I am amazed at how well the Samara sedan runs! My car has over 383469 KM on it, and it runs like brand new, not to mention it had sat in my back yard for 2 years; I put some fresh gas in, turned the key, and it fired right up.
There is some rust, but that's to be expected being 13 years old! Very happy to own a Lada Samara!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th April, 2010
As long as I have parts, I'll drive a Lada
Not Very much at all.. This is my 3rd Samara and I have always been very happy with this model.. The timing belt has gone on this latest one as well as having to change 1 front brake hose..The 1997 fuel injected version is a BIG step up from the previous Samaras.. I just hope that the newer ones don't get too "westernized"..The simplicity is what originally attracted me to Soviet cars.. I do wish that they would cover the seats in sturdier fabric as they all seem to rip & tear.. Mileage is always fair to good.. At least 400kms to a 40L tank and I've never gone below 1/4 tank!!
I wish Canada was still importing Samaras..1997 was the last year!! So sad!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th August, 2004
All in all, a good value car for the price
The only major repair to date has been to replace the clutch... Although original brake pads and axle boots had to be replaced quite early due to being manufactured from inferior material.. Corrosion is mainly on the hatchback as well as rear wheel wells.. Rear window washer motor has failed a number of years ago.. Exhaust system also seems to wear out quite often.. Lots of squeaks and heater system not currently operational.
The Samara is NOT built for speed, but seems to have an amazing towing capacity.
Interior trim is all cheap Russian plastic that cracks in the sunlight.
Having a rear seat that folds down completely flat is very useful.
1960's technology make this car a very easy one to self-repair and mileage is quite good, about 400kms on a 40L fuel tank.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th March, 2003
An attention getter
My Samara is used strictly as an ice racer. So I am pretty hard on it. Our track is 2.2 kms long in the shape of a pork chop. It is situated in a bay on Lake Superior (Thunder Bay).
I've had a few minor problems. But the car did sit for over a year. The car was given to me for free, just take it away. I had to paint the car orange of course.
When I brought it home it needed a new master cylinder. First race I found that the right rear brake line was broken, so I had no brakes. Next was the battery and alternator being replaced.
The car is really fast. I'm keeping up to the guys that have raced for years. As for comfort, it's an ice racer, roll cage, safety belts and a helmet. If you want to see a picture of it, send me an email and I'll send you one. rnrpumpkin@hotmail.com
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th February, 2003
17th Jan 2005, 06:04
Hello there!
I'm writing to you from Romania (ex communist country, you know that) and frankly I just can't understand why would someone like to buy and use a soviet made car in U.S.A.
It's just like being on a tropical island and buying a thermo-central. Why that when you have all the heat in the world, and yet for free?
I guess some weird (auto) taste?