2002 Lada Niva from Croatia - Comments

1. engine oil pressure line to engine head broke

2. alternator problems (now an Opel alternator)

3. new clutch on 50 000 km

4. starter motor brake down (replaced)

5. cracked wind screen wiper fluid canister

6. outtake manifold next to engine block cracked

(replaced+2 gaskets)

7. new clutch on 75 000 km

8. propeller shaft service

9. semi-propeller shaft failure (between the

transmission an reducer box) replaced

10. central linking rod between front wheels for

steering replaced two times replaced

11. idle engine speed problem - latest

12. fuel smell since brand new

13. 4th gear not working properly

14. rust is a big problem (have to paint car every

spring)

Do not by it unless you really love cars, and understand them. great for off-road with proper tires. not those russian things.

Rust only appears to be a problem according to which part of the world you live in. We have had Nivas in Australia since 1983, and I have never seen one with a rust problem - even those parked outside day and night. I know that in some parts of the U.K., rust can be a significant problem. Salt applied to roads in Europe, during snow conditions, is a great contributor to rust in most vehicles. Rustproofing then becomes an important issue, as you point out quite correctly.

I had a 2002 Lada Niva 1.7i for about 5 years. Mine also smelled of fuel since brand new. I also had the problem with idle engine speed. Other problems included water pump failure, screen washing fluid canister leakage (serial problem) and heater switch-valve failure.

In 2005 I converted the engine to LPG (liquid petroleum gas). At first it didn't like it, but after I changed the catalytic converter, the spark plugs and electrical power distribution box, everything was back to normal. I had a computer-controlled direct injection LPG system, so I didn't lose much power and the consumption didn't go up much (less than 10%).

As far as rust goes, I've been told that the 2002+/- models are prone to rust in part because the original paint is not that good (supposedly not Russian), and it is not elastic. Unless you really take care of the car, it will start to rust. I took great care of my Lada - kept it in a garage, washed it thoroughly after each and every off-reading in mud or snow, so I didn't have to repaint the bodywork at all. However, I did repaint the black strips at the footsteps under the doors because of rust, and I did paint the undercarriage for protection. Another good idea is to put protective plastic insertions under the fenders. If they are properly installed, they are very effective and should prevent rusting even if you drive your car on salted roads and don't wash it regularly.

All in all, I'd say it is a maintenance intensive vehicle. However, you don't have to work on every day, and what you do have to fix every now and then is a very small price to pat if you are into major off-roading. This car is one of the best off-road vehicles ever built. And it loves cold weather (amazing heating!) and snow! That is its natural habitat.

I have tp tell you the person who wrote about the things that went wrong with the lada jeep maybe should take a corse in auto repair because those things should not happen if you bring your jeep in for service every 5000 miles belive me I have a lada jeep and it is a wonderful driving machine of course I have to check under the hood every week but that is with any car or jeep I hope they keep making lada jeeps because I will always purchase them as long as I live.

Well I wrote the above so let me clarify.

The car really needs constant maintnance.

Fix things every week or so or it will build up.

Mine stop-ed braking down when I started maintenance,.

Look people I like my Niva a lot,like all of you, but

the painful truth is :

1. its under powered

2. its not so tough off road as a Wrangler lets say

(it brakes down but does go around)

3. its uncomfortable, mine is green so its hell during the

summer, nosy, bad quality everything

4. I would not drive it unless I have to

5. it's a good fun third car.

Underpowered? Perhaps - but then consider the phenomenal torque. In low range and in 1st gear, the 1.7L Lada will climb an almost vertical slope. It`s a 4X4, not a speed machine. As far as toughness goes, other small 4X4`s are not in the race. The Niva is built like a military tank and is virtually indestructible. Comfort? Well the all coil suspension is far superior to it`s rivals, and the seats are really comfortable - especially in the 1.7L model. I do agree however that the vehicle requires an owner that services it properly and possesses a basic knowledge of mechanics.

Alright that's enough about the lada jeep in the first place you should have purchased another model I have the lada jeep campero and we love it it also has power steering and they did some research recently to improve the lada jeep I would suggest you look into a new model for great performance mine is a 2007 and I don't have the problems that you people are saying anyway where else are you gonna get a 4x4 for that price all I can say is keep going lada and don't stop making those jeeps cause I am into their look and the way they handle.

Hello, today is Tuesday Dec 9 2008.

I just want to tell you that my Lada jeep is running fine, but one thing I notice is that you have to keep an eye on the water level in the radiator reservoir. I live in South America and we have a lot of traffic lights, so you stop and go, stop and go a lot. This in turn causes the fan to run a lot.

I also noticed that the water level in the reservoir seems to go down, and needs to be filled with more water. Other than that, regular maintenance is required.

I also checked to see if there is a leak, but none was found. Let's face it, you have to check under the hood at least once a week.

Other than that, I love the jeep, it has been very useful to us. I hope they keep making them, because I will certainly buy another.

Thank you for your time, take care, and god bless all the Lada readers.

Hi, does anyone know how to fix the fuel smell in a Niva?

Yes. Look up Lada U.K.forum - discussion page. Under technical support Scroll through and you`ll find the answer.

I managed to fix the fuel smell by taking out the fuel vapor canister that had a crack where one of the hoses going from the gas tank connected to it. It located inside the panel under the rear window on the co drivers side.

Hope this helps.

Keep on trucking.

No vehicle should have to be brought in for service every 5,000 miles. That is a sign of a junk design and poor manufacturing quality.

The Niva requires service at 20,000kms. Intervals - in line with any other make of car. It is recommended that the timing chain be adjusted every 10,000kms. With a routine check of fluid levels, battery, tyre wear, etc. - which should be done routinely on any car - if you are a sensible and responsible owner.

The Niva just happens to be one of the most durable and reliable 4X4`s on the market.

Hi.

Can anyone tell me if we can buy a Lada Niva in Montreal Quebec Canada?

I can't seem to find any here?

Thanks.

Getting as scarce as hen`s teeth. Look up Lada U.K. website, and get onto the discussion page. A number of Canadian owners may be able to assist you. Cheers.

Here is the Russian instruction to fix fuel smell in Niva. http://www.niva-faq.msk.ru/tehnika/dvigatel/sis_pit/zapah.htm

Not aware of any English instructions.