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Three Things I Love About Our Red Copen Cero
Our red Copen Cero is a car I could happily keep. From its D-SPORT seat covers to its thoughtful details and hidden chassis upgrades, here are three reasons why.
Six Yellow Copens at Auction: What Would Your Budget Buy?
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.
What Do the Most Expensive Copens in Japan Look Like?
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.
Buying a JDM Copen with an Aftermarket Exhaust: Five Systems Compared
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.
Is a Damaged Copen Really Affordable for Your Project?
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.
We Found 1,099 LA400 Copens in Japan—Which One Would You Choose?
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 Accurate Is the Damage Diagram on a Japanese Auction Sheet?
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.
Auction Copen or Retail Stock: How Much Should You Budget to Import from Japan?
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.
Comparing the Hidden Areas of the Old and New Copen
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.
Thinking of Buying the New Copen? Read This First
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.
Why I Chose the LA400 Copen
When people hear that TR imports UK specialises in the second-generation Daihatsu Copen, they often ask me the same question. "Why the Copen?" It's a fair question. After all, I've owned nine Honda models over the years …
About TR imports UK – Why I Started This Journey
Where It All Began:- People often ask me, "Why is a Japanese person living in the UK restoring and importing Japanese cars?" The answer began long before the TR imports UK existed…
Japanese Day at Brooklands Museum – 20 Cars, Great People and Unexpected Interest in the Copen XPLAY
20 cars from the car club "130R Yokohama GB" were on display - On June 21st, our company-supported car club, "130R Yokohama GB," participated in the "Japanese Day 2026" event hosted by the Brooklands Museum. We are grateful to the organisers …
Club Event Report - JDMJAM 2026
The world is bustling with car events. I feel like gatherings of people, including cyclists and bikers, have increased dramatically, not just cars. Perhaps they've always been popular, but after shrinking due to COVID-19, they're finally returning to their original levels.
Upgrades - Daihatsu Copen Cero (Overview)
Now that we have all four second-generation Daihatsu Copen models in stock and have completed our initial reports, we’re excited to embark on a journey of transformation for our demo car. This first instalment invites you to envision what’s possible.
Club Event Report - JapShow 2026
Last Sunday (May 10, 2026), we exhibited our demo car, a 2015 Daihatsu Copen CERO, at "JapShow 2026" held at Santa Pod Raceway. Our exhibit was shared with 12 cars from members of the car club "130R Yokohama GB," which we support.
Club Event Report - BHP Show 2026
On Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at the Kent Showground, we participated in the BHP Show 2026. That morning, we were worried about the weather, as a powerful rain cloud had just passed over from France, but those…
What is the new Copen?
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."