DAIHATSU COPEN (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 466 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1298cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1298cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the DAIHATSU brand average of 71%.
At 18 years old, 83% of DAIHATSU COPENs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 466 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 56,910 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
56,910
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 DAIHATSU COPEN has 56,910 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2009 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2008 sits between the two at 83%.
DAIHATSU COPEN by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 DAIHATSU COPEN
The 2008 DAIHATSU COPEN is a small family car with a 1298cc petrol engine. 466 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 56,910 miles at 18 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.
2008 DAIHATSU COPEN Fuel Costs
The 1298cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 DAIHATSU COPEN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2008 DAIHATSU COPEN
At 18 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 DAIHATSU COPEN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2008 DAIHATSU COPEN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAIHATSU COPEN(2008) | 83% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£290 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Daihatsu Models
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2010 · 1398cc Petrol
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