Faults:

Had to change rear brake cylinder when bought, and also the radiator had a leak.

Swapped original engine (1.5, 55kw) to Niva 1.7i (62kw) for better performance and fuel economy.

Blew gearbox once when tried smoke the tires, new gearbox cost 30EUR.

Windshield water jets jammed.

Still must change front suspension joints.

General Comments:

It's typical 80's 5-door family car, with squeaky plastic dash and all.

The cabin is spacious, plenty of legroom, comfortable seats. Fold back seats down and you'll got minivan! I have transported different bits of furniture in it, not to mention bicycles, mopeds and a mother in law :D.

The handling is adequate, as the suspension is more-less 1:1 copy from Audi 100. As the engine scheme is also similar to Audi, it under steers. However on the highway, this is a plus - it's very stable and easy to drive.

There's quite a bit of wind noise, I guess from cracked door seals.

Original 55kw engine is not powerful enough for this car, specially when driving in 5th gear. I swapped it to Lada Niva 1.7 fuel injected engine and now things are better. On the highway, it consumes 6l/100km and top speed is around 160 km/h.

Overall, I think this is one of best Russian cars.

Faults:

Lot of problems with the generator, and some other electrical problems (for example lighting, inside and outside).

Clutch went wrong at 40,000 kilometers.

Ignition problems sometimes (this car was made with a choke).

Radiator's leaking problem at 39,000 kilometers.

General Comments:

This car can be the best choice as a teenager's first car: very easy to drive, but it gives no servo or ABS. It is very slow - can't go faster than 130 km/h, and the consumption is very adequate.

My car was out of operation for 4 times in that period when I was the owner. Finally I became an 'Aleko specialist', and it was me who solve the last problem with it.

I guess everyone can learn to drive with this car easily!

Despite of the high number of several mistakes I really loved it, it was my first car which I bought for myself. It is a Russian car, made of fine materials: there was negligible rust on the car, and the feeling of the safety was real inside - thanks to the thick metal everywhere. The upholstery smelt like new (although it was 8 years old then!).

After some party's and family-journeys the car proved that it's comfortable enough for 5 persons also.