1987 Lada Samara 1300

Summary:

Inexpensive, but far from 'cheap'..

Faults:

Rusted quickly underneath, mainly due to heavily salted roads during the winter in Norway.

Otherwise, absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

The car was excellent in cold weather, and started without any problems whatsoever, even after being parked outdoors in temperatures below -20 centigrades for over a week with no motor heater or anything.

On wet, slippery winter roads, and on snow and ice, it stuck to the road like glue - as long as you had good tires.

If you're lucky, an old Samara will be a total bargain. The Russians have no choice; their cars must be reliable in winter, and a good Samara never quits.

I lost mine due to an accident, in which I was luckily not hurt, and I'll get another again anytime, even though I now drive a Renault.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2003

15th Jan 2006, 12:53

My Loyal friend (Lada car) Sir the car is still going strong passed the m.o.t. with flying colours.

Still think that for the money I payed for it about 16 years ago its the best car I ever had, And I had quite a few, of defferend makes.

Louis henwood

Malta.

16th Jan 2006, 01:42

I agree with you, Louis. The Samara is a good, honest and reliable car- which is easy to maintain and very economical on fuel. The people who criticise the car, in a biased and destructive fashion, generally don`t know anything about cars, and just delight in being nasty, for their own weird reasons.

I`ve owned a Samara for 15 years, and besides normal maintenance, have enjoyed trouble-free motoring. If one looks after a car properly, it will serve and reward him (her) doubly, in return.

However, if one abuses and neglects it- like some dim-wits do, of-course the car will have problems. Pleased to hear that you are a responsible and conscientious owner.

Enjoy your Samara, and Happy Motoring!

23rd Aug 2008, 06:07

Yes I agree.

23rd Aug 2008, 06:13

I bought my Lada a year ago and it was mad in 1987. Considering its age, it is a very reliable car. My only problem is the shortage of the spare parts here in Egypt, but is a very good car. It's mechanism is very simple. It's not a complicated car at all. And its very cheap car compared to its features.