Cappuccino ownership: what to expect

I have daily driven an EA11R Cappuccino for two years. If you are thinking of buying one, here is the honest version.

The good

• Front engine, rear drive, turbocharged 657cc F6A, around 64 PS. It is light and it feels fast.
• The three piece roof turns it from a coupe into an open car in a minute, and the parts stow in the boot.
• Real sports car handling for very little money.

The less good

• Rust. Check the sills, rear arches and the strut towers.
• Turbo health. Listen for whine, check for smoke on start, and look at the oil feed line.
• Cooling. Replace hoses and the radiator cap early.
• Parts. Most mechanical items are findable through Japan, but body panels are scarce.

Ask me anything.

Add roof seals to the "less good" list. They harden over thirty years and the car will leak in the first heavy rain.

Yes, and the trim around the rear quarter window is the usual culprit. I replaced mine last spring.

How is it as a daily in winter? I would worry about the rear drive on wet roads.

With proper winter tires it is fine, and with 700 kg on the rear wheels there is more grip than you would expect. I just keep the throttle gentle.