Daihatsu Copen (2003)
2003 Daihatsu Copen
CarHunch analysed 246 real MOT records for the 2003 Daihatsu Copen. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Daihatsu Copen falls slightly below the UK average with a 77.7% first-time pass rate, and nearly a quarter of vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a genuine concern for safety-minded buyers. This small roadster sits at the lower end of reliability for its age.
At 45,400 miles median mileage, these cars have been driven gently for their age, yet they still average 3.56 failures and 16.3 advisories per test—suggesting age and wear are catching up regardless of low usage. Budget for suspension, brakes, and electrical work before buying, and always get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers the structural integrity and safety systems.
What to check before buying a 2003 Daihatsu Copen
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 22.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Daihatsu Copen
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Daihatsu Copen vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2003 Daihatsu Copen vehicles fall between 35,101 and 57,009 miles.
2003 Daihatsu Copen — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 71 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (39% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2003 Daihatsu Copen
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
60.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
57.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
37.4%
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
-
32.1%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
-
26.3%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
25.5%
Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
-
25.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
24.7%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Daihatsu Copen?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.