Overall a great little 4x4 but not without problems. Bad: engine is only a 1.6 litre petrol based on a 1970's Fiat which is underpowered in this car. Because it has to worked hard, fuel consumption is poor at 20mpg. Original carburettor is rubbish making for poor tick over, hunting and cutting out - tip: change it for a Webber. Later versions in the UK had a 1.7 litre fuel injected engine. Access to rear load area is poor if lifting a heavy load over the high sill. Only a two door model made. Good: tough as old boots, reliable enough, comfy for a 4x4, permanant 4WD, easy to fix. I needed a larger vehicle so had to sell mine but if they made a 4 door, LWB version with a diesel engine - I would have traded up without question.
Tough, DIY repair friendly, character
underpowered engine
Reviewing a 1993 model.
Niva 1.6 litre (carb')
Owned for 4 years.
Well, when I bought mine it was leaking water from the pump, the brakes WERE running on the callipers! the handbrake DIDN'T work and I had to drive it home through 30 miles of the WORST floods in 50 years in South Wales - it got me home AND kept me warm and dry on the way (although I did have to start braking about 500 yards before any obstacle!) - loads of money spent on fixing it up (NEVER go to Swansea City Gagarge!) and then I had 3 years of fun and bouncing in a car I wish I still had. Brilliant fun and really good for 'out-bluffing' gormless Range Rover drivers on narrow country lanes - they always give way (might be something to do with me taking both hands off the steering wheel as I hurtle towards them!) Ace car - costs abit to run - brilliant fun - WILL get another one when I can afford to!!!
this is the best car once you get to know it. i live in canada and i love racing it. it beats all the high performance cars in races after i got use to the clutch and it has never broke down on me once. on thing i hate is though, since it is so good offroad i have to wait a hour after i went through the mud for people to finaly catch up to me.
Never owned
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed February 2002.
Performance
Reliability
Parts Availability
Overall Value for Money
wicked 4x4 beats the hother on most off road courses. Taken my 95 m reg all over the place and attempted some really hard off roading with no problems at all the best 500 qid i ever spent get one today and see the smiles last for ever. well recomended.
Owned for 1 year.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed December 2001.
Performance
Reliability
Parts Availability
Overall Value for Money
I like offroading with the niva but the accellaration is normal for about any 4x4, but i do love the trusty 4x4, its fun to drive.
Owned for more than 5 years.
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