Pricing information for 520 / 521's

[jammin]

Hello,

 

Brand new to the forum here, and am looking for some real world help from you guys / gals. I am very interested in getting a 520 / 521 for a project. Would like to restore / use as a little work truck. Nothing serious...no engine swaps, lowering, etc. Like OEM more than anything. I live in Seattle and have been looking on Craiglist and the Ratsun forums and the prices seems to swing significantly...from $300.00 to $2500! Now, i know that looks, condition play a part in all of this, but I've seen good looking one going for low prices and ones that look pretty beat up for $$$$. So, want a little help possibly from you guys on what to really expect. I've got a grand saved up now, and I think that is kinda my breaking point for now. Need to have extra for all the extras. Any information would greatly be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

Ben

[datzenmike]

Generally the more you spend initially the cheaper in the long run. A good running straight body $1,800-$2,000 one will have much less to fix. A $500 one will need over $2,000 to bring it up to the same condition if you do all the mechanical work yourself. If you have, little money but skills, tools, time, a place to work on it, access to spare parts and don't need it running safely for a while then buy cheap and build it up. If not, save up and a nice one will come along.

 

There's a reason they sell for $500. Owner sez:"Can't start it but only needs a head gasket"... and yup, it does need a head gasket but when it blew the owned drove it anyway, over heated and warped the head and now needs machine work or replacing. You get running and the transmission makes noise and there's no brakes... see what I mean? A runner you can take for a drive and test everything.

 

Two choices: Looks great with new paint and body work but engine smokes, hard to start, unreliable or engine runs great, drive train smooth and quiet and good brakes but has a few rust spots and a dent in the door. I'd rather enjoy driving it.

[wayno]

Things are a little lean up there right now, but wait a few days and it could be a lot differant.

Only seen one for $1800.00 with marginable brakes, which may just need to be ajusted.

To get anything decent, your going to have to spend all of what you have set aside so far, and probably more, sure a cheaper one is going to come along, but it is going to need a lot of work I am sure, don't see many running/drivable/safe 521s for under a grand, but you could find a fairly decent one without a drivetrain for that.

[DAT510]

Generally the more you spend initially the cheaper in the long run. A good running straight body $1,800-$2,000 one will have much less to fix. A $500 one will need over $2,000 to bring it up to the same condition if you do all the mechanical work yourself. If you have, little money but skills, tools, time, a place to work on it, access to spare parts and don't need it running safely for a while then buy cheap and build it up. If not, save up and a nice one will come along.

 

 

Too true...

spent $1750 on both trucks i have... one is nearly running... the other is far from running... :lol:

but both trucks are rust free, and have no major mechanical problems, just maintenance... oh wait... one of my trucks is missing a tranny :lol: paid $750 for that one with a "rebuilt" 280ZX tranny

[DanielC]

Stay posting here.

After a while, you will see various truck come up for sale. That will start to give you feel for a fair price for a truck for sale.

Go to Datsun meets, and other car shows where Datsuns show up. That will also help to give you an idea of what a 40 year old truck is worth.

If you see one come up for sale in your area, go look, but leave your wallet at home. Well, take your drivers license.

Before you commit to buying any thing, sit on it overnight, and talk to significant other, if there is one involved.

 

After a while of doing this, you will develop a feel for what is a good price. You will also have more time to save up more money. When you stumble across that killer deal you will know it, and be in a position to move on it.