1981 Datsun 510 review from North America
"Most Durable Reliable Car Ever Built"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing ever went wrong. Brake pads wore down, then I didn't have any money so I never changed them. Calipers worked to grind for a while, then I used the emergency brake for the last year I had the car. Car only died when a drunk lady in a Cadillac hit me head on. I ended up on the hood and unconscious. I miss my car.
General comments?
Two friends of mine and I bought this car in 1990 from a Priest. We took it through much of Central America and Mexico. We even had some stone rasta in Belize hack off the catalytic converter so we could take extremely cheap low octane leaded fuel. One time we were saving gas by turning off the car and drifting down mountains and my friend accidentally shifted it into reverse. The car spun out and made horrible noises. Despite this, it started again and never had a problem. This car made it up muddy jungle passes that 4x4 Mercedes and military jeeps couldn't. If you have one of these for sale. Please email me. I am desperate for another. wredfern@hotmail.com.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Extremely reliable |
| 1981 - 510 5 Door Hatchback 4 cylinder. The 1981 Datsun 510 5 Door Hachback is quite possibly one of the most durable vehicles ever produced |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1994 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 75000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 300000 miles |
| Previous car | Datsun 510 |
| Date of Entry | 13th January, 2004 |