So, after the BMW 740i I've been running just the one car. With a recent promotion to store manager I felt it was time to get my second car back. This time I want to be a bit more sensible so I've gone for something a little different...here's some clues:-

-Japanese

-According to how many left there are 2016 registered in the country and 90 sorned

More clues to follow..I've yet to pick it up so we will see how long you can guess for...:-)

Can I be bothered to trawl through all Japanese models on howmanyleft?  Ahem, no!  :P

Thought I'd start off hard...any more clues and will prob give it away lol!!

So next clue:- it's a convertible but not an MX-5.

Honda S2000?

 

Or just to add maybe a Nissan Figaro?

Edited 2 February, 201511 yr by sigarland1987

I'm thinking Daihatsu Copen.   Never driven one, and always thought they looked funny.  But interesting to see someone buying one.

I'm thinking Daihatsu Copen.   Never driven one, and always thought they looked funny.  But interesting to see someone buying one.

How the hell did you get that from those clues...

lexus sc430

Suzuki cappuccino

How the hell did you get that from those clues...

 

Basically it was the only other Japanese convertible I could think of that isn't an MX5 or an S2000.  Are there any others?  

 

And then I confirmed your numbers on howmanyleft before posting!   :p

Knew I'd make it too easy.

So yes, I am buying a Copen. Always wanted one. Had one on a test drive when I was 18 and again more recently. Funds now permit but I have had trouble finding one. It's down to 3 now...there will be one on my drive by Friday.

Need to buy goodies, so new stereo, speakers and possibly underwear sub are being researched as well as maybe some new wheels. I'm quite excited!!!!

So I haven't even bought the car yet (tomorrow all going to plan) but my first shiny has arrived. Bought a pioneer avh-3600dab for it. Double din DVD, Bluetooth, dab unit. Can't wait to get it in!!

Basically it was the only other Japanese convertible I could think of that isn't an MX5 or an S2000.  Are there any others?  

 

Figaro. Celica. Horrid Lexus things. Micra came as a vert too didn't it?

350 and 370z

On my way to pick it up..hopefully.

OK. So I travelled to prestatyn on the train and bought a Copen.

Good points:-

-its black

-pretty tidy

-powerflow exhaust

-red leather

Bad points

-about 30 miles after picking it up and stopping for food the copen went into limp mode. No turbo but no lights either. Then on the m1 the eml light came on. Private sale so nothing I can really do. I had a good proper test drive before I parted with my cash and all was OK then so I'm hoping its just a sensor as it hadn't been used much. Its been dropped off at a Daihatsu main dealer to be fixed so hopefully all will be OK.

Even with almost zero HP it was still fun to drive with people asking about it when I stopped for breaks.

Love it and the powerflow exhaust was a welcome extra. Oh, and its black!

So even though its broken and still with the dealer (hopefully looking at it tomorrow) I'm still feeling quite positive about it. I love the car and even though it needs a damn good detail I'm looking forward to tinkering with it, if its fixed. I really hope it's nothing major and just a stuck wastegate or something. The buzziness of it when I had it on the test drive and the blip of the dump valve on gear changes was so addictive.

Here's hoping!

Fingers crossed is any easy fix.

Is this the 0.7 turbo or the later 1.3 n/a? I think there's still a fair amount of tuning abilities on these. I think they are cracking cars, always liked the look of them

I went for the 0.7 turbo. Tuning is hard to do as no one in the UK remaps them and all the parts are difficult to get hold of..HKS not mainly but its £££ and it has to be imported.

Turbo has failed apparently..they said the wastegate could have failed but until they get it off they won't know..I'm gutted.

Gutted. Is it a mega £££ job?

 

 

Can't believe we've got this far with no photos?!

Not had a chance to take any. New turbo is £850+vat +fitting..just don't know what to do.

Bit of good news, the guy I bought it from has said he will help pay for the repairs. Not holding my breath but seems a decent guy.

Great choice as I always liked the styling and how compact they were.

 

Bad luck on the turbo though. Just 'one of those things' with a 2nd hand purchase - especially stuff over a certain age. Nice of the seller to try and help out though.