1982 Datsun 720 DX Long Bed 2.2 diesel from North America

Summary:

Not well put together and/or designed in my opinion

Faults:

Door weather stripping fell out soon after I bought it.

Glow plugs replaced a few times.

General Comments:

My very first truck. I believe the reason I bought the Datsun diesel pickup back in the day was because the fuel was cheaper than gasoline.

After having the problems with weather stripping falling out of the doors and the engine being hard to start because of the glow plugs, they had to be replaced a few times.

I sold it after a year or two.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2016

1981 Datsun 720 Z22S from North America

Summary:

The little truck, that could pull a diesel truck from spite

Faults:

I work on engines, cars, etc. I never really considered working on this, until I took a closer look at it, because it had an automatic transmission, which had a lot of problems.

But when I took a closer look at it, I saw it is very easy to convert to a manual transmission; it had the mountings for the clutch pedal and the master clutch cylinder. In fact I already have put those on, and the floor plate is switchable, so I don't have to do one fabrication to covert it from automatic to manual.

These can be rust buckets, because I have two other junk Datsun 720's, and both are rusted quite bad, but only one has frame rot.

General Comments:

It's not the greatest looking truck, but it is simple, and from what I hear, as tough as nails.

However, the seats are uncomfortable and the cabin is pretty plain.

But these have been known to get 30+ MPG, which for a truck is nothing short of amazing.

If it's a 2wd, it has to be slammed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2012

1983 Datsun 720 King Cab 1.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great farm car back in its early days but now it's the perfect collector car

Faults:

Clutch started to slip before I owned it, therefore I got it for cheap.

Both radiator hoses started to split at about 191,000km.

Started to leak Brake Fluid at about 190,000km.

General Comments:

This Datsun is as reliable as a brand new car, and great on road and off road.

This car has an old L-18 engine, but is very clean and very well looked after, therefore it's running almost new.

But on the other hand, it has a few rattles, dents and scratches, but no rust at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2010

1980 Datsun 720 4x4 1.8 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Perfect farm car

Faults:

Clutch master and slave cylinder needed to be bled; once done it was great. Lots of rust.

General Comments:

I recently bought a 1980 Datsun 720 4x4 Pick-up for AUD$100! It runs and has a solid steel flat bed tray. I had a minor problem with the clutch, but after a simple bleeding of the master and slave cylinders, it works fine.

It has been sitting in a paddock rusting away, but runs very smoothly. I bought it for a farm car and it's perfect for it. The interior is pretty small, and I struggle to fit in the cab as I am 6'2", but once I'm in it's fine.

I'm thinking about filling in the rust and painting it for fun. Any suggestions or questions welcome. Cheers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2010

1982 Datsun 720 Z24 from North America

Summary:

Tiny truck with the big ego

Faults:

Replaced starter & solenoid 2 months ago. Not unusual for a vehicle of this age. It was easy; lots of room in the engine box to get my fat hands into the mix.

Replaced shocks with NAPA gas shocks last week. Wow, what a difference in the way it drives & handles. I was toying with the idea of a total front end rebuild, because it drove so poorly prior to new shocks. I think my approach will be to replace the bushings only now; nice & cheap.

The new shocks have given the truck a nicer stance and look as well.

Next, pull the leaf springs & have them re-arched, new rubber & clips, and add a couple of leafs to allow for an old canopy.

General Comments:

Did not care for the truck much after buying it. Buyer's remorse possibly. It drove & handled so poorly I almost did not make the purchase. The motor & power the old rag had pushed me into the purchase 2 years ago for my dog.

Yes, rust is an issue... what do you want for a 28 year old ride??? Found a new way to patch an 8" hole in the fender well caused originally from battery acid, then went into rust. Just used heavy tar paper, 1 layer on the inside of the fender and another in the engine box. Then sprayed heavily with under coat. It's really cool, you can't tell the hole was ever there. The undercoat dried to a nice hard cover.

My dog & I now love this old truck, and the more work done to bring it back to original, strengthens that love. This was a cool truck when it was new, I am sure. I stepped down from a 2001 Tundra to this old rag.

At first I was bummed out, now that has all changed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2010