Faults:

Steering stalk assembly replaced.

Clutch plate replaced twice.

Three complete sets of tyres.

Brakes twice.

Heater failed after two years.

Windows didn't wind up and down well.

Check your seat mounts often if you travel over a lot of rough terrain.

General Comments:

In mud with the original Russian tyres they are unbeatable, especially with the diff lock engaged.

You need broader and lower tyre pressure for work on sand.

Engine is quick and responsive, need to use revs when working the car hard.

Body is strong and durable... don't be frightened to go where more expensive units cringe at tackling the terrain, the Niva will come through unmarked.

Maximum speed is about 120 k/ph and she'll just about do it in all conditions and here lies the Niva's one and only fault. The car travels so well on poor tracks it doesn't convey the condition of the road to the driver. Its all wheel drives gives instant corrective stability.

Cabin is a bit sparse, but it is after all a four wheel drive and designed for that purpose.

Faults:

The gearbox was noisy, due to a faulty bearing. The car had a 3 month warranty, and the dealer rectified the problem.

Original electronic ignition module failed, and was replaced with a Bosch unit.

Headlight beams needed re-adjusting - too low.

Rear stop light - in one tail-light - was not working.

Steering was quite heavy. Previous owner had fitted wide alloy wheels, plus steering adjustment nut had been set too tight.

Plastic trim alongside clutch pedal was cracked and had broken away. There is not much clearance between this side panel and the pedal - on a R.H.S. drive Niva.

A number of small niggling problems like rattles from the plastic interior trim panels - which I fixed myself by inserting small strips of double-sided tape into the crevices where the panels were not flush with the bodywork.

General Comments:

Apart from some minor faults, the Niva is extremely well made.

It is a strong, "no frills", go anywhere vehicle - in other words, a true 4x4! It is not pretentious nor is it loaded up with unnecessary gimmickry.

The Niva has incredible torque, and when in 1st. gear, in low range, and with the diff. lock engaged, it will literally "walk vertically up a tree" - well, almost.

On the open road, the Niva will cruise all day in 5th. gear, in high range, at speeds of up to 120-130km./hr. However, it does get quite noisy at these speeds, and some extra sound-proofing should have been a consideration in the design.

The Niva is inexpensive to run and service, and above all, it is extremely reliable. Not a car for everyone, however. More suited to buyers who have some basic mechanical knowledge and skills. Most Niva owners do their own maintenance and servicing. Parts are accessible and cheap.

My current car is a later model Niva (1.7L), and has been thoroughly reliable.

Faults:

Does anyone know why my Niva has got a vibration in 5th gear when traveling between 100-120km/h?