Hello fellow Copeners, I first saw a Daihatsu Copen parked on the street a couple of years ago and was instantly smitten. I had no idea what it was so I asked my brother (who knows a bit about cars) what could possibly be that cute little thing I saw that looked like how a child would draw a picture of a car. 'Daihatsu Copen' was the reply. Imagine my excitement when I realised it was also a convertible! Anyway, after some searching and waiting I bought my 2004 L880 series Copen late last year. She is my Sweet Patootie (cos she's a real little cutie) but we have had a troubled relationship. When we first met she would quite happily take her top off, but she has become increasingly coy. I have tried opening and closing the boot (rather forcefully) and trying to angle the right corner of the boot (which doesn't look quite right) this way and that to get it into place to get the top up or down. That worked for a while but now the most I get is a roof that goes only half way up and so I just have to then cross my fingers that I can get it to go back down. I love my Sweet Patootie but the relationship is becoming strained. I feel somewhat foolish that I have bought a convertible that refuses to convert. I have read the many posts about the all too familiar problems with the Copen roof mechanism but I must admit that I am not in the least mechanically talented so am not confident in trying to pull things apart. I have contacted Toyota service (Sci Fleet Toyota - who inherited the Copens when Daihatsu bailed from Australia about 5 years ago) and the mechanic said that it was 'a devilish job.' I am taking my Sweet Patootie in to the Toyota mechanic next week for a diagnostic but I am not convinced that he even wants to look at the problem much less try to fix it. I am wondering if anyone knows of a mechanic in Brisbane (Queensland Australia) who has any experience or skill in fixing this problem. If not Brisbane, anywhere else on the east coast of Australia (Sydney or Melbourne) and I would happily get them up here to take a look. Any suggestions gratefully appreciated. Yours in Copendom, Sweet Patootie
