Datsun 280 Zx Targa (1982)
1982 Datsun 280 Zx Targa
CarHunch is tracking 184 1982 Datsun 280 Zx Targa vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.
This 1982 Datsun 280 ZX Targa presents a stark reliability picture: none of the 184 vehicles analysed achieved a first-time MOT pass, compared to the UK average of 80%, indicating these cars consistently arrive at test in a condition requiring work. With zero dangerous defects recorded and no failures or advisories logged on average, the failures appear to be minor rather than safety-critical—but the 0% pass rate suggests systemic issues like emissions or lighting across the entire cohort.
These are 42-year-old classics with unknown mileage data, so the lack of pass rate reflects their age and preservation status rather than fundamental design faults. If you're considering one, budget for pre-MOT remedial work and find a specialist familiar with early-80s Datsun Z models, as mainstream garages may struggle with the outdated systems.
We have 184 1982 Datsun 280 Zx Targa 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 1982 Datsun 280 Zx Targa
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 280 Zx Targa
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Found a specific Datsun 280 Zx Targa?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.