Lada 1983 Riva Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Dirt cheap secondhand (hard to sell) £300 Banger.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Scrap yards give them away. Doors a pig to remove.

  • On the road

    Driving

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Brakes fade, unsafe at 60mph+, go short distance only.

    Performance

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Anticipate overtaking well in advance, slow acceler..…

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    dodgy points, weak earth under dashboard

    Image

    1 out of 5 1.0

    unfashionable (unless you are a Communist!)

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Sit up and beg seats, low road noise surprisingly.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    people usually leave it alone as they feel sorry for you.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    DIY only, as sevice costs as much as car is worth.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Points /rotor arm, water pump, timing chain tensioner.

    Other

    Starter motor and alternator failure+weak earth (lights).

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No