1976 Datsun 180B GL/GX (Not sure) review from Australia and New Zealand

** Before you read this, please note: I am a chick, just 24 years old. This is my first car & I knew nothing about cars before I got this lil baby. Forgive me if I don't know all the correct car terms (I am still learning!)

Puchased the car for $500.

Cost me $1400 to get roadworthy (Not sure what was wrong, but the car dealer told me it'd be $250, then I got ripped... but that's a whole other story!!)

My starter motor was first to go. The car was very hard to start for about two weeks before that, always took a few good revs to get it started though - especially on colder mornings!

My carburettor went while on a fishing trip, took 5hours to get home... Managed to obtain a reconditioned one (I know a great guy who can do this real cheap... post a msg if you are having this problem)

I had a slow leak in my back tyre for 6 weeks (that was before I knew what a 'slow leak' was!) A 'new' secondhand tyre fixed that problem.

I bought her a rebuilt alternator a few months later. Unfortunately it turned out to be a tiny little fuse that was causing all my problems (So, if anyone's in the market for a secondhand alternator - let me know!)

Not long after that I got my second starter motor (yes, AGAIN)

Few small problems (New Battery and back tyres replaced)

A rubber cooling tube near the manifold was replaced because it had crumbled... (yes, that one is the correct term... it literally CRUMBLED!!!)

Turns out that tube should've highlighted another problem in the cooling system... but for some reason it wasn't picked up - a reconditioned radiator was my next purchase.

A few months ago my brakes went, so a friend of mine, refilled the brake fluid & bled the brakes. The problem was solved.

Two days ago, my brakes went again. After taking it in to a Brake 'specialist' it was discovered that the master cylinder has karked it. (Along with my brake pads) I'm getting it fixed up tomorrow.

In my experience, whenever something has been suspected to be the cause... it's always the next big thing (except in the case of the alternator as above!)

My advice to anyone buying a Datsun 180B, Find a good mechanic & at least 10 good wreckers.

I have been told that the most popular parts to go in Dato's are the carby, radiator & the starter motor. My car has had all of those problems to date, and it also has extreme rust in the boot & lower doors.

All in all, I haven't spent that much (Considering all of the work that has been done!) But to all new owners - and there can't be many of you out there - DO NOT ACCEPT THE FIRST QUOTE YOU RECIEVE. Shop around, make the calls - you will find it somewhere cheaper & better!

I LUV MY LIL DATO - fits me well. Everyone I meet has a Datsun story - anyone over 35 has owned one at one stage in life. It's a great conversation starter.