1979 Datsun 810 from North America - Comments

Has had rust problems since I bought it in 2003. In Washington state the winters are very snowy and they put salt on the road as a De-Icer, this has not helped me make much progress fixing the rust.

The car's engine has never given me any major problems.

- An old hose (original from the factory in '79) blew in September of 2004.

- I replaced the air conditioning and alternator belts in the summer of 2004.

- I just took it in for it's first oil change a couple weeks ago. (Every 3,000 miles)

- It has been showing its age on the interior. The seats have been faded by the sun. Some of the plastic parts have been cracking.

- I do not know the reason, but the heater and aftermarket CD player I put in stopped working one day. I tried replacing the fuses, but it must be something in the electrical system.

The reason I am not sure about the car's mileage is because it only shows up to 47,000. Because of the car's age I am sure it must be over 200,000 though.

This car is very quick to accelerate and I have never had passing problems. I have never pushed the car faster than 85 mph, but it could go much faster.

It is a rear wheel drive car so this winter I slid around a bit even with studs on. (not that I did not want to slide around...)

OMG I bought a 1979 Datsun 810 with the same motor, but mine is auto. You don't know just how cool of a car you have. I am the only one in SE wisconsin that I know of that has one.

I bought it from a guy for $800 with 63,000 miles!!! It is only 63k, it nvr rolled over. Mine was owned by a monk in japan who only drove when absolutley needed. He moved to the states and brought it with him. It was sold when he died and now I am the 3rd or 4th owner. Mine is fully loaded with everything. Port fuel injection, AC, and yes, REAR WHEEL DRIVE!!! Keep that car in sweet condition and yeah it does rust. I primer coated and then use rust inhibiting paint over that. Next I'm getting a gloss black paint job over that.

Sweet man.

I got my '79 810 as a gift from my dad. My grandpa originally bought it in Mexico from some old lady that rarely drove it. The Datsun has basically been in the family since it was new. This car is extremely reliable. My dad took me and my whole family of 5 back in '99 all the way to a place in Tijuana called San Felipe. It is a 350 mile drive from Los Angeles, California. It made all the way there and back with all of our sleeping bags, blankets, and the rest of our supplies. We have also taken it to Las Vegas a couple of times too. It has never broken down on us or given us any problems.

I got my Datsun 810 from my stepfather in 1986 when it had 26,000 miles on it. He bought it new in 1978. It now has about 87,000 miles on it (not sure of exact mileage because I had speedometer/odometer disconnected at 83,000 miles because the cable was making a lot of noise and speedometer needle moved erratically). The car is incredible. Acceleration great. Handles beautifully. And so pretty to look at! Everyone in New York would comment on the car every time I drove it. It's now in Florida and doesn't seem to attract the same attention. I had it re-painted beautifully (cost $4500) in the original metallic gold. Am thinking of selling it because I'm moving back to New York City where I don't need a car, but don't know what it's worth.

I enjoy my 1979 Datsun 810 2 door hardtop. I drive it daily. It has 110000 actual miles on it, 30000 of which I put on it since I purchased it from the original owner in 2003. It's a clean car complete with factory alloy wheels, five speed trans, a/c, etc. I could use some new plastic trim type pieces in the interior, but those parts are virtually impossible to find. 24 mpg, never gives me any trouble except for a cracked windshield which I'm in the process of replacing. I paid $500 for it and have put approximately $1000 more in it since. I intend to drive it until it won't run anymore.