Hi everyone, I was looking at getting my Copen serviced and when I contacted the old Daihatsu dealer in Romford, they said they couldn't do it anymore, because the wheel base is too small so they require a specialist ramp. Anyone know in Essex where I could get it serviced? How have you gone about the situation? Have normal garages been able to help? I'm a new owner of a Copen, so any advice would be great. I have the 0.6 turbo model.
Sounds like they just don't want to be bothered - My local garage (in Birmingham, not Essex sorry) who I've used for various cars over the years got my Copen on their ramp. I also saw it fit over their inspection pit. The only issue that they said they had was that they needed to contact two suppliers to get the all the parts rather than just one, but this wasn't a real problem because they serviced it on the very next day after I called them to find out when they could do it.
Ahh really? Seems like you got a nice friendly garage! I contacted Eddy Grimstead in Romford that used to be a Daihatsu dealer and they really didn't have any options and didn't want the business. Are they complicated engines and require a specialist? I see theres a place in Woodford Green, but not open weekends which is a problem so I really don't want to take a day off work and use annual leave just to get it serviced. Is the garage you use in Birmingham a former Daihatsu dealer?
I bought my car from the ex daihatsu dealer in Woodford Green so I know they definitely do servicing although it would involve you going mid week, it is a bit of a journey but I take mine from South Essex to Cattermoles in Ipswich who are very good and will give you a courtesy car if needed. Otherwise I haven't heard of people having problems with ramps before, it sounds like the garage just didn't want the work.
Ahh, yeah that's the thing if they are not open weekends that really could be inconvenient! But we'll see what I can do from closer garages. I have to admit, they were really helpful in helping me source a part so hopefully they can help me with a few things really. Glad to get a review from another Copen owner though!
They're trustworthy chaps but not an ex-dealer, they advertise as clutch specialists but do servicing and MOTs and I've used them to replace suspension and failed electric window mechanisms on other cars in the past. The Copen engine is Toyota based, they said to me it's straightforward to work on. However, it was a service & MOT I took it in for so although they did the usual stuff (- fluids, filters, plugs, brakes etc.) they did say that they didn't touch the roof. The only issue that came out of the service & MOT was the old spark plugs which looked surprisingly worn, they reckon they had never been changed to be in such a worn state! Good luck with your car, I hope you get a good garage recommendation.
Ahh so it seems the dealer I spoke to didn't want the business? I assumed they would be adjustable. What an odd one!
"plastic pigs" there's a phrase I hadn't heard for a while Mine is serviced by a local independent guy and he has no problems. £110 per service. But in Hampshire, so not near Essex I'm afraid. Do not be tempted to go to Kwikfit, they have been known to try and get people to spend money on stuff that doesn't need doing.
Thanks a lot! I appreciate the help, it's good to hear the stories from other people, it means a lot!
That sounds like a garage to avoid. I service mine myself, but I use believe it or not, Halfords in Chelmsford for my MOT and air con. They've had it up on different ramps a few times, and they are open 7 days a week, although I'd recommend a Saturday rather than a Sunday as they have more staff in. Check reviews on your local halfords, as some branches have been known to be not quite as good. But having grown up around garages, I decent one will be quite enthused to work on something a little bit different.
Alot of places don't want to work on Daihatsu's because its unfamiliar territory. I work on them weekly, and as such know how to find parts for them. I have had other Daihatsu brought to me in bits because the garage it was at couldn't get the parts that were needed. They would probably avoid working on them in the future after the experience. But the garage you are taking about are talking crap, as a copen will fit on every ramp I've seen in the garage industry. People are scared of unusual cars. I love them Bores the pants of me working of Fords, VAG's, Vauhalls, PSA group stuff. Bring me a Toyota, Morgan, Chipper/Shredder, JCB, Jet ski anyday
How hard is it to service yourself? Difficult and long procedure? Really, Halfords never even crossed my mind
I wouldn't bother with Halfords. After just servicing our Copen at the weekend and judging by the state of the plugs (see 'busy day' thread) looking ancient then noticed it was last serviced at Halfords by the previous owner and the mileage dictated it should have had plugs changing then.
