1975 Datsun 120Y GL

Summary:

Cheap, but not too bad

Faults:

Head gasket blew.

Seats fell apart.

Lots of rust.

General Comments:

This was my first and last experience with Datsun 120y. Don't get me wrong, overall it was a good car for what it was (cheaply built etc.), and very cheap to maintain. Performance and ride comfort were not good. The seats were really uncomfortable (especially on the trip from Sydney to Cairns). Rust was a big problem - always kept in garage, but seemed to disintegrate anyway.

Only major problem was that the head gasket blew at 120000 kms. Not really the car's fault- I was carrying a 120kg woman in the back on a trip to the Blue Mountains. Should have known when we had trouble getting her into the back seat (had a coupe model) that it may be a problem.

Not a bad car overall if you just drive to the local shops.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th November, 2005

1975 Datsun 120Y 1.2L Leaded

Summary:

I've only driven a few cars (high performance ones to) but nothing is as reliable or cost effective

Faults:

Valve stem cells needed replacing. Blew a bit of smoke as a result of slight oil leakage.

Crack in dashboard.

General Comments:

Sticks to the road like nothing else.

Awesome fuel economy (roughly 500km on the 43L tank)

For a 1171 cc 1975 model a top speed of around 150 km/h is great.

Changed all head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, cleaned push-rods, and replaced valve stem cells in under 3 hours.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2004

26th Nov 2022, 19:58

All 120Ys blew smoke on the overrun when followed by acceleration e.g. decelerating down a hill, then accelerating up the next hill... as the valve stem seals needed to be replaced every 80,000 kilometres.

I kept mine for 228k kms... so the valve stem seals were replaced @ 80k and 160k kms.

In reply to 26th Nov 2022, 19:58

28th Nov 2022, 03:39

Not true unless it was rapid acceleration such as someone flooring the gas pedal.

1975 Datsun 120Y GL 1.4 Litre

Summary:

You get what you pay for and it lasts forever

Faults:

The Carburetor has had a few problems, but was replaced for $40 Australian.

Radiator was cracked when we bought it.

Has trouble warming up due to the extractors not having a hot box like the original headers.

Large amounts of rust when we bought it.

General Comments:

The Datsun originally had a A12 motor in it, but we have recently put an A14 in. The new motor goes twice as quick with minimal effects on the fuel consumption.

The Front seats are horrible, but can easily be removed and have later model japanese seats put in. I just don't have the money at the moment.

The car only cost me $400 Australian to buy and since have spent around $300 Australian fixing it up and now it looks like it came off the showroom floor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2004

1975 Datsun 120Y 1.2

Summary:

Wouldn't have another car at this stage because of it reliability

Faults:

General wear and tear.

Bad rust.

Cracked dashboard.

Nothing major.

General Comments:

My first car and has proven to be a bargain buy. Cost me $500 and nothing major has gone wrong with it although it's driven long and hard.

It has excellent fuel economy, sometimes I think it runs on air!

Not the best looking car, rust, bad seats, bad body roll, but wouldn't have another car at this stage because of it reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2004

1975 Datsun 120Y 1.2 petrol

Summary:

A simple, but great car

Faults:

The base of the carburettor became warped causing stalling and missing.

Brake master cylinder needed rebuilding because of leakage.

General Comments:

The Datsun 120Y is in my opinion is the most reliable, fuel-efficient car I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2003

1975 Datsun 120Y Coupe Hatch 1.2L Stock

Summary:

Cars aren't made like this anymore

Faults:

New master and rear brake cylinders and lines.

Diaphragm needed replacing (blew smoke for a few hours there!)

Dirty contacts on ignition coil (getting desperate now...)

General Comments:

Get one.

There is no better first car if you can grab one of these classics in good condition. This car has been better than Fords, Holdens, Toyotas, Mercedes as far as reliability goes. It runs every day without fail, is very easy to work on, and book stores will sell you a manual so that even a beginner can work on these cars (like me).

"Oil and Water" is what keeps this car going.

Sure, a moped could probably outrun it, but who's on a drag strip?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2002

26th Jul 2002, 03:02

I acquired my Datsun 120y coupe, first registered November 1974, in 1983, and still love it today. Has original 149.000km on the clock, all original specs except the mag wheels.. Big compromise was the auto, it de-powers it badly.

One Happy New Zealand woman owner.

27th Feb 2007, 21:40

Never had One of these myself, but My Aunt had One of these which was later traded for a Datsun 260Z 2+2.This was the first of many Datsuns and Nissans into my family. The latest is my 2006 Tiida ST Automatic Hatchback which is the modern day version of the 120Y, SUNNY AND PULSAR.