1988 Lada Niva review from Australia and New Zealand
"A good car on the cheap, good if you have some mechanical know how"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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 :)
Recommended reviews
| A rough tough car desighned for driving |
|
| 0 to 100 in 60 seconds |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1988 |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 170000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 190000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volvo 264 |
| Date of Entry | 7th July, 2006 |