1992 Lada Niva review from Venezuela
"Better get a second hand 4x4"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Low reliability. At 10000 milles needs a major engine overhaul: rings failure due to poor quality materials lead to a dense blue smoke and oil burning. Brake fluids leaks at 15000 milles. Low quality electic system: Alt indicator flashes since day 1. Needs to change alternator - AC Del-co adapted, but then the chain adjustment was impossible. Points needs to be replaced every 5000 milles to keep motor running. Carburetor calibrators made of plastic - gone at 25.000 milles.
Poor interior materials: Door and glass handles broken at 2000 milles. Very hot inside. Fuel gauge working intermitent. Hood open handle doesn't work when hot outside (80 F). Motor fumes goes in the cabin. Cooland leaks at 25000 milles
Not easy to repair or maintain. Needs a lot of tools.
General comments?
Bad investment. Although it is cheap, will need to spend a lot of money to keep it in driving conditions. Not reliable as 4x4. Underpowered.
Better get a second hand Jeep CJ5, CJ7, wrangler or Toyota.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1992 |
| Year of manufacture | 1992 |
| First year of ownership | 1992 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 2 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 80000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 6th June, 2006 |