1983 Datsun Bluebird GX from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Has bad water leaks in the boot, creating a well in the spare tire gap.

Alternator died (could be due to amplifier I put in though)

Oil leaks.

Gearbox failed me on any kind of ascent in reverse, have to put reconditioned one in.

Initial electrical problems, kept blowing fuses, turned out to be near ignition.

It is a very reliable car that's fairly cheap to run, but don't listen to these people talking about "beasts". Once warmed up, it stops shuddering when you accelerate, and that's about it. sure its zippy, but don't expect a weapon.

It handles o.k, but high speeds create rattles and shakes. maxes out at 130kmh.

Poor uphills, but all round it's good enough. The suspension was excellent, a really smooth ride. Seats are really comfy too.

Nice and quite on the inside, even on freeway.

I put a thousand watt amp and sub in the car, and now it's a definite head turner, and aside from the alternator dying it handles it really well.

This is my first car so it had to be reliable, school every day plus being a pizza delivery boy, and it has served me well. Just make sure you warm it up, the car will thank you with better performance and longevity.

This is the owner adding comments.

I have now replaced 4-speed gearbox with a japanese 5-speed and it goes a lot harder, much better ratios make a big difference. With the new gearbox in, my boss discovered that this little bluebird can rip a monster single line locker burnout with relative ease, and I must say that it handles my punishment well, definitely a forgiving car.

This car is amazingly reliable and just never uses fuel, always starts and never stalls. Rust is a bit of a problem, but nothing serious. The gearbox replaced was original, and the original clutch is only 60% worn (after approx 150,000kms, or 21 years). Interior is still great. engine runs like a dream, and once warm is rather powerful in 1st gear...

Handles great in the dirt, I believe this would make a perfect bush basher or rally car, because of dependability despite being hammered (sometimes). watch out in the wet though, it gets rather unstable when you get over confident. (could be to running skinnies on it)

Brakes are excellent, I have saved many accidents with a quick stomp... but one time I really messed up a V-N commodore with only cosmetic damage to my car... he he.

My only problem with the car now would be its lack of power (apparently easy to fix with cold air intake and twin carbies), and the steering. 4 full rotations of the wheel to get from left to right, and without power steering parking gets irritating.

Overall a true runabout with a touch of class (love those lines) and if you want a bluebird, go a Trx 5-speed and modify it with twin carbies, cool air intake and exhaust (which is all cheap) - you'll leave many commodores behind.

Please feel free to contact me at Carnage_corleone@hotmail.com to further discuss this car if you wish.