Used car guide

2005 Daihatsu Copen: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Daihatsu Copens, from 118 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 118 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

118MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
2,700typical miles a year
36%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2005 Daihatsu Copen MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    36% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    31% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    21% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Rust and bodywork
    20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Lights and electrics
    18% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009167Brakes 35%
2008260Brakes 31%
2007232Brakes 36%
2006130Suspension 33%
2004238Suspension 36%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Daihatsu Copens registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score