Datsun 120Y Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Datsun 120Y car check
Is the Datsun 120Y reliable? We analysed 546 real MOT tests across 110 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Datsun 120Y? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Datsun 120Y is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, brake pipe excessively corroded and seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Datsun 120Y.
Datsun 120Y Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Datsun 120Y. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Datsun 120Y MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Datsun 120Y to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Datsun 120Y Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Datsun 120Y fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Datsun 120Y Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Datsun 120Y owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Datsun 120Y MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Datsun 120Y year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | 233 | 76.0% | 29,759 | 47,240 | 62,402 |
| 1977 | 109 | 71.6% | 38,508 | 48,955 | 58,592 |
| 1976 | 67 | 77.6% | 40,096 | 52,084 | 74,068 |
| 1975 | 111 | 68.5% | 46,652 | 67,044 | 78,289 |
How Long Does a Datsun 120Y Last?
Based on 110 Datsun 120Y vehicles on UK roads.
Datsun 120Y Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Datsun 120Y MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Datsun 120Y
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
77.6% MOT pass rate from 67 tests
68.5% MOT pass rate from 111 tests
The best year to buy a used Datsun 120Y is 1976, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 77.6% across 67 tests. The 1975 model year has the lowest pass rate at 68.5% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Datsun 120Y Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datsun 120Y THIS CAR | 74.0% | 546 | 49,442 mi | 51 yrs |
| Datsun 240Z | 79.7% | 2,922 | 44,004 mi | 56 yrs |
| Datsun 260Z | 76.2% | 1,198 | 51,404 mi | 52 yrs |
| Austin Champ | 89.1% | 1,018 | 34,906 mi | 60 yrs |
| Nissan Juke Tekna CVT | 92.9% | 925 | 37,476 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Datsun 240Z (79.7% pass rate) and the Datsun 260Z (76.2% pass rate), the Datsun 120Y trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Datsun 120Y you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Datsun 120YShould you buy a used Datsun 120Y?
The Datsun 120Y has an overall MOT pass rate of 74.0% across 546 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Datsun 120Y are suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (59 recorded failures), brake pipe excessively corroded (36), and seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (27). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Datsun 120Y owner drives around 525 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Datsun 120Y models stay on UK roads for around 51 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.