DAIHATSU COPEN (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 149 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
149
Avg Mileage
63,167 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the DAIHATSU brand average of 71%.
At 21 years old, 77% of DAIHATSU COPENs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 149 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,167 miles.
How does the 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN has 63,167 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a DAIHATSU COPEN?
The most reliable year is the 2009 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2003 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
DAIHATSU COPEN by Year
Checking a specific DAIHATSU COPEN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN
The 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN is a city car with a 659cc petrol engine. 149 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 63,167 miles at 21 years old, DAIHATSU COPEN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2003 DAIHATSU COPEN Fuel Costs
The modest 659cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
DAIHATSU COPEN Reliability Trend
The DAIHATSU COPEN has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN
At 21 years old, the DAIHATSU COPEN is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 86%.
Alternatives to the 2003 DAIHATSU COPEN
The DAIHATSU COPEN is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- NISSAN MICRA (2005) 72% pass rate (-5%) from 27,370 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2004) 68% pass rate (-9%) from 17,048 tests
- KIA PICANTO (2005) 66% pass rate (-11%) from 6,562 tests
- PEUGEOT 107 (2005) 69% pass rate (-8%) from 3,648 tests