10th Jan 2005, 06:33

OK, this site seems pretty useful... lots of reviews, even for the rarest cars. But you've gotta wonder how much you can rely on the opinions of those that own the car their reviewing - I'm wondering if people generally somehow grow attached to their wheels, even if it is the biggest pile of crap ever excreted from a factory.

I got to thinking this when I read that so many people are fond of their Lada Samaras - a joke of a car if ever there was one...

11th Jan 2005, 17:30

Now don't be so harsh. VAZ-company built Lada Samaras for a long time and with various levels of quality. Towards the end quality and workmanship got better and with electronic fuel injection, engine problems ended.

Also, I think with the older models the biggest problem was owners not taking good care of their cars.

Samaras drive well, are sturdy and good in wintery slippery conditions as well as being cheap transportation.

Of course the more money you spend on a car, the better it gets, but it's still the same points A and B you are moving between.

5th Dec 2005, 08:49

The character who delights in rubbishing the Samara (in language, which one may describe as rather low, and certainly most unsavoury) neglects to tell us WHY? Is it because he is just another of those prejudiced individuals, who seem to derive a weird sense of pleasure in simply being as nasty and hateful as they can be? Notice, he presents no facts or evidence to back up his hateful venom. His "comment" is best described in language that he understands best- and that is: 'CRAP'.

19th Dec 2005, 07:59

Trust me, Russian car is bad car. We Russians, like foreign cars: Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes, and so on.

21st Dec 2005, 01:57

Many of these foreign imports are second hand (used) vehicles with relatively high mileages, and have suffered quite a lot of wear and tear. Enjoy them in the short term, but get ready for on-going EXPENSIVE repair bills as they start breaking down- and remember, you won`t have any come back (warranty agreements) to fall back on. Nothing "bad" about Russian cars. Trust me. May not be as "sophisticated" as what you might want to be seen in, but let me tell you, my friend, in the long run, they will be much LESS EXPENSIVE to repair and maintain than your older foreign imports, that have seen better years. Wait till you have to start locating and replacing all the electronic gadgetry such as "black boxes", computer programmes, modules etc.- which will all start failing. That`s when the REAL fun starts. Don`t want to believe me? That`s O.K. Your hip pocket will soon wake you up. Enjoy! Oh, and Good Luck!

23rd Dec 2005, 06:25

Curious comment from the Russian gentleman, who asks us to "trust" him when he states that Russian cars are "bad". Sorry, how can we trust you? You provide absolutely no evidence for your opinion- therefore it`s not worth anything. Also, who do you represent when you say "We Russians"? Maybe, it`s just you and a couple of mates? Read a few reviews; might just open your eyes. Russian cars are not as good as some brands, but they certainly are not bad. In fact, some like the Niva are better and far more reliable than other more costlier 4X4s from other countries, like Korea. Try being a little bit more objective; then we might listen.

17th Jan 2006, 09:28

Well, if anybody spend few minutes to compare Samara with the same sized cars from other companies the result for the price,internal size, economic & top speed will be Samara's, also acceleration is not bad at all "for the 1500cc model" as I read here it's very correct "the much you spend the much you got",regular maintenance is essential for any car, for the hatch door, it's not correct what mentioned it's differs than the rest of the car "maybe the old owner changed it",as I got it new mine is doing good, no color changes.

10th Feb 2006, 07:36

You may trust me, because I had many marks and models of Russian cars.

I agree that they have got a good price, new car - about three hundred thousand roubles or ten thousand dollars. It is price of not very old foreign car. However, you will have many problems with same Lada after one year and will not have any problems with import after five years, you will only change oil, filters, belts etc.

So, better I will drive (example) Toyota 2001 year made. With automatic transmission and full electric equipment.

Perhaps, new model of Lada will appear soon, but it will be another car and another price.

Best regards from Russia!

13th Feb 2006, 20:13

"You will not have any problems with import (used imported car) AFTER five years". Really? Sounds like wishful thinking, to me. After 5 years, or so, all makes of cars are prone to developing problems - often due to normal, or in some cases, excessive wear and tear, high mileage, and (in some cases) poor maintenance and abuse by the previous, original owner. If you are lucky, you might get a good one - but generally, buying second-hand is risky. You might just be buying somebody`s else`s problems. Expensive repairs are not pleasant at the best of times - and 'high tech' imported cars, with all their complicated electronic gadgetry, can be VERY expensive to repair and maintain. However, each to their own. At least, you`re aware.

'The grass always seems greener on the other side. Doesn`t it.

25th Feb 2006, 03:02

I am from New Zealand, and I am proud to say that I own a 1993 Samara 3-door hatch-back. It is a fantastic little car. I have just done some major work to it because of abuse and misuse on the part of the last owner, and, if I thought it was fast when I first bought it a year ago, then it is really fast now. As a bog standard car, its 0-100kph time right down at the 8.0-8.5sec mark. The cost that I incurred in replacing the engine, renewing the clutch, rebuilding the cooling system (mechanical and electrical), overhauling the badly corroded electrics (from use as a dune buggy), and other small miscellaneous items was about NZ$1200. I could not have expected to do repairs to the same degree on any other car for less than four times that price. I am absolutely satisfied with Lada.

P.S. I also have a 1985 2105 (Riva). I went off the road at 115kph avoiding an overtaking oncoming car, flew over a drainage culvert, through some farmer's fence, and into a paddock full of hay bales. The only damage was to the car, and that was only a slight dent in the sump!! I drove away!

4th Mar 2006, 02:40

Great to hear from another Lada enthusiast. Loved your comment about the Riva. People who`ve never owned or driven these cars, just don`t realise how strong and tough they are. I had a V.W. Transporter van collide into the front side of my stationary 1992 Lada Niva, a few years ago. The whole front of the V.W. was demolished, and the van was a write off. The Niva`s front wheel arch was pushed in by approx. 10 - 15 cms., and the steel road wheel was slightly buckled. That was it. I drove home without any problems. The thickness of the body panels on these cars is nearly double that of other cars. Sure that makes the cars relatively heavier - but it also makes them extremely strong and durable- and that`s very comforting, especially when a large V.W. van runs into you at 60 km./hr! And you simply step out - without a scratch. Love my Lada!

16th Mar 2006, 23:26

I love Russian cars, not only because I am Russian. I drove Lada Samara 2109 for several years. It was my first car. Now I study in Canada and I enjoy seeing Ladas here:) Lada enthusiasts forever! And don't pay attention to those whipping comments about the car. Especially I hate when Russians write them. Lada rulezzz, I never experienced problems with it.

17th Mar 2006, 22:56

Your comment (16th March), was like a breath of fresh air. Good on you. A true Russian (or any other nationality, for that matter) does not demean or ridicule his (or her) own nation`s achievements. Those few who do so, should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Russian cars may not be as sophisticated, or as technologically advanced as some Western offerings, but they are honest, inexpensive and reliable. And that`s what really counts. Wish you all the very best in your studies. Regards!

26th Jun 2007, 21:43

Did you know lada are coming back revived from the dead soon.

16th Aug 2007, 15:56

Looking forward to one day buying myself a Riva!!!

Just passing time by reading comments, and I have to say that it seems the Lada's are very simple, basic cars that do the job.

Russia seems to always have the same strategy... Stay simple...

A VW can be superior... but to what cost?

To back this up... take WW2 for example.

The T34's were some of the best tanks, fast and easy production by anyone...

The Tiger is superior... yes... but to what cost...

The Tiger even had a steering wheel WITH POWER STEERING!!!

I like simplicity... I think down the road... it ends up winning :)