1995 Lada Riva 1500E

Summary:

The best £270 I've ever spent

Faults:

It has always had a bad flat spot which has resisted every attempt to cure.

There is quite serious rusting, especially in front wings.

General Comments:

The steering is absurdly heavy.

Acceleration is pretty awful.

BUT:

It's economical (around 37 to the gallon) and a doddle to maintain.

It can be safely left anywhere, with the keys in the ignition, windows wide open and a PLEASE STEAL ME notice in the windscreen.

The styling ensures that you can always find it in a multi-storey car park.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2002

29th Apr 2010, 21:19

I'm glad you like yours, but having owned one I wouldn't have one given to me now. I wanted something cheap in a hurry so took a chance on a Riva. It was absurdly awful, just as bad as everyone said it was, one of the few cars I couldn't wait to get rid of.

1995 Lada Riva 1500 e 1.5 petrol

Summary:

A death trap on wheels

Faults:

The thing that strikes me is why they built them in the first place.

Its extremely heavy.

The clutch lasts no time.

The interior is dull.

It only starts when it wants to.

If you hold the hazard light switch half out the ignition comes on.

The fan belt shreds it self and overheats very quickly.

Awful handling, but the brakes are either on or off.

I can't tell the front from the back.

The rust is awful after 3 years the front wings were replaced under warranty!

General Comments:

The car however is reliable and I will keep it till it dies (not long)!

The steering is built for muscle men and the gearbox is a lucky dip.

I will be pleased to see the back off mine!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th May, 2002

16th Dec 2004, 09:23

I think the Lada is a case in point for "you get what you pay for". A car that costs £4000 brand new compared to an equivalent Ford model that costs £8-9000, you have to wonder why. I don't think the Lada was built as a "drive and forget" vehicle, it requires a little more care than modern vehicles. It was built as a basic box on wheels to carry 4 people and their luggage from A to B, which it is fully capable of. just don't expect it to do it very quickly, comfortably or with any sporting pretensions.

31st Aug 2005, 16:55

Excellent.

28th Sep 2005, 10:26

How can you be "pleased to see the back of it", when you tell us earlier on that you "can`t tell the difference between the front and the back of the car?" I`d be worried!

1995 Lada Riva Saloon 1.5 petrol

Summary:

A cheap disposable motor - if that's what you need

Faults:

The biggest problem has been electrical gremlins due to the cheap build quality of the wiring loom - sorted with minimal financial outlay but a few choice words!!

Starter motor failed - (£15 scrap yard replacement).

Rust, rust, rust, rust, rust, rust.

General Comments:

A leisurely, wallowy ride, surely a 1.5 engine should manage 70mph on a motorway? - Shouldn't it?

Rear suspension is very poor - with 2 adults in the rear or a full boot the rear mudflaps scrape the floor at every corner - I was pulled for overloading once with an empty boot!

The bodywork has negligible protection against the elements - I heard a rumour that the manufacturer was giving away free body filler with every model purchased!

Fuel consumption is awful - my 1979 Land Rover does more MPG.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th September, 2001

1995 Lada Riva E 1.5

Summary:

A real millennium bargain!

Faults:

Has a little rust on the botton of the doors and wheel-arches.

Has done 114,978 miles so it's had a good 5 years.

Worked a lot and has no dents!!!!!!

Just rust on the arches and the bottom of the doors, I have had it from new.

General Comments:

A real good car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2000