LegalTennessee

Can You Register a Daihatsu Copen in Tennessee?

Great news. Tennessee allows full road registration for kei trucks like the Daihatsu Copen. You can title, insure, and drive one on public roads with standard registration.

Daihatsu Copen L880K convertible kei sports car

Quick Facts

Legal Status
Street Legal
Vehicle
Daihatsu Copen
Engine
659cc 4-cylinder JB-DET Turbo (L880K) / 658cc 3-cylinder KF-VET Turbo (LA400K)
Horsepower
63 hp (both generations, kei class limit)
Payload
N/A (2-seat convertible)
Price Range
$8,000 - $25,000
State Sales Tax
7.0%
Registration Fee
$26
Title Fee
$14
Title Required
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Inspection Required
No

Daihatsu Copen Registration in Tennessee

Tennessee allows full street registration for the Daihatsu Copen and other kei trucks. As long as the vehicle is 25 or more years old (meeting the federal import exemption), you can register it like any other vehicle. Read the complete Tennessee kei truck laws for requirements and recent legislation.

Registration requires: a valid title, liability insurance, and standard fees. The process is straightforward at your local Tennessee DMV.

What It Costs to Own a Daihatsu Copen in Tennessee

The Daihatsu Copen typically sells for $8,000 - $25,000 depending on year, condition, and mileage. On top of the vehicle price, Tennessee charges:

  • Sales tax: 7.0% ($1,155 on a $16,500 truck)
  • Registration: $26
  • Title: $14

Total state fees on a $16,500 Daihatsu Copen: roughly $1,195. Use our Tennessee import calculator for a detailed breakdown including shipping, customs duty, and broker fees. For current market values, Hagerty tracks pricing trends on imported Japanese vehicles.

Daihatsu Copen Specs

The Daihatsu Copen (2002-present) is powered by a 659cc 4-cylinder JB-DET Turbo (L880K) / 658cc 3-cylinder KF-VET Turbo (LA400K) producing 63 hp (both generations, kei class limit). It carries N/A (2-seat convertible) of payload in a bed measuring 134" L x 58" W x 50" H (LA400K). All models were built to meet Japanese kei vehicle regulations with a maximum engine displacement of 660cc.

Read the full Daihatsu Copen guide for detailed specs, common issues, recommended mods, and maintenance tips. If you are new to kei trucks, start with our complete introduction to kei trucks.

Importing a Daihatsu Copen to Tennessee

Under the NHTSA 25 year rule, any Daihatsu Copen manufactured 25 or more years ago is exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and EPA emissions requirements. Check our eligibility checker to see exactly when a specific production year becomes eligible.

For a step by step walkthrough, read our complete import guide. Before purchasing, review the pre purchase inspection checklist to avoid common pitfalls. Japanese auction sites like Goo-net Exchange list current inventory with pricing.

Where to Buy in Tennessee

We don't currently list any kei truck dealers in Tennessee, but many US dealers ship nationwide. Companies like Duncan Imports and Japanese Classics handle transport to any state.

Daihatsu Copen in Other States

Considering registering in a different state? Laws vary significantly. Read the full state by state legality guide or check the Daihatsu Copen in these states:

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