1981 Datsun 310 2 door sedan 1.5 A15 from North America

Summary:

Quirky

Faults:

Carburator needed a new link after being worn.

Shifter bushing needed replacing.

Starter.

Fuses.

Right side rear window opener replaced.

Right side rear-view mirror added.

Ignition control module.

Safety switches.

Outer right tie rod ends.

Clutch.

Regular maintenance.

Rear hatch lifters.

Speedometer.

Clock.

Fuel gauge need replacing.

General Comments:

General complaints about a lack of air conditioning and small, solid feeling wheels.

Engine surges and stalls when cold, transmission is noisy and shifting is sloppy.

Still needs shocks, struts and small items replacing. Body sway and wheel lift in corners.

Interior plastic pieces have degraded over time and are crumbling.

Losing pressure in #3 cylinder and it's in need of an engine and transmission rebuild.

Poor clutch replacement job causes the transmission to leak, especially onto the clutch making it slip under acceleration.

Vibrations and noise are loud.

Seats are low and the seatbelts are the defective "passive" type.

Engine consumes/leaks a quart every 1000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th November, 2000

24th Jun 2001, 16:26

The same car is still doing OK, but the hydraulic clutch linkage is leaking.

Speedometer has been erratic, and had to be disconnected.

Wipers will sometimes not come on for a few minutes after overnight dew or rain.

Disc brake pads have no squeak tabs that warn about needed replacement.

Clutch throwout bearing is noisy after being replaced just two years ago.

Heard some Japanese models had fuel injection!

Carparts.com has a custom front air-dam with disc brake ducts. Anyone know about Nissan parts compatibility with newer models?

11th Jul 2004, 15:19

It's too bad yours has been giving you so much trouble. Usually they're pretty solid and reliable - though the cheap interior plastic and the really noisy transmission seem to apply to most if not all of the 310s.

1981 Datsun 310 from North America

Summary:

What a car!

Faults:

I have blown a few fuses. I need to replace a door handle.

General Comments:

This has been the best car I have ever owned. Don't make 'em like they used to. Takes a certain kind of person to love a car like this.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd April, 2000

1st Oct 2004, 10:21

I completely agree with you. I live in Argentina and own one of them since last year, and after passing through two (not so caring) hands, I bought it. I previously had a '79 Daihatsu Charade, but it was more problematic than this one... I really love my Datsun. I drive it almost everyday and still runs good. The suspension system really needs some maintenance because it's making noises everywhere, but I'm gonna fix it as soon as possible. Conclusion: a complete babe still after 23 years of use and misuse!!

Diego.

1980 Datsun 310 GX 1.3 gas from North America

Faults:

-Clutch master cylinder/slave cylinder

-Door handles (3) broke off, replaced

-Piston on rear hatch

-Carburettor became clogged

-Plastic interior panels and upholstery began to deteriorate

General Comments:

This was a great car. Was reliable even at 200,000 miles! I drove it through high school and it regularly got 35-40mpg with no breakdowns. I would buy it back if I could find it again, that's how great this car was. I replaced it with its newer brethren, the Nissan Sentra. Also a great car, but more problematic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 1999

16th May 2001, 10:50

Well I have a 1980 Datsun 310 GX Coupe Hatchback. I'm only fourteen, working on it to make it nice for when I get my licence. It's a really neat car I think.