or another, but some come with quite a steep price. Regular service parts are cheap!
If you decide on a Copen, make sure to check it for rust on the wheel arches, undercarriage and boot floor (underneath the carpet)

 

I just had to look up where guernsey is, well, good luck

 

Hi Emma,

As a long time admirer, short time owner of a 659cc Copen I can vouch for it being a truly wonderful little car. I wouldn't see why anyone would consider it a no no, some people (like me) prefer it over the 1300.

According to the Workshop Maintenance Manual, the 659cc requires:

• an oil change every 3000 miles
• an oil filter replacement every 6000 miles

Some owners choose to replace the filter every 3000 miles as well, but Daihatsu requires only the oil to be changed, which is pretty easy and not very costly. Replacing the oil filter requires jacking up the car and some fiddling, but is doable as well.
How much do you plan to drive on Guernsey annualy? (since it needs maintenance every 6 months, regardless of milage)

All in all, the 659 is a different kind of animal from the 1300, but in my opinion still a great, reliable and fun car.

Off-topic: driving a Copen on Guernsey sounds absolutely thrilling!

 

The 1.3 and the 0.6 are basically identical apart from the engine.
Just draining the oil is very easy, you just need to undo one bolt. Changing the filter is a bit complicated on the 0.6, whereas its a 20 second job on the 1.3.
If you do the work yourself, it should cost you around 20 quid
In Germany spare parts are guaranteed until 2028; i don't know about other countries, but it should be the same. There is no Daihatsu dealer in Guernsey, so it might become problematic (but not impossible) sourcing them - regardless which model you choose.

However, it is advisable to have some knowledge of cars if you want a Copen, they need a little bit more care, especially when it comes to rust

 

The 1.3 requires an oil & filter change every 9000 miles.
Of course there are more costs associated with car ownership than just oil, or maintenance for that matter.
It's worth pointing out that Daihatsu's are among the world's most reliable cars, and, regardless of your choice of Engine, you're in for extremely low costs of ownership, compared to comparable cars.

 

Hi Emma123

The Copen has so much character which is missing from so many modern cars. Its small and cute and it fits everywhere! I would recommend paying a bit extra for a car which has been looked after by an enthusiast. This will make sure that they have looked after it. From my experience the two things which you will have to contend with is rust/corrosion and water ingress. I have met many owners of these little marvels and no matter how careful you are with them, you will have some sort of corrosion to deal with and water entering the boot or cabin no mater how careful you are with them.

The key is to look after them and do the preventative work and minimise these issues from getting out of control. Corrosion is well documented on this site and elsewhere and ways of preventing and slowing it down. As for water entering the car, I have owned many convertibles and all of them is some form or another would let in water especially living in the UK. I have just accept this as normal. Saying that I have owned normal hatchbacks which let in water and or had rust spots.

For sure, driving and owning the Copen will bring so much joy and a big smile to your face and others!

 

I've sent you a message, Emma.

 

Hey Salieri if you are living in West Midlands UK then you can finds scrap car parts Birmingham at Tyseley Vehicle Breakers.

 

Nice covert advertising, but I live in Germany

 

When I looked at their site listing they had no Copen parts at all.