Is the Datsun 280zx reliable?

In our read, the Datsun 280zx scores 70 out of 100 on brand reliability. That still varies by generation and how the individual car was looked after, so always check the service history before you commit.

Where do these Datsun 280zx figures come from?

They're worked out from current used-Datsun 280zx listings in Singapore — asking prices, mileage and registration years — not past transaction prices. We refresh them regularly, and we flag thin data rather than guess.

Datsun 280zx

Name: Datsun 280zx
Brand: Datsun

Buying advice + depreciation curve + variant breakdown for every generation on sale.

Model strength

Tap any for details

Focus

Weighs every axis evenly. Changes the weighting, not the numbers.

▲ 2 axes vary by variant (price, running cost) — see variant pages.

Positioning vs segment

Where does Datsun 280zx sit?

0 scoreable mass-market coupes

Tap any dot on the chart to see its scores.

Brand reliability: Consumer-survey composite — JD Power · WhatCar · Consumer Reports. Same score for every variant of a given make.
Resale strength: 100 − 3× annualised tangible-decay (COE-stripped). Fitted from each variant's asking-price-by-age regression then averaged at model level.
Peer set: Every same-segment model with ≥5 active PARF listings whose variants fit a depreciation curve. Practicality isn't plotted — it's a body-shape constant within the segment, so it would be the same for every dot.
Quadrants: The crosshair marks the segment median on each axis. Top-right (Safe Bets) is strong on both; top-left (Hidden Gems) holds value above what the brand reputation suggests; bottom-right (Bargain Buys) is well-built but depreciates fast — buy cheap; bottom-left (High Risk) is soft on both.

Generation

Generation unknown · Reg 1981

Tap to expand

Asking: S$60k–60k
Median: S$60k
Decay: —

These cars don't carry a manufacture year, or we haven't mapped this model's generations yet. The buying advice below treats them as one mixed group — take it with a pinch of salt.

No widely-documented gen-defining issue at the level we curate for. Let condition + service book decide; the disclosure below has the deeper advice.

Trims in this generation

Pick a trim to see its score, deal target, and pre-purchase checklist.

ICE

1 trim

T-Top
——/yr

Common questions about the Datsun 280zx

Is the Datsun 280zx reliable?: In our read, the Datsun 280zx scores 70 out of 100 on brand reliability. That still varies by generation and how the individual car was looked after, so always check the service history before you commit.
Where do these Datsun 280zx figures come from?: They're worked out from current used-Datsun 280zx listings in Singapore — asking prices, mileage and registration years — not past transaction prices. We refresh them regularly, and we flag thin data rather than guess.