Datsun 240Z Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Datsun 240Z car check
Is the Datsun 240Z reliable? We analysed 2,922 real MOT tests across 436 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Datsun 240Z? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Datsun 240Z is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid and brake binding. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Datsun 240Z.
Datsun 240Z Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Datsun 240Z. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Datsun 240Z MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Datsun 240Z to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Datsun 240Z Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Datsun 240Z fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Datsun 240Z Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Datsun 240Z owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Datsun 240Z MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Datsun 240Z year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 55 | 78.2% | 23,044 | 46,166 | 61,592 |
| 2014 | 63 | 81.0% | 8,605 | 38,133 | 66,241 |
| 2003 | 66 | 84.8% | 61,575 | 65,116 | 93,138 |
| 1974 | 273 | 79.9% | 16,890 | 47,440 | 76,259 |
| 1973 | 738 | 79.8% | 13,730 | 43,866 | 78,468 |
| 1972 | 762 | 81.5% | 23,804 | 41,770 | 73,727 |
| 1971 | 179 | 76.5% | 23,904 | 51,114 | 64,991 |
| 1970 | 84 | 78.6% | 19,083 | 27,850 | 38,286 |
How Long Does a Datsun 240Z Last?
Based on 436 Datsun 240Z vehicles on UK roads.
Datsun 240Z Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Datsun 240Z 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 240Z
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
84.8% MOT pass rate from 66 tests
76.5% MOT pass rate from 179 tests
The best year to buy a used Datsun 240Z is 2003, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 84.8% across 66 tests. The 1971 model year has the lowest pass rate at 76.5% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Datsun 240Z Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datsun 240Z THIS CAR | 79.7% | 2,922 | 44,004 mi | 56 yrs |
| Datsun 260Z | 76.2% | 1,198 | 51,404 mi | 52 yrs |
| Datsun 120Y | 74% | 546 | 49,442 mi | 51 yrs |
| Royal Enfield Meteor 350 E5 | 94% | 3,917 | 3,223 mi | — yrs |
| Vauxhall Mokka Exclusiv Cdti S/s | 87.6% | 4,571 | 75,403 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Datsun 260Z (76.2% pass rate) and the Datsun 120Y (74.0% pass rate), the Datsun 240Z outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Datsun 240Z 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 240ZShould you buy a used Datsun 240Z?
The Datsun 240Z has an overall MOT pass rate of 79.7% across 2,922 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Datsun 240Z are suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (122 recorded failures), windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (106), and brake binding (64). 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 240Z owner drives around 431 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 240Z models stay on UK roads for around 56 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.