New 510 lover! Where do I start when purchasing a 510?

[matt rohde]

I'm looking for a 510... where should I be looking for one? What should I be looking out for? How much should I be spending? I'm looking for a 2 door.

[datzenmike]

From the sound of it you know very little about the 510 and have recently fallen in love with the whole '510 thing'. That's ok. It also sounds like you don't know much about cars, and that's ok too. No one is born knowing anything. Your best bet is to spend as much as you can afford on a 510 that is as complete, finished and running as possible. If you want a non customized stock vehicle then that's what you look for. If you want suspension, brake and engine modifications then find one as close to what you would want if you were building it yourself. You do not want a project car and end up in way over your head. They can take years and thousands of dollars and you can't drive and enjoy them right away.

 

Most of all KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. Research, research, research. When buying, know more about the car than the seller. To get what you want and not settle for less can and will take time. They are worth waiting for.

 

 

BUYING A 510

http://www.the510realm.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10023

 

 

SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW OWNERS

http://www.the510realm.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=12575

[tr8er]

Look up your local Datsun dealer. Buy new. Great warranty.

 

 

Oh. And if you drift, please don't buy a Datsun.

 

And thank you for not calling a two door a coupe. You earn crazy points there.

 

Check Ratsun classifieds and craigslist local to you. Buy a re-sellable car like a used Toyota so you are not rushed. When the 510 shows up, buy it and sell the toyota. Don't buy a 510 cause you need a car. Buy it because you found the car before the next buyer and it's a great deal. You should spend more than $2000 if you are not mechanically prepared.

[MicroMachinery]

lulz

[datzenmike]

$2,000 will barely get you a parts car. Expect $8- $15K for a nice one with squared away suspension, 280zx struts and brakes, lowered, DE engine swap, 5 speed, LSD, tires, and paint.

[MicroMachinery]

$2,000 will barely get you a parts car. Expect $8- $15K for a nice one 

 

This is where we find out if it's "love" or simply "infatuation".

[shacks510]

You'll probably have better luck shopping out of state. California cars ask a premium.

 

... and no, don't ask. :)

[Dattokai]

You'll probably have better luck shopping out of state. California cars ask a premium.

 

... and no, don't ask. :)

nice car for sale ???? 

[matt rohde]

Hahaha ok thanks guys and ya I don't know much But I'm willing to learn.

[Dolomite]

Watch out for rusted out floorboards, rocker panels, and tail light panels. Lift up carpets and look underneath. Look for fucked up hack job wiring, assume previous owners were idiots because they usually are. Don't blow your load on the first one you see unless its exactly what you want.

[MikeRL411]

And before you plunk down any cash, run the VIN through the DMV to be sure it's a legitimate car, not a stolen vehicle or one with "aftermarket" info tags covering up some prior swaps or accidents.

[bilzbobaggins]

Do everything they suggested and also get a tetanus shot

[Mattndew76]

Remember reality is far different than your idea of reality. 

 

Prepare for a long term commitment or buy one that had one already. 

 

$25,000 for one that already had the long term commitment.

 

[racerx]

Not sure if you tried Bring A Trailer (BAT), Craigslist all over the USA.  I will tell you this though, they are going up in price. As far as how much you should spend that depends on how much can you spend.  Meaning how thick is your wallet and how many credit cards you have.  I've known guys who, at first spent like $4k,  then end up dropping another $20K.  It really depends on how much money you got and mechanical ability.  The more you do, the more fun you will have and the more you will save.  Minimize getting a rust bucket, specially the shock towers, tire wells, trunk area and floor boards..but very hard to find a clean one today, specially a 2 door, and if you do it will cost a pretty penny.  At any rate Good Luck!

[russaroll]

Mexico has cheap Datsuns.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Here's a clean one in AZ for cheap. Must be too good to be true.

 

http://prescott.craigslist.org/cto/5478377124.html

[edekalil]

Do everything they suggested and also get a tetanus shot

I have done the tetanus shot thing a few times.

[bilzbobaggins]

I have done the tetanus shot thing a few times.

 

Im due for another.   Thought about it when I was looking at the rusty floors in my 521

[KoHeartsGPA]

I haven't had one since....1994....do I need one?

[datzenmike]

I think the booster shots are good for 10 years.

[KoHeartsGPA]

Let me do the math...I was 18....now I'm 39...gonna be 40 in August.....39 minus 18 equals.......shit.....I'm expired!

[Big_E-Dog]

 

"Check Ratsun classifieds and craigslist local to you. Buy a re-sellable car like a used Toyota so you are not rushed. When the 510 shows up, buy it and sell the toyota. Don't buy a 510 cause you need a car. Buy it because you found the car before the next buyer and it's a great deal. You should spend more than $2000 if you are not mechanically prepared."

 

 

read this again....and everything mike says. youll be ok lol

 

 

potentially welcome to the clan lol

[cnpbaker]

I bought a 1970 that was supposed to have little issues. Well $6000 later in mechanical repairs including the head rebuild by a pro...I didn't want to mess around with some important stuff. Then the body work, paint and hundreds of hours on mine. Now it is a turn key daily driver that rips real well for an L16. I've had many 240z's, one with a 3 liter stroker so yes, this little L16 rips good. It would not match an L24 or maybe even a Civic but I didn't buy it for speed. The style is so neat, so I'm looking for another.

So if you are looking for a 4 door 510 that is sweet to look at, great to drive and 100% done, reliable, send me a note.

cnpbaker@yahoo.ca