Can I import a Daihatsu COPEN to Australia?

Yes, you can import a Daihatsu COPEN if it is built from October 2019 onwards. These cars are covered by a SEVS approval for the LA400 chassis code. We confirm the exact car's eligibility before you bid.

Which Daihatsu COPEN models does the SEVS approval cover?

The SEVS approval covers all variants of the LA400 chassis code built from October 2019 onwards. There is no end date for this approval.

What should I check before buying a Daihatsu COPEN at a Japanese auction?

Check the auction sheet for rust and interior grades, verify the odometer against the export certificate, and ensure the build date is from October 2019 or later to meet the SEVS requirements.

What happens after we buy a Daihatsu COPEN for you?

After the auction, we arrange shipping to Australia, handle the compliance process at a RAW workshop, and assist with registration in Queensland so you can drive your new car.

What is a common mechanical issue or watchout for the Daihatsu COPEN?

Wear on the retractable hardtop mechanism — Inspect the roof operation for smooth movement and check the auction sheet for any notes on mechanical issues with the convertible top.

What else should I check on an imported Daihatsu COPEN? (2)

General body rust or corrosion — Review the auction sheet's rust grade and request underbody photos to check for corrosion, especially if the car was from a snowy region.

What else should I check on an imported Daihatsu COPEN? (3)

Odometer accuracy — Cross-reference the odometer reading on the export certificate with the auction sheet and any available service records to ensure consistency.

What else should I check on an imported Daihatsu COPEN? (4)

Suspension and bushing wear — Look for signs of worn suspension components or uneven tyre wear during the physical inspection, as these cars are often driven on varied road surfaces.

What else should I check on an imported Daihatsu COPEN? (5)

Interior condition and wear — Check the auction sheet's interior grade and look for excessive wear on the seats and pedals, which can indicate high mileage or heavy use.

What else should I check on an imported Daihatsu COPEN? (6)

Brake system condition — Inspect the brake discs and pads for wear and check for any leaks or damage during the pre-purchase inspection.

ROVER SEVS verified Live auction data connected

How to import a Daihatsu COPEN to Brisbane

The Daihatsu COPEN is a Japanese two-door convertible kei sports car featuring a retractable hardtop. It suits buyers who want a compact, fun open-top experience for city driving or weekend escapes.

Calculate landed cost Source this vehicle

About the Daihatsu COPEN

The Daihatsu COPEN is a Japanese two-door convertible kei sports car featuring a retractable hardtop. It suits buyers who want a compact, fun open-top experience for city driving or weekend escapes. In Australia, these cars are often enjoyed for their unique styling and manageable size, making them a popular choice for those looking for something different from standard sedans or SUVs.

For compliance, we focus on the LA400 chassis code. The SEVS approval covers all variants of the LA400 built from October 2019 onwards. As of November 2026, this is the primary pathway for importing a newer COPEN. We confirm the exact car's build date and eligibility before you proceed.

We can search the Japanese auctions for a Daihatsu COPEN for you and work out a landed estimate for the exact car before you bid. If you have a specific colour or condition in mind, let us know and we will tailor the search to find the right match for you.

Why import the Daihatsu COPEN to Brisbane & Queensland?

AI-generated insights

A distinctive two-door convertible with a retractable hardtop.

Compact kei car dimensions make it easy to park and manoeuvre in Australian cities.

The LA400 chassis code has a clear SEVS approval pathway for cars built from October 2019.

A fun, lightweight sports car ideal for casual driving and weekend trips.

Unique styling that stands out on the road compared to common Japanese imports.

Live Daihatsu COPEN auctions

Upcoming lots at the Japanese auction houses.

View all upcoming →

TomorrowGrade: 4.5

2019 Daihatsu Copen LA400

48,000 km

Starting bid

~ $6,156 AUD

(¥680,000)

Inspection watchouts & mechanical notes

Commonly reported on the Daihatsu COPEN: worth checking on the auction sheet, the inspection report or the service history before you bid.

Wear on the retractable hardtop mechanism
What to check: Inspect the roof operation for smooth movement and check the auction sheet for any notes on mechanical issues with the convertible top.
General body rust or corrosion
What to check: Review the auction sheet's rust grade and request underbody photos to check for corrosion, especially if the car was from a snowy region.
Odometer accuracy
What to check: Cross-reference the odometer reading on the export certificate with the auction sheet and any available service records to ensure consistency.
Suspension and bushing wear
What to check: Look for signs of worn suspension components or uneven tyre wear during the physical inspection, as these cars are often driven on varied road surfaces.
Interior condition and wear
What to check: Check the auction sheet's interior grade and look for excessive wear on the seats and pedals, which can indicate high mileage or heavy use.
Brake system condition
What to check: Inspect the brake discs and pads for wear and check for any leaks or damage during the pre-purchase inspection.

Estimated landed cost breakdown (Brisbane, QLD)

Expected auction hammer & export docs: Market variable
Shipping (Japan to Brisbane): $4,000 AUD
Port to dealer transport: $250 AUD
Compliance & roadworthy: $1,500 AUD
Rego & stamp duty (approx.): $350 AUD
Import service fee: $1,500 AUD
Est. total drive-away: Contact us for an estimate

At today's rate of ¥110.46 per A$1: the same estimate as the import calculator. Japanese-built cars are generally duty-free under JAEPA. An estimate, not a quote.

Approved SEVS register variants

From the federal ROVER register of published approvals (checked 31/08/2026).

1 approved entry

Chassis code	Variant / spec	Build range	SEV approval
LA400	ALL	10/2019 – No end date	SEV-000940

Daihatsu COPEN import FAQ

Can I import a Daihatsu COPEN to Australia?: Yes, you can import a Daihatsu COPEN if it is built from October 2019 onwards. These cars are covered by a SEVS approval for the LA400 chassis code. We confirm the exact car's eligibility before you bid.
How do you find a Daihatsu COPEN for me?: We can search the Japanese auctions for a Daihatsu COPEN for you and work out a landed estimate for the exact car before you bid. Tell us your budget and preferred colour, and we will find the best match.
Which Daihatsu COPEN models does the SEVS approval cover?: The SEVS approval covers all variants of the LA400 chassis code built from October 2019 onwards. There is no end date for this approval.
What should I check before buying a Daihatsu COPEN at a Japanese auction?: Check the auction sheet for rust and interior grades, verify the odometer against the export certificate, and ensure the build date is from October 2019 or later to meet the SEVS requirements.
What happens after we buy a Daihatsu COPEN for you?: After the auction, we arrange shipping to Australia, handle the compliance process at a RAW workshop, and assist with registration in Queensland so you can drive your new car.

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Important pricing and vehicle availability disclaimer

The figures, auction results, specifications and images on this page are for information and feasibility guidance only. They are historical Japanese auction data, compliance estimates and general market benchmarks. Unless a car is marked as in stock at CarStrike, the vehicles described here are custom import sourcing possibilities from licensed Japanese vehicle auctions. Final drive-away costs vary with the exchange rate (JPY/AUD), the hammer price, the condition grade and roadworthy requirements.