The only thing so far is that I had a bad connection on the battery, other than some cheap plastic gone awry. Front brakes are getting down to about 2 thirds and the light bulb replacement is a common thing.
This vehicle is very good on any off road terrain, and a hell of a lot better riding than my Suzuki was. The power is very good and the fuel economy is not too bad at 30+mpg.
How good would you say the transfer case is, when under heavy amount of torque, how does it handle when in mud or any type of surface such as this?
Transfer case is bullet proof. Differentials eat spider gears. With minor modificiations my Niva with 31 inch tires runs easily with other vehicles with 38 inch tires. Walks all over the expensive Land Rovers... :)
To all you doubters. My Lada cost me $2000. It leaves far more expensive and far more technologically advanced off roaders in its wake. And when I bend it,..who really cares.
It is an off road vehicle and very good at it.
But I do have to do a bit of work on the beast from time to time.
It all ways got me home and my kids and I had a great time playing in it.
It is up to the buyer. Cheap off road fun verses the expensive, rapidly depreciating ego caressing vehicles from,... well just about anyone who thinks they can build one. Most won't make the first serious hillside.
Hi, I have owned three Nivas in the past, though now due to illness they're not suitable for me. I always enjoyed driving them for some strange reason, they always brought a smile to my face! The only problem I ever had was the front brake calipers, they kept seizing and replacements cost about £250 each at the time (1992) more than the car was worth at the time. In saying that I would not hesitate to recommend them; often showing up Land Rover Discoveries etc. They are cheap and cheerfull and this must be remembered when you go to try/buy one. My only regret is that I am unable to get muddy and enjoy myself with the niva.
I think THE nIVA IS GOOD OFF ROAD - THAT'S WHAT IT'S MADE FOR. The people that are putting them down probably haven't even been off road in one anyway. The only let down is the tractor engine they have in the 1600 models!
You can sort out the tractor engine problem by putting a Fiat twin cam straight in - much more like it!!
I currently own a Volvo 360 (great car) but it hates the dirt, and that is where I'd like to start going.
I've looked at mid 80s' Range Rovers and Toyota 4WD's, but they are too expensive and often have expensive repair bills.
How would you compare a 2.4L Toyota 4Runner to a 1.6L Lada Niva?
Lada's look fun to play with and are very cheap in Australia, but are also rare, there are no Lada dealers or service mechanics.
I'm very confused what to buy?
I need to compare price and reliability.
I have never driven a cossack. I like the simple design of them. I need a 4x4 to do the Plymouth to Dakar rally in and I am looking at getting a Lada. I have to spare Fiat Twin cam engines. There is a Lada in a scrap yard near me which I am thinking about getting. It has no engine to I will put a Twin Cam in.
After looking over the Cossack I thought how great it looked. I cannot wait to see how it goes with a 2000cc twin cam under the bonnet.
I have a 1995 Niva Cossack and am planning to drive it across Canada (approx 5000 km). Would it be a good idea to bring some spare parts along for the trip (i.e. belts, fuses, etc)? Any suggestions to help make this trip go as smooth as possible? Thanks!
I do 300+km each week in my 97 Cossack, and that's just to and from work. In response to the previous comment, for the space they take up, put in 2 fan belts, set of fuses, crank handle (and learn to use it) as well as the usual engine/mechanical checks before leaving home. I have driven my Cossack (effectively a Niva with sunroof and spots) in snow, up active volcanoes and in the bush. Gets a bit thirsty on the winding back roads and in stop-start traffic, but otherwise bulletproof. Great fun, and you can stand on the bonnet to take photos.
Hello; I am in Saskatchewan Canada,.. I "discovered" the Lada Niva about 20 years ago. After seeing the first one owned by a neighbour backyard mechanic; The simple practicality of their structure was very obvious from the start. two years later he was still raving about its good points and honest about any of its shortcomings. It was not till l990 when I found my own niva along with a wreck for parts... Just recently purchased my mechanic freinds as well. I have owned nearly every North American 4X4 on the market, all have pros and cons... Give me a Niva over any of them any day... you want specifics?,,,, just ask.. happy off and on roading Robert Vaganza@shaw.ca
My name is ryan and I recently bought an 87 Lada Niva for my first 4wd. It cost me $300 Australian and that came with roo bar, spot lights, tow hitch and fat wheels. I've been camping on the beech several times. It always kept up with my friends who were driving landcruisers, daihatsus and jeeps. The only thing that has gone wrong with my Lada Niva is the front diff fell out going over a sand dune. With a little bit of fencing wire and knowhow we were back on the tracks within an hour and have been driving it like that for the last 6 months.
We live in South Africa and drive a Niva Sidekick - essentially a Niva with silver plastic bumpers, wheel and body fairing, nudge bar and spots. It has proved extremely reliable and drives better than anything else we've had. Only problem so far: We lost the spider gears going over a rock on a 4x4 track. There are some South African guys who are intending to take their Nivas overland to Togliattigrad to the Auto Vaz plant. Reliable vehicles, or what?
I have owned four Niva's over the past twenty years and had one of the first new ones to be sold in Australia, since then I have purchased used ones due to the price differential. I have owned two four speed and two five speed. The four speed were no good on the open road, but better off road. No problems with anything mechanical or electrical on all four, but fit and finish were a bit crude and a regular tighten up of all suspension and chassis components helped.
I now own a 3 door Suzuki Escudo (Vitara) much better to drive, but not as good off road due to less ground clearance and harder suspension.
The Niva is a very underrated vehicle.
Hello from Greece.I've been reading all the reviews because I've been dreaming of buying a Niva a few years now. It is encouraging that all the owners have something good to say!I "fell in love with it "when I got into a 1997 with bars, steps fat mud tires and polyester goodies on it.I quickly realized that you can do with it WHATEVER you want!My brother has a M151 Willys and I intent to follow him in the future in all trips to the mountains!!
I just wanted to share with you my love for the Niva and to express to you my good feelings for this Honest choice. After all Niva never claimed to be anything else, but a tool for all adventurers!
My best regards to all Niva enthusiasts, Mario.