Lada Samara Hatchback 1.1 3d (1994/M) Owner Review
-
Economy
Value
I paid £900 for a model with 6000 miles on the clock, 3 years old and I've done 35,000 in the last 6 years, with very few problems. Ok as a basic runabout and for carrying loads around.
Costs
Fairly economical. Spare parts you may need to scour a scrapyard now. The fuel efficiency has been declining this last couple of years though. I used to get about 43mpg on a long motorway run but now it's about 32.
-
On the road
Driving
OK. Handles all right. A bit slow accelerating - you get into the habit of trying to coast up to lights so as not to lose momentum. Also, hills tend to knock it back a bit - don't try to overtake anything if there is a hill coming up!
Performance
Not exciting!
-
Living with it
Reliability
As I said above, not many problems. Brake pipes had to be redone at 37,000 miles, and the clutch plates. I don't do a high mileage or many long runs. I did once take it over the Hawkshead and Wrynose passes in the Lakes with two passengers ok (1 in 3).
Image
Very good for cultivating an Eastern European image.
Comfort
Ok if you don't want any frills.
-
Security and Service
Security
Who would try to nick one? You can leave it in any city centre and feel safe that no thief is likely to look at it twice.
Service
No dealers around any more but a normal garage can handle it. Fairly basic mechanics and standard parts avoid high repair costs.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Some grit in the carb. Otherwise, water coolant problems a couple of times.
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes