Datsun 310 Reviews from North America - Page 2 of 3

The engine that came stock in the 1981 Model year of the 310 GX was actually a 1.5L. However, when my dad bought the car, the engine had been overheated so bad it seized up. So it was replaced with a 1.4L from a 1980 model year 310. After my dad drove it to and from work (about 40 miles a day) and on the occasional trip to my grandparents house, he finally drove the piston rings out of it. I got the car from him when I turned 15 as it sat in the backyard.

-Rebuilt the motor (1.4L)

-Replaced shift linkage (4spd. manual)

-Interior plastics are deteriorating.

-Parts are really hard to find seeing as how it was only manufactured for approx. 3 years.

-Replaced Speedo Cable.

-Replaced passenger side door handle.

-Various fuses.

-Front seats are more or less shot.

I just flat out love this car. My dad had it for the longest time before he finally gave it to me. He gave it to me in much less that street legal condition. We had a lot of fun watching him drive down the street, turn around, and then floor it, only to see how much blue smoke would roll out.

The car still has work that needs to be done, but I am perfectly willing and capable of doing it.

I can wait till I get it on the road. It is metallic brown in color... which isn't a very common color at all, let alone the fact that I have only seen 2 other 310GXs on the road in Salem Oregon. Both of which are silver.

It runs like a top and starts every time and handles like a beauty. Even with the 13" rims. Which I will most likely end up replacing for some good looking ones.

The back left support beam for the car rusted out. That was brought on from being in up-state New York for most of its running life.

The gas tank began to leak at the center seal. Also caused by northern exposure.

The wires for the tail lights that ran down the body of the car burned and grounded out the entire electrical system.

I loved this car. It had its share of problems, but I wish I still had it.

It's wasn't quick, but several times I had that car over 95 mph.

It did float a little at high speeds, but I thought it handled well in corners at moderate speeds.

I thought the seats were very comfortable, and loved the space in the hatchback area.

I hope to start rebuilding a 310 very soon. There is one very close to my home, that's been sitting in a field for a least 15 years. I just hope it isn't too rusted.

I have only owned the car for about 6 months, and in that time, I have only had to have the CV joints and axles replaced. I knew this had to be done when I bought the car.

I was looking for a 1980 or older Datsun or Toyota so that I could have great gas mileage, reliability, and be emissions exempt. I happened to find this car sitting in front of someones house, for sale. It is in extraordinarily great condition, and the paint is original and non-faded...blue. I found out that this car had been sitting up on blocks in a garage for 10 years before the prior owner bought it. She had it for 3 years, and then I bought it for $1200.

This car has been very reliable, although I haven't had it very long. It starts every time with no problems at all, and runs fantastic. It has 103,000 original miles on it, has no leaks, and uses no oil. It has AC, but there is no belt on the compressor, so I am guessing it doesn't work right now.

The car is surprisingly comfortable for such a small car, and the seats are nice.

Gas mileage is killer at about 35 miles per gallon.

This car has no dents and no rust anywhere on it. I have never seen another one, and can't even seem to find one on the internet. Mine is the "GX" version which seems to be the "sporty" version of the 310. It looks much cooler than the plain 310's I was able to find pics of. I am fairly certain I won't ever see another one in person, and I live in a large city. Again, the condition of this car is just unbelievable for being 25 years old. I just hope I never need any body parts for it, because I'll probably not be able to find them. From what I can tell, it was only made for 3 or 4 years.

The car does have lots of road noise, and is very small and lightweight. I would hate to be involved in a traffic accident in this car.

This is a 5-speed, and is lots of fun to drive, although pretty slow. Still, I'm not into racing, but rather, bought this car for practical reasons.