1996 Lada 1600 Turist from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Starter Motor Failed

Alternator Failed

Rear Shock Snapped

Front Springs Sagged.

This is my second car, used primarily for off-road use.

Very poor performer On road. Poor safety, Terrible handbrake (NOT self adjusting), Slow + Lethargic. Uncomfortable. Noisy.

Off Road, it is fantastic. Excellent fording ability once engine electrics are waterproofed, Starter motor + Alternator have filled up with Mud + failed, they should both be at top of engine bay, out of harms way. Gearing is a bit high. Once front springs reset to factory tolerances, ground clearance is excellent. This is a VERY capable vehicle off-road, and provided you are mechanically minded, and can do the basics, like tension timing chain every 5000kms, check + change all fluids regularly, the car will function reliably. The full-time 4wd configuration is excellent, as you can maneuver on road in low ratio safely. Paint quality poor, but body is very strong.

I have owned 3 so far, and am VERY happy with the Niva's.

Offroad it's a bobbydazzler, on road rather ordinary (though to call it a dud on road is it a bit harsh in my opinion), but still you don't buy a budget model offroader and expect Ferrari level performance on the bitumen; that's totally unrealistic.

If you can live with its rather ordinary on road performance, then for what it is, there's no better vehicle for the price. A wonderfully rugged basic and simple vehicle that lends itself well to home servicing. As I say when asked to define its virtues in one sentence "Cheap as dirt, tough as guts, simple as ABC"