Everything you need to know before buying a used Datsun Go in South Africa — pricing by mileage, known faults, a buyer's inspection checklist, maintenance schedule and real owner feedback.
Excellent value for money and reliable transport at this price, but Datsun's market exit and dated design limit long-term appeal.
Pricing, specs and depreciation below are modelled on a 2024 Datsun Go 1.2 Remix MT — figures will differ for other model years.
Est. Retail
R165k
Est. Trade
R145k
Annual Sales (SA)
~8,500
5yr Depreciation
58%
Datsun Go buyer's guide
The 2024 Datsun Go 1.2 Remix MT is a no-frills, affordable entry point for first-time buyers and budget-conscious families in South Africa who prioritise simplicity and low running costs over creature comforts. In its segment—competing against the Kwid, Picanto, and ageing Polo Vivo—the Go occupies a unique position as one of the cheapest new cars you could buy from a dealer just two years ago, which translates to genuinely low used prices now. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is robust and uncomplicated, returning around 5.2 L/100 km in real-world driving; parts are inexpensive and widely available at independent workshops, though Datsun dealership support has contracted significantly since the brand's retreat from SA in late 2023. Ownership reality: this is a barebones machine—manual transmission, basic interior trim, minimal safety tech—so it suits owners who accept trade-offs in comfort and convenience to save money on purchase, fuel, and maintenance. The 40–60k km example you're considering is still young and unlikely to have suffered major wear, but given Datsun's withdrawal from the local market, resale value may soften as warranty support dries up and fewer buyers consider the marque. Verdict: if you need cheap, simple transport and can source parts independently or at non-franchise workshops, the Go is excellent value; if you expect dealership backing or want modern conveniences, look elsewhere.
vs Kwid 1.0 Dynamique: The Kwid is slightly cheaper to buy used (R130–R155k vs R150–R180k for the Go), but the Go's 1.2 engine offers better highway refinement and real-world power; however, the Kwid's smaller 1.0 sips fuel marginally better and its Renault-Nissan parts network remains more robust post-Datsun's exit.
vs Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: The Vivo is costlier used (R170–R200k) but newer-generation, more spacious, and backed by Volkswagen's strong SA dealer network; the Go undercuts it on fuel economy and simplicity, but the Vivo's 1.4 engine and established resale reputation make it less of a gamble in the long term.
Datsun Go price in South Africa by mileageMedium confidence
Mileage band
Trade-in estimate
Retail estimate
0 – 20,000 km km
Est. R106k–R154k
Est. R129k–R177k
20,001 – 40,000 km km
Est. R94k–R137k
Est. R115k–R158k
40,001 – 60,000 km km
Est. R83k–R121k
Est. R101k–R139k
60,001 – 80,000 km km
Est. R73k–R107k
Est. R90k–R123k
80,001 – 100,000 km km
Est. R65k–R95k
Est. R80k–R110k
100,001 – 120,000 km km
Est. R57k–R84k
Est. R70k–R96k
120,001 – 140,000 km km
Est. R51k–R74k
Est. R62k–R85k
140,001 – 160,000 km km
Est. R45k–R65k
Est. R55k–R75k
160,001 – 180,000 km km
Est. R40k–R58k
Est. R48k–R67k
180,001 – 200,000 km km
Est. R35k–R51k
Est. R43k–R59k
200,000+ km km
Est. R32k–R46k
Est. R39k–R53k
Prices are estimated using modelled data for the SA market and may vary from an official industry valuation. Want the exact price for a specific vehicle? Use our Industry Valuation Report.
Common Datsun Go problems & repair costs
Datsun dealer network collapse
Datsun withdrew from SA in late 2023; warranty support is defunct and finding authorised parts is now nearly impossible. You will rely entirely on independent workshops and aftermarket suppliers.
Severity: HighEst. repair: R0–R0Common at: 0k+ km
Minimal safety equipment
No airbags, ABS, or stability control on base Remix trim; crash protection is elementary by modern standards. This is a significant liability in SA traffic.
Severity: MediumEst. repair: R0–R0Common at: 0k+ km
Plastic interior durability
Hard-wearing but cheap cabin plastics can crack and rattle by 80–100k km, especially in high sun exposure; door cards and dashboard trim are known pain points.
Severity: MediumEst. repair: R400–R1,200Common at: 80k+ km
Buyer's inspection checklist
🔧Engine & Drivetrain
Listen for valve tap or rough idle when cold. — Datsun 1.2 engines can develop tappet noise by 60k km if services are missed.
Test full throttle acceleration and gear engagement. — Manual gearbox synchros wear early on city-driven examples; clutch slip at high load indicates wear.
🚗Body & Exterior
Inspect door seals and window tracks for water ingress signs. — Door rubbers perish by 50k km in SA sun; water leaks cause interior mould and electrical gremlins.
Check for rust bubbles under doors and rear arch trim. — Thin paint and minimal undersealing mean corrosion starts early, especially if parked under trees.
💡Interior & Electronics
Test all dashboard switches, window motors, and lock solenoids. — Cheap electrical connectors fail frequently; replacements are inexpensive but labour costs add up.
Verify AC compressor operation and smell for refrigerant leaks. — AC compressors wear out by 70–80k km on stop-start urban driving.
📋Service History
Demand full service record with receipts; verify oil and filter changes at 10k intervals. — Engine durability depends entirely on regular maintenance; Datsun engines are hardy if serviced.
Confirm warranty status and check for outstanding recalls via Datsun (if accessible) or NRMA. — Datsun's withdrawal means no official recall support; you must be aware of known defects.
Recommended maintenance schedule
highEngine oil and filter change — Engine wear and sludge buildup
Every 10,000 km R250–R450
highSpark plugs replacement — Starting issues and fuel inefficiency
40,000 km R300–R600
mediumClutch fluid and brake fluid bleed — Brake and clutch fade
20,000 km or annually R400–R800
mediumAir filter and cabin filter replacement — Poor engine breathing and AC odours
20,000 km R200–R400
Datsun Go owner reviews
Owners praise the Go's affordability and fuel economy but lament Datsun's market exit, cheap interior trim, and lack of modern safety features. (62/100 owner approval)
👍
Unbeatable fuel economy
Real-world consumption of 5.0–5.5 L/100 km makes the Go one of the cheapest cars to run in its class; fuel costs are a genuine saving vs rivals.
👍
Simple, reliable mechanical design
No turbo, no dual-clutch gearbox, no electronics to fail; the 1.2 engine and 5-speed box are proven, durable platforms that are easy to maintain.
👎
Datsun withdrawal kills resale and support
With no Datsun dealers in SA since late 2023, warranty is gone and parts supply is uncertain; resale appeal has collapsed as buyers avoid the orphaned brand.
👎
Bare interior and zero safety tech
No airbags, ABS, or stability control on Remix trim; hard plastics rattle and crack; the driving experience feels spartan and vulnerable in heavy traffic.
Datsun Go specifications
Engine
1.2 L petrol, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Power
59 kW (79 bhp) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque
104 N⋅m @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission
5-speed manual
Fuel consumption
5.2 L/100 km (combined, NRMA cycle)
Fuel tank
42 litres
Boot capacity
268 litres
Kerb weight
860 kg
Top speed
165 km/h
0–100 km/h
13.2 seconds
Service interval
10,000 km or 6 months
Service plan
Not available (Datsun exited SA)
Warranty
3 years/100,000 km (now expired or expiring)
Original price
R189,000 (2024 MSRP, SA)
Frequently asked questions
A used Datsun Go typically retails from around R165k depending on year, mileage and condition, with trade-in value around R145k. See the full pricing table above for estimates across all mileage bands.
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All information is either scraped, searched from live sources or AI training data. It is intended as a general research guide only and may not represent actual transaction values for a specific vehicle. RideReport is not a licensed valuations provider.