Daihatsu Copen L880K
Import a Daihatsu Copen (L880K) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 2002–2012
- Engine
- JB-DET 659 cc turbo four, front-wheel drive
About the L880K
The first Copen went on sale on 19 June 2002, and production ended in August 2012. It is a kei roadster with the JB-DET 659 cc four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo, rated at 64 PS at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm, driving the front wheels, and a folding hard top.
Special editions include the 2nd Anniversary Edition, the Ultimate Edition with Bilstein dampers and BBS wheels, and the 10th Anniversary Edition of April 2012.
The Copen grew from the KOPEN concept shown at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. Daihatsu assembled it at its Ikeda head-office plant in a dedicated Expert Center, where skilled workers did the final adjustments by hand. It was also exported: sales began in the UK and Australia in July 2003, and Japanese Wikipedia records 2,476 cars for Germany, 401 for Australia and 272 for the Netherlands.
- Power
- 64 PS at 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 110 Nm (11.2 kgm) at 3,200 rpm
- Weight
- 800–840 kg
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto
- Drive
- Front-wheel drive
- Built
- 58,496 (Japanese Wikipedia)
Can an L880K come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on an L880K
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Roof
Worth cycling the roof several times and checking the hydraulic pump and rams for leaks.
Seals
Worth checking the boot and roof seals for water leaks.
Turbo
Worth checking the turbo oil seals for smoke.
Rust
Worth checking the rear subframe.
Build month
Eligibility depends on the build month on the plate. Confirm it before ordering.
What we check on every L880K
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What an L880K costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Copen L880K (all 2002–2012 builds), Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥0.67 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| Copen L880K built August 2010–August 2012, Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥1.42 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
L880K buyer questions
Can I import a Copen now?
Into Canada, builds up to about October 2011 qualify in October 2026, and the last 2012 builds follow during 2027. Into the US, the first June 2002 builds become eligible from June 2027. Check the build month on the plate.
Which Copen should I buy?
Early cars are cheapest: Carsensor’s average for the whole run is about ¥0.67 million. Late 2010–2012 builds average about ¥1.42 million. The Ultimate Edition adds Bilstein dampers and BBS wheels and is worth seeking out.
What does the roof cost to fix?
The Active Top uses a hydraulic pump and rams, and leaks or a failing pump are the costly faults. Cycle the roof several times and check for fluid and water leaks before buying. Parts come from Japan.
Want an L880K?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.