written by AussieEagle on 05/02/2005
Good Points
Tough; Go anywhere; Climb almost anything;Keeps going.
Bad Points
Electrics need care and attention. Recommend a full checkover when purchasing.
General Comments
I bought the Lada Niva 4x4 from an elderly man who used it to comute between suburbs. It still had the original "snow tyres" on - excellent in the sand of western australia. The carby needed some TLC at first but it runs well now. It drives in the sand dunes without a whimper. I've had many and various cars, utilities, wagons etc. but this Niva I really enjoy. It is probably the most underrated 4 x 4 around today. All the modern 4 x 4's around today need a university degree in electronics/mechanics, specialist tools etc to maintain and repair them. The Lada Niva just needs a little savvy and a few common tools - along with a reasonable understanding of basic auto electrics at times - and you're away.