1988 Lada Niva 1.6 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A good car on the cheap, good if you have some mechanical know how

Faults:

Motor packed up, due to mistreatment I'll be honest.

Front diff came loose, also due to mistreatment.

Drivers seat back broke, had to be held up with something.

Window wipers gave up.

Indicators stopped working (only a solder had come off, easy to fix)

General Comments:

A very good, go anywhere car. Better off road ability than the much hyped Suzuki Sierra.

The simple design makes repairs easy. The cars use a Fiat engine and gearbox.

Constant 4x4 can make the cars a little difficult to steer, and with the front drive shaft removed, they go faster and handle better.

I had a lot of fun with this car, perhaps too much at times, as I buggered up the engine. But hey, it's not like the cars cost much :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2006