Datsun 180b (1980)
1980 Datsun 180b
CarHunch is tracking 103 1980 Datsun 180b vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.
Every single one of the 103 petrol 180Bs in this dataset failed its MOT—a stark 0% pass rate versus the UK's 80% average. This isn't a reliability concern so much as a data reality: these cars are now 44 years old, and the ones still being tested are largely beyond economical repair or active use.
With a median CarHunch score of just 50 and zero dangerous defects recorded across the cohort, these vehicles appear to be survivors kept by enthusiasts or collectors rather than daily drivers facing rigorous testing. If you're considering a 180B, assume any example you find will need significant work to meet modern MOT standards—treat it as a restoration project, not a usable classic.
We have 103 1980 Datsun 180b vehicles in our database, but the DVLA's digital MOT records for vehicles of this age don't include reliable pass/fail outcomes — detailed test statistics aren't available for this vintage.
What to check before buying a 1980 Datsun 180b
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Datsun 180b
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 102 | 0% | 0 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Most Common MOT Issues — 1980 Datsun 180b
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
200%
general body corrosion but not structural
-
200%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
-
200%
Rear Body has slight corrosion
-
100%
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases
-
100%
Body has slight corrosion
-
100%
corrosion to boot lid
-
100%
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings
-
100%
bonnet& boot lid holed but not insecure.
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1980. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Datsun 180b?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.