Daihatsu Copen (2006)
2006 Daihatsu Copen
CarHunch analysed 311 real MOT records for the 2006 Daihatsu Copen. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2006 Daihatsu Copen's 76.2% first-time pass rate sits 3.8 points below the UK average, which is a modest shortfall—but the real concern is that 29.3% of these cars have recorded dangerous defects at some point, well above the typical threshold. This is a car that demands scrutiny before purchase, particularly around structural and safety-critical systems.
At 41,100 miles median, these Copens show relatively light use for their age, yet they're still averaging 3.49 failures per test and 17.1 advisories, suggesting age-related wear is catching up regardless of mileage. If you're considering one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on brake systems, suspension geometry, and corrosion in the sills and seams—the advisory count hints at accumulated minor issues that can compound.
What to check before buying a 2006 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.
- ⚠️ 29.3% 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.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (98%) | 305 | 76.1% | 3.54 |
| Other (2%) | 6 | 81.2% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2006 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 2006 Daihatsu Copen vehicles fall between 26,969 and 52,664 miles.
2006 Daihatsu Copen — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 120 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (47% 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 — 2006 Daihatsu Copen
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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55.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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48.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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33.7%
Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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31.2%
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
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27.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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26%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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25.7%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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24%
Oil leak, but not excessive
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2006. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Daihatsu Copen?
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