A 1986 Lada Niva that’s Seen Better Days

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

I had the chance to test out a 1986 Lada Niva in the Lithuanian countryside.
Sometimes known as simply the Niva, the Lada 4x4, or the Lada Niva, this was, and is, a car that is designed to survive the harshest of environments, and that has hardly changed since 1977.
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Пікірлер: 111

  • @karstenb.436
    @karstenb.436 Жыл бұрын

    Forgot to mention. Germany has a very large Lada and Uaz scene. Spare Parts are good available, stocks are full. Even for UAZ you can order for very reasonable pricing in Bulgaria. So no arguments for not buying one :) with proper maintenance and short service intervalls (10tsd kilometers) both brands are very reliable.

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    Great to hear this, thank you!🙂🙌🏻

  • @mihaimihai9254

    @mihaimihai9254

    Жыл бұрын

    There is a very important reason for not bying a Russian product doesn't matter what it is! NOT HELPING PUTIN'S ECONOMY! Helping a MURDERER makes you a MURDERER !

  • @davidhall370
    @davidhall370 Жыл бұрын

    Another Alan Partridge classic moment describing the headlining as “easy to wipe down” when it was covered in 36 years worth of mould 🤣👍

  • @davidhall370

    @davidhall370

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Freddie 😍

  • @antonhosinsky3090
    @antonhosinsky30903 ай бұрын

    Just got my own Niva the other day, a sheer stroke of luck because they are extremely rare where I live. A 1989 model, well-cared for with a fine interior and bodywork. 15 minutes after driving it when I checked it out I knew this was my car. It smells as the cars of my childhood and has those little charming triangular windows that you can open sideways, in front of the side windows. Feels solidly built and no annoying beeps if I don´t put on my safety belt or let the keys in the lock. INow I just got to find a cassette car stereo for it.

  • @theslowwalkhome7314
    @theslowwalkhome7314 Жыл бұрын

    Your channel just gets better and better, absolutely love it !!

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    Delighted you enjoyed it!🙂

  • @mangeshdehadray7979
    @mangeshdehadray7979 Жыл бұрын

    The way some cars and bikes look...all time classics and equally loved all over the world.... something at work....makes everyone happy 🙏

  • @davidgalt8107
    @davidgalt8107 Жыл бұрын

    The secret to driving without power steering is... NEVER try to turn the steering wheel while stationary. Always have a little motion, either forward or in reverse. Much easier and also saves tyre wear. Great video btw.

  • @freemenofengland2880
    @freemenofengland2880 Жыл бұрын

    I'm a big Niva fan myself - definitely becoming a timeless classic!

  • @OnlyCitrus
    @OnlyCitrus Жыл бұрын

    Its going to be a good day when Freddie uploads

  • @drink4711
    @drink4711 Жыл бұрын

    There are many Lada Nivas in the Dutch classifieds, but prices are astronomical. For an overstock 2018 model with 250 kilometers on the clock they ask 29.800 euros

  • @biker_dale
    @biker_dale Жыл бұрын

    I do remember going to the south of France in a car without power steering, never thought anything of it at the time, but wouldn't look forward to it now 😂I do like the look of older cars, they definitely had character and weren't full of computers and sensors. The good old days 😆

  • @daverapier6524
    @daverapier6524 Жыл бұрын

    Love It! Keep up the great work, your channel is a breath of honest air!

  • @14biscuits
    @14biscuits Жыл бұрын

    Right from the off, the mismatch of those wheels and tyres is causing me issues!! 😂

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    Believe me David- it handled as badly as you would imagine with the tyre mix it had!🤣

  • @tasanastaspats5769

    @tasanastaspats5769

    Жыл бұрын

    😂😂😂

  • @erikvangen1281
    @erikvangen1281 Жыл бұрын

    My father had a brand New 1984 mod.Lada .The normal 2wd.It Was parked for 3 days.Wery Cold.-37c.Whit no extra heating it started easy.Not meny cars do that.Erik Vangen. Norway. 🙂👍

  • @Max-rn3eb
    @Max-rn3ebАй бұрын

    seeing you struggle as someone who learned on and drives a VW Citi Golf without power steering (South African facelifted Mk1 golf) is quite funny, rack and pinion steering can be rough but the trick to steering in tight situations is to have it moving ever so slightly (all clutch, no gas). Great video! Thanks for sharing this awesome little car with us.

  • @sarangthemalbert8547
    @sarangthemalbert8547 Жыл бұрын

    Another refreshing content from Freddie 👌

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Sarangthem!🙂

  • @davidallum6841
    @davidallum68416 ай бұрын

    I've just bought a Rhd one in UK, 1989 in similar condition and with the "Cossack" bull bars and wider wheel arches.

  • @user-sw2lv3zp6o
    @user-sw2lv3zp6o Жыл бұрын

    That looked hard work, Freddie.

  • @ChristopherD-M
    @ChristopherD-M Жыл бұрын

    I love these!! 😍

  • @davemorgan6721
    @davemorgan6721 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Freddie just watched another great video. I think the steering would have been a bit easier if it didn’t have smaller low profile tyres on the front. Keep up the good work 👍

  • @WillDeKorteTheCooksBelly
    @WillDeKorteTheCooksBelly Жыл бұрын

    Brilliant ep as ever Fred 🙌

  • @supershelma
    @supershelma Жыл бұрын

    The best car ever, dont stop no where. Just drive. I love lada niva.

  • @allsearpw3829
    @allsearpw3829 Жыл бұрын

    Hi , oh yes the perforated head lining , great for hanging a large plastic spider in and waiting for the kids to scream after getting in . Happy days .😉

  • @seanfrank4158
    @seanfrank4158 Жыл бұрын

    Even if I was driving a car I wouldn't have even hesitated at that little dip. That Lada would have walked through there in 2wd.

  • @davidallum6841

    @davidallum6841

    6 ай бұрын

    The Niva is permanent 4 wheel drive , but I know what you mean. A 2 wheel drive Riva would tackle that track.

  • @akhilshah2157
    @akhilshah2157 Жыл бұрын

    Lovely car beautiful colour 😍

  • @mantarayal
    @mantarayal Жыл бұрын

    They are too cool. And look what's happened with the Jimny...we rented them in Kenya many moons ago (Mk1)..and they were AMAZING!! And my mate had one of these and we loved it. They are great-looking and actually extremely competent. High/Low..2wd/4wd. Who needs power steering when we all need exercise in this modern world? My mate's was blue with a gold pinstripe. Looked wicked. Thanks for another vid that just makes us smile and laugh guys. Take care, be safe, ride safe, and drive safe. Can't wait for your next vid!!

  • @henryhartley9993
    @henryhartley9993 Жыл бұрын

    I'd love one.....

  • @karstenb.436
    @karstenb.436 Жыл бұрын

    Driving Lada Niva 2131 and UAZ Buhanka.. best cars ever

  • @zedwarrior1866
    @zedwarrior1866 Жыл бұрын

    It's such a beautiful car!!

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks so!😍

  • @overlander123
    @overlander123 Жыл бұрын

    Drive forward or backward slightly before turning the steering wheel, makes life a tad easier.

  • @craigdouglasmartens7037
    @craigdouglasmartens70376 ай бұрын

    Nicely presented! I find them tough, functional and thoroughly desirablw after growing up in the Southern African bush. I learn;t very early on when power syeering was reserved for the very well heeled, that one must get the vehicle moving before attempting major steering inputs if possible. I still think it's a sound principle to reduce wear and tear. Love your channel! All the best from Mpushini zpro😮tected Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

  • @sijt5287
    @sijt5287 Жыл бұрын

    Nice quirky little vid mate.

  • @oblahdes
    @oblahdes Жыл бұрын

    I drive a 1995 Jeep Cherokee (Wife has 2002 Grand Cherokee) and love it, no frills, if all falls off, the engine will still carry me around. Great bit on the Himalayas. Long live the Ukrainians.

  • @toreking1
    @toreking1 Жыл бұрын

    Lads is a vehicle I had been curious about for so long as well, I would highly recommend off-roading any 80s and early 90s 4x4, they are primitively seductive for some reason, rugged and simple, as they should.

  • @timtim0007
    @timtim0007 Жыл бұрын

    Freddie should be the next Top Gear presenter.

  • @chema1546
    @chema1546 Жыл бұрын

    hello good morning Freddie Lada had an agreement with Fiat copies the 1430 and other cars but they used a lot of fuel keep enjoying the holidays greetings from Valencia 🙏

  • @timday6087
    @timday6087 Жыл бұрын

    There is a 400 mile Lada Niva for sale currently in the UK for the bargain price of £24,850! Makes my commercial Jimny look cheap. Great content Freddie, keep up the good work.

  • @jasonk7072
    @jasonk7072 Жыл бұрын

    I have access to one of these in Estonia and it’s brilliant. Well it’s not, it’s crap 95% of the time but for going into the forests it’s awesome. Luckily we can use something else 95% of the time.

  • @78Outlaw
    @78Outlaw Жыл бұрын

    Turn and move, turn and move Freddie, makes a huge difference, we do get spoiled by power steering 😆

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    I’d completely forgotten the technique- it’s been a long time!😆

  • @78Outlaw

    @78Outlaw

    Жыл бұрын

    @@FreddieDobbs think most of us have Freddie, a good lower arm work out 😂 always thought these were classically cool utilities like the early series Landy and defender, first Ford Bronco and the first FJ Toyota Landcruiser :)

  • @RahulPatil-yg7vy
    @RahulPatil-yg7vy Жыл бұрын

    The condition of that car looks like a third hand Maruti Omni which we used as a car pool for the daily commute during my school days 😂 Though a car video once in a blue moon is good for a change Also i did drive a car with no power steering a 1999 Daewoo Matiz for two years , i had no issues with the non power assisted steering except on U turns

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    I must admit Rahul- this Lada was in poor condition!😆

  • @volt8684
    @volt8684 Жыл бұрын

    My long deceased neighbour used to buy these. Put 100k on each one every 2 years and swore by them. Travelled regularly to Scotland and swore by capabilities off road. Sold them after 2 yrs. its a Fiat😂like the 500😂. Loving the series in Lithuania

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    I love this! They do sound nearly as tough as an incredibly trusty Fiat 500!😃💪🏼

  • @crumblymal8479
    @crumblymal8479 Жыл бұрын

    Aww I remember that Freddie in the Lada Riva that big thin 50's style steering wheel without power steering what fun , very utilitarian I reckon it would have gone through there no problem .I also reckon today if you could restore and upgrade the steering and interior you would have a fantastic rugged rough terrain vehicle with a few tweaks on breaks and stuff and they would still sell well around the globe .I also think that Monica is best suited to the class of a Range Rover or a Porsche Cayenne 😉 . great watch mate luved it ,👌👍

  • @teneretraveller8980
    @teneretraveller8980 Жыл бұрын

    A future classic? Buy now while still affordable. Fiat panda 4x4 first generation are now off the scale. Love it. Happy travels 👍

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    This is so true re the Panda!

  • @frederickacerra7766
    @frederickacerra7766 Жыл бұрын

    I watched the video and I went to the Lada website and they look completely the same now as they did in 1986 .Weird thing is there are more than you would think for sale in the states . The rest of their line of cars don't look bad at all . In the states bigger better so small SUV's sell but not like the "Land Boats" most people buy here . Good Video cheers to you and Monica

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    Very interesting- I thought there’d be close to zero in the states with all of your huge off roaders!💪🏼

  • @crankybear1236
    @crankybear1236 Жыл бұрын

    Three shifters??? Damn 😂

  • @Jimmyboypepsimax
    @Jimmyboypepsimax Жыл бұрын

    Great Video Freddie! Ipswich next boy?

  • @FelixGomezRoca
    @FelixGomezRoca Жыл бұрын

    Freddie I love your videos, I would love for you to make a review of the Benelli Imperiale 400.

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    I’ve been wanting to try one of these for a while- this is definitely on my list🙂👌🏻🏍

  • @ciaran4060
    @ciaran4060 Жыл бұрын

    I think a road trip from Lithuania back to the UK could be on the cards in the Lada!!? 👌

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    I was very tempted (Monika very against!😆)

  • @marcinwojtaszko633
    @marcinwojtaszko633 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Freddie! The music you use in your videos is perfect, spot on! I wonder where do you take it from. Do you use any of the databases available, free or paid? Awesome video, as always. Cheers

  • @stuartmoles843
    @stuartmoles843 Жыл бұрын

    They say “never meet your hero” this I feel sums that up😂

  • @decayintheuk
    @decayintheuk Жыл бұрын

    what a heap...but it looks good and I'm liking simple more and more

  • @kevinshaffer1047
    @kevinshaffer1047 Жыл бұрын

    no power steering..lol..imagine trying to turn one of the huge solid steel American cars from the 40's, 50's and 60's...LOL..they were tanks...another great video!!..

  • @marwood1969
    @marwood1969 Жыл бұрын

    Elegant?? Are you trolling us Freddie? Too funny!!

  • @EminBastea
    @EminBastea Жыл бұрын

    put some offroad tires and this car will look badass. I love nivas...and they still produce them in 2022

  • @Jean-de-lune
    @Jean-de-lune Жыл бұрын

    Probably lasts longer than a T-62, or T-70 or the newest T-90 and actually not too bad nick for a 36 year old tank. Build up your biceps as well! Notice Monika didn't get to try the tight turns and little wonder. You didn't try it out on really testing terrain but I'm sure it would be not too bad. I have ben impressed by the snow performance of a Fiat Panda 4x4 as well and you don't hold back with an ancient heap either as - well- - how bad can it be broken?! My experience with LR Discovery 5-pot BMW version was faultless and it could tackle deep snow on steep hills very well. And further experience on a cross country track in Scotland in deepest winter ice and snow in a LR 2.5 diesel 110 was brillliant and gained us a 4x4 driving cert!

  • @spikodemiko5514
    @spikodemiko5514 Жыл бұрын

    Great review Freddie. Looks perfect for taking the wheels off and keeping chickens in……😬 Only joking👍

  • @shashankasaikia4136
    @shashankasaikia4136 Жыл бұрын

    Sir!!! review Royal Enfield Hunter 350

  • @macvideo
    @macvideo4 ай бұрын

    I have a 91 model… in Brazil.

  • @peterwrench4416
    @peterwrench4416 Жыл бұрын

    A nice touch was the heated rear bumper, so your hands didn’t get cold while pushing it……

  • @MARSIPAANIKAKKU-lk9bz
    @MARSIPAANIKAKKU-lk9bz Жыл бұрын

    NICE I LIKE 2103 1500S.2107 1300 AND NIVA

  • @stephencox1955
    @stephencox1955 Жыл бұрын

    Freddie,think it best for you to get the new Defender and relax your arm muscle’s lol 😆

  • @coledines
    @coledines Жыл бұрын

    Love all the vids, this one had to turn off as I didn’t want to miss the paint drying on my wall lol

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    Delighted you usually the videos Cole- appreciate the feedback🙂

  • @coledines

    @coledines

    Жыл бұрын

    @@FreddieDobbs yeah I watch them all!! Surprised top gear haven’t snapped you up yet!!!

  • @richardbartlett6932
    @richardbartlett6932 Жыл бұрын

    Think I'll stick to classic bikes. But a complete joy as always

  • @sravan6492
    @sravan6492 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, Can you review the new Royal Enfield Hunter 350 ? It looks like a great city commuter and very affordable.. Royal Enfield did a great job again

  • @dankeez1129
    @dankeez1129 Жыл бұрын

    Ah a Lithuanian Niva. These in Lithuania are pretty rare

  • @yevgeniyvalstion7467
    @yevgeniyvalstion74674 ай бұрын

    You know you can buy brand new one of these.

  • @philroberts5537
    @philroberts5537 Жыл бұрын

    My workmate had one when I first left uni in the 1980’s. Not overly reliable and certainly not glamorous in the time when the car drivers had XR3i , cosworths etc. Me I had a Jawa with a rotax engine in it.

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    Great to hear this insight Phil, and bucking the trend and not going for a Japanese sports bike but picking a Jawa instead!🤘🏻🏍

  • @stevezahn8056
    @stevezahn8056 Жыл бұрын

    Ok Freddie, I don’t know anything about old Russian 4x4s, but that thing didn’t look very capable or impressive. And for some reason it looked like it smelled like an old barn stall. If I had my choice give me a Ural with the sidecar.

  • @Adam_Adam_Adam_Adam
    @Adam_Adam_Adam_Adam Жыл бұрын

    Bet that's on about 383k after a few trips round the clock 😂

  • @FreddieDobbs

    @FreddieDobbs

    Жыл бұрын

    I wouldn’t be surprised at all!😆

  • @mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420
    @mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420 Жыл бұрын

    Toyota Supra front wheels?

  • @maxroshin2895
    @maxroshin2895 Жыл бұрын

    Definetely there were no nivas with diesel engine in mass production

  • @kevincraig8257
    @kevincraig8257 Жыл бұрын

    it looks like an International it sounded like a diesel

  • @allanhughes7859
    @allanhughes7859 Жыл бұрын

    Well this must be a first swaping fom bikes to the old 4 wheel things and 4x4 to boot very very dodgy are me thinks There are a lot of experts out there re this one so hope you got your facts right L.O.L...........

  • @legless1956
    @legless1956 Жыл бұрын

    That' looks bodged to hell, I'd love to go bodge spotting on it 😁 I saw one a couple of weeks ago broken down at the side of the road. Speaking as someone who had to work on them in the 90's🤮, I was glad to see the back of them (not a fan)

  • @julio_amoralez
    @julio_amoralez Жыл бұрын

    How to fix Niva (Instruction): Hit the dashboard. If it doesn’t help, with God's help, use the hammer, sickle and strong words. Cross yourself and get behind the wheel. When you reach your destination, glaze your stress with vodka.

  • @julio_amoralez

    @julio_amoralez

    Жыл бұрын

    German cars: Das Auto British cars: shaken and not stirred US cars: mine is always bigger Russian cars: senseless and merciless

  • @chrismeyler
    @chrismeyler Жыл бұрын

    Elegant? You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means.

  • @andrewhaden7822
    @andrewhaden7822 Жыл бұрын

    Moscovitch next please

  • @GarageFIAT
    @GarageFIAT Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for support Ukraine 🇺🇦!

  • @michaelfraser5723
    @michaelfraser5723 Жыл бұрын

    ha ha, huge comedy and everything is borderline in Freddie's world, especially the EU's flexible border/

  • @m4mihulja
    @m4mihulja5 күн бұрын

    Overall the video is interesting, however, this particular example, unfortunately, appears to lack much of its original (factory) looks - the front seats, the steering wheel, the front wheels, the side-mirrors, the presence of LPG (which was absolutely never factory-offered for Niva) and many other details have actually been subsequently changed/modified (either added or removed) and much of those obviously being stripped from some entirely different cars. No offense of course, but I honestly I think that this particular example should not be taken into account for portraying a 1980s Niva in any case.

  • @Northernlanes
    @Northernlanes Жыл бұрын

    to be honest I wouldn't have one for free 😁

  • @krasky
    @krasky Жыл бұрын

    "Borderline" count > 9000 I would have liked it if the political aspects had been kept out of this. We are confronted with it everywhere anyway. Channels like this, which let you escape from reality for a brief moment, shouldn't be about political issues... It should just be about bikes and cars. If you want political content, there is plenty of it in other places. Therefore: first video where I didn't hit like on this channel. Sorry, Freddie! Other than that, I love your content!

  • @johnimmins7302
    @johnimmins7302 Жыл бұрын

    That car was not good enough to take Monika anyware in. Stick to bikes Freddie, some of those old cars you fancy are just wrecks.🚙

  • @garycampbell7891
    @garycampbell7891 Жыл бұрын

    WTF! Get back in the room man!

  • @leeandjancruise
    @leeandjancruise Жыл бұрын

    Horrible just horrible tovarisch.

  • @pookiewookie7679
    @pookiewookie7679 Жыл бұрын

    I don't stand with Ukraine. Nice Lada Niva though 👍🏻👍🏻

  • @Drive_Camp_Ride
    @Drive_Camp_Ride Жыл бұрын

    Youn need to take a leaf out of the Masonic lodge and never talk about Politics or Religion...and NEVER go along with the current, fashionable "thing"

  • @sappernz
    @sappernz Жыл бұрын

    Worst car i ever owned...Im 83 yrs Aussie..therefore ive owned many ,many vehicles. And yes Freddy we all know you are 6 ft 1 inch.

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