emajors Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Hello, i am looking at a 83' Datsun pick up for 3000$ it runs strong and needs new shocks and a clutch soon. The owner was asking $3750 at first. It has 123K miles. which is low for a truck that year. It was mostly towed behind a RV for most all those miles as well with a detachable rear axle. I am wondering if I am getting a good deal for a truck that is that old? I come from a long line of family that has old Toyotas that last forever and believe the same about Datsun/Nissans. Any help from you experts would be appreciated. It is super clean interior and the body is in really great shape. I am not a mechanic by any means but have been around enough to do small jobs on my past pickups. I've never bought a Datsun/Nissan before. Cheers. Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Sounds like a fair deal. But not a good deal, which would be $1500 and not need a clutch. If the truck is fantastic I'd go for it. But listen for a rattle when starting, which indicates it needs a new timing chain. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Half would be better. Quote Link to comment
emajors Posted February 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I was thinking that it was an ok deal. i saw newer trucks with higher miles for sale around the same price. I think I am gonna go for it. thanks for your input. The owner will not take less than 3K. I am ok with it bc I believe it will last a long time and seems like parts are easy to get should and when something needs fixing. I did not hear a rattling when starting at all nor any knocking or pinging when I increased the rpms from the engine compartment itself. I will continue my membership and pick your brains should I become the proud owner of this beautiful machine. Of course I will post pics. Cheers Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 The Z24 is well known for blowing head gaskets at 100K. My Nissan Factory Service Manual recommends you loosen each head bolt and torque to 60 ft lbs one at a time to prevent this. Re torque on a cold motor at every tune up is advised to keep the proper clamping force on the gasket. Shocks are easy enough to do. a clutch is a bit more work. Have you driven it?. Quote Link to comment
zed Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 I'm no expert, but I don't buy a vehicle without a compression test on it, and definitely take it for a test drive Quote Link to comment
emajors Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I will take it in for a once over by a mechanic and address those possible issues if need be. I've test driven the truck and it runs strong. Am I listening for anything specific when hearing the motor? I also posted it as my profile pic to the left. Is is a clean truck just making sure it's gonna be a keeper. Thanks for the input and looking out. I will keep you guys posted on the results and progress. Quote Link to comment
emajors Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 My other question is: If it needs the torque maintenance is it easy to do myself or should I have a mechanic do it when I bring it in for maintenance? Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Yes it is easy to do yourself. But easier still to have your mechanic do it. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 A good reason for doing yourself. You know it's done right, easy to do and should take maybe 20 min. A mechanic will charge at least 1/2 hour so how many hours work do you have to put in to pay someone else to do this? Motor must be cold Remove valve cover Loosen each head bolt and immediately torque to spec... about 60 ft/lbs Do in any order you like but be sure to do only one at a time. Put valve cover on ... loosly and warm engine thoroughly if you are going to check the valve lash. Now is a good time. 0.013" for all valves. Quote Link to comment
emajors Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Thanks. Not yet gone to the mechanic yet. I am looking at a 96' Suzuki Samurai in a bit to test drive. 210K miles. Seems clean inside n out. Feeling like I'm paying a lot for an older vehicle (83' Datsun) with this one despite the low miles. It still needs a clutch soon. The guy says he's had offers of 3150$ and 3500$. Selling to me for 3000$. He seems like an outstanding guy very honest and real. i believe him. However I'm not a mechanic nor do I have a lot of money to poor into an older vehicle. I guess I am looking for confirmation that I won't be pouring a lot of money into this truck very soon at all. Like I said I believe in the reliability of Datsun/Nissan Just dying to be sure that's all. I am having the compression checked by the end of the week. Thanks again for your info, and help. Should I go for the Datsun, are there torque wrenches that have measurements of LBS? And how often do I perform such a task? Quote Link to comment
emajors Posted February 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2014 Hey guys, thanks for all of your input. I decided to buy the Suzuki Sidekick… Got my models mixed up before. It's a good strong car that has been meticulously maintained. I will pass this site as well as all the information along to the owner of the truck. He is looking forward to checking it out! Cheers to all! Quote Link to comment
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