Lada Niva Estate 1.6 4WD 3d (1990/G) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Extremely cheap to buy and run but can be thirsty.
Costs
Parts embarrassingly cheap and very durable.
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On the road
Driving
Very agricultural on road but superb offroad abilities, surpassing the even more primitive Land Rover 88s and 109s.
Performance
Very poor road performance but exceptional torque makes this a very useful towing machine.
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Living with it
Reliability
Mechanics hewn from granite. Electrics are poor but so basic that almost anyone can fix them.
Image
It"s a Lada. People do however stop laughing when they see them off-road.
Comfort
Very crude and noisy but the soft suspension is okay.
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Security and Service
Security
The best security for this is the lack of image, otherwise the security is not much better than cars of 25 years old.
Service
The manufacturer is exceptionally courteous and helpful, even giving quick-fix solutions to save the customer money and avoid buying new parts (almost unheard of).
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
The iron block is highly durable but the carburettors almost always need replacement.
Other
On every Niva I have owned the heater has failed.
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