2005 Chevrolet Niva 4x4 (VAZ -2123) review from Russia

Water pump leaked at 15000km.

Work clutch cylinder leaked at 23000km.

Engine head has been repaired because of faulty valve seat placement, resulting in low compression.

Negatives:

The initial quality of some of the parts is very weak.

The 80hp old-type engine is not in correspondence with the weight of the car. Engine controller (power train control module) is not smart enough to produce maximal output.

Hydraulic valve lifters are so bad quality that they need to be replaced with mechanical bolts (as made on the old Nivas) in order to have stable idle speed.

Some vibrations at speeds of 40-60km/h and 80-90km/h.

Noisy gearboxes and reduction gears with always wet sealing rings.

Front wheel hubs need to be checked every 5000km in order to adjust the gap of bearings. If a running limit is exceeded, the bearings get worn and need to be replaced with the hub.

The arm bushings of the front suspension need to be tightened every 5000km because of weak rubber quality, resulting in hit-on-the-fly.

Seats are not comfortable for long trips.

Painting finish is not strong enough.

Positives:

Real full 4x4 off-roader with full time 50/50, demultiplicator and axles blocking.

Car body built very well - strong, robust and excellent.

Suspension is very comfortable with long travel and high absorbing capacity.

Interior looks good enough for that price.