Japan’s “0% duty” headlines can mislead buyers. We explain what CEPA means for used cars and replacement parts—and why the saving is not automatic.

Before searching Japan for your Copen, decide what you want to receive in Britain. Our blue Robe S shows how repairs, preparation and equipment shape the finished car—and your total budget.

Six yellow Copens, three interior choices and hammer prices from ¥690,000 to ¥1,600,000. We read each auction sheet to help you decide what belongs on your shortlist—and in your import budget.

Why are some Daihatsu Copens advertised for nearly ¥3 million in Japan? We explore nine customised, limited-edition and exceptionally preserved examples—and consider whether importing the finished car or building your own in Britain makes more sense.

Five of our LA400 Copens came with five different exhaust systems. We listen to each one and ask when a branded exhaust already fitted in Japan is genuinely worth paying more for.

Repair history, an R auction grade or an unrepaired accident car: which route makes a Copen genuinely affordable? We compare prices in Japan and Britain.

Robe, Cero, XPLAY or GR Sport? We walk through 1,099 Japanese retail listings, one choice at a time, until the Copen you want begins to take shape.

How much can an auction sheet really tell you about a car’s condition? Using our 3.5C-rated Copen Cero, we compare the original damage diagram with the defects later found—and the true cost of recovering them.

How much should you budget to import an LA400 Copen from Japan? Using rounded auction and retail examples, we explain how to read the prices—and what still has to happen before the car is finished.

We compare the hidden areas of the original Daihatsu Copen and New Copen LA400 to see how their construction affects water ingress, rust and corrosion.

A change in the GBP/JPY exchange rate can add hundreds or even thousands of pounds to a JDM purchase. This guide helps you calculate the risk, find your tolerance and make a clear auction decision.

Thinking about buying the "New Copen" in the UK? This guide explains the four LA400 Copen models, how to plan your budget, and the difference between buying from UK stock and importing from Japan.

Looking for a classic JDM car in English only shows part of the picture. Discover how Japanese specialists, owners' clubs and communities can transform your search—and why modern translation tools make joining the conversation easier than ever.

Why the Search Is Not Always the First Step

Perhaps you have already spent hours searching for a car in Japan. You've searched Japanese classified websites, auction export services, social media and UK importers. You know the model you want.

The fifth piece of the LA400 Copen project, the 2015 Daihatsu Copen ROBE S, has successfully completed its MOT, and the DVLA registration form V55 has been sent out. The logbook will be issued in three weeks, and the license plate number will be determined then.

The final piece of our LA400 project has arrived in the UK: a 2015 Daihatsu Copen Robe S. This vehicle is significant for three reasons. Can you guess what they are? Those who have read our buyer's guide will be familiar with the answers.

What is the new Copen? Today, I'd like to write about the "new Copen." I chose this topic so you can learn more about the "second-generation Copen," which many of you refer to as the "new Copen."

The long-awaited rare model, a khaki-colored Daihatsu Copen XPLAY, arrived last week. We prepared the vehicle for its MOT test and then took it to the local MOT centre. Of course, there are no issues.