Datsun 510
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Datsun 510
How good is the 1978-81 Datsun 510? I've been thinking alot about those cars and I have to admit that they're one of the better Japanese imports from the 70's/early 80's, from what I heard from the owners, they seem to really like their 510's, I prefer the second generation 510's over the first generation.
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Their biggest issue would be RUST, after that the general lack of power for 70+ MPH freeway driving. The Datsuns of the 70s and very early 80s had big issues with salt and seemed to rust even faster then cheaper American vehicles. If you can find one in decent shape and you're looking at for an in city commuter vehicle they'd be just fine. The powertrain will outlast the body, and they get incredible fuel mileage for a carbed engine.
Last edited by dhermesc; Dec 21, 2004 at 04:33 PM.
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My grannie had a tudor coupe and a couple of station wagons that seemed to run forever without any problems.
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The 510, imo, had it's moment in the sun when it stood out from the generally crappy offerings of it's time and shortly thereafter. There are now small cars that run better, don't rust, go around corners, start every time etc etc. A 510 in good shape would be cool, but not really cool........
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a guy in dallas has one built up with an rb20det (that is a turbo twin cam inline 6) from a Nissan Skyline GT-S, that thing is hella fast!!!! and you couldn't tell from the outside (aside from the wheels) that anything has been done to it. it is white, and maaaaaan is it cool.
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Actually, the 510 later became the Stanza, Maxima later replaced the bigger 810.
Originally Posted by bigrigfixer
The 510 you're thinking of is a bit fugly IMO. I like the 69 myself. But, if you think about it, and follow the models, the 510 ends up being a Maxima.
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I hear that they rust pretty easily and they're a bit low on power, especially with the automatic tranny's, my former babysitter uses to own a 1980 510 station wagon with a stick shift, you rarely see those around.
Originally Posted by dhermesc
Their biggest issue would be RUST, after that the general lack of power for 70+ MPH freeway driving. The Datsuns of the 70s and very early 80s had big issues with salt and seemed to rust even faster then cheaper American vehicles. If you can find one in decent shape and you're looking at for an in city commuter vehicle they'd be just fine. The powertrain will outlast the body, and they get incredible fuel mileage for a carbed engine.
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