Datsun 260Z Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Datsun 260Z car check
Is the Datsun 260Z reliable? We analysed 1,198 real MOT tests across 185 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Datsun 260Z? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Datsun 260Z 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 position lamp(s) not working. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Datsun 260Z.
Datsun 260Z Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Datsun 260Z. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Datsun 260Z MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Datsun 260Z to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Datsun 260Z Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Datsun 260Z fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Datsun 260Z Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Datsun 260Z owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Datsun 260Z MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Datsun 260Z year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 154 | 74.0% | 22,176 | 55,805 | 72,205 |
| 1978 | 387 | 77.3% | 15,593 | 55,872 | 82,222 |
| 1977 | 99 | 68.7% | 17,290 | 73,719 | 79,605 |
| 1975 | 100 | 71.0% | 17,051 | 26,284 | 79,218 |
| 1974 | 297 | 80.5% | 8,668 | 37,329 | 86,039 |
How Long Does a Datsun 260Z Last?
Based on 185 Datsun 260Z vehicles on UK roads.
Datsun 260Z Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Datsun 260Z 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 260Z
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
80.5% MOT pass rate from 297 tests
68.7% MOT pass rate from 99 tests
The best year to buy a used Datsun 260Z is 1974, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 80.5% across 297 tests. The 1977 model year has the lowest pass rate at 68.7% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Datsun 260Z Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datsun 260Z THIS CAR | 76.2% | 1,198 | 51,404 mi | 52 yrs |
| Datsun 240Z | 79.7% | 2,922 | 44,004 mi | 56 yrs |
| Datsun 120Y | 74% | 546 | 49,442 mi | 51 yrs |
| Audi Q3 S-ln V-sprung 40TDI QUAT Sa | 92.3% | 623 | 31,351 mi | — yrs |
| Cupra Formentor V1 PHEV S-a | 88.9% | 1,991 | 39,998 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Datsun 240Z (79.7% pass rate) and the Datsun 120Y (74.0% pass rate), the Datsun 260Z sits in the middle of the pack on MOT reliability.
Found a Datsun 260Z 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 260ZShould you buy a used Datsun 260Z?
The Datsun 260Z has an overall MOT pass rate of 76.2% across 1,198 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 260Z are suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (70 recorded failures), windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (44), and position lamp(s) not working (40). 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 260Z owner drives around 474 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 260Z models stay on UK roads for around 52 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.