1989 Lada 1600 Niva review from Australia and New Zealand

The usual Lada problems - The electronic ignition had to be replaced with a Bosch. Rust under the hinges (rear door) which had had no protection at all. Cracking in the floor pan round the transmission. fifth gear, the selector and clutch, each a Russian joke.

So they are not perfect, but given that we bought it with 30,000kl for about one third of the new price and that we have had great use of it for the last 13 years we are VERY happy with our old car.

It is a true 4 wheel drive and compares very well with the ancient Land Rovers I used to own, and better than them in the following fields: comfort, economy, reliability, and except for the size in off road performance.

The rust has finally begun to make inroads - not a surprise as we do drive it on the beach. It is still a great little car - still starts first touch of the key - still uses only 10 liters per 100kl (30mpg AUS) (27mpg US) and runs happily at 110kl (65mph) on the freeway.