02 October 2020 Lada.Online 12 719 12
Weaknesses and typical problems are identified during the operation of any car, the Chevrolet Niva (and now Lada Niva) is no exception. There is such an SUV in the editorial park of the Za Rulem magazine. Over the 7 years of its operation, experts have studied all the problems and weaknesses of this car. When choosing a used Niva, pay attention to these points.
Exterior of the updated Niva
There have been no significant changes to the exterior of the updated SUV. You can only highlight the block of headlights and fog lights. The developers installed rear-view mirrors, providing them with an electric drive.
At the rear of the car, noteworthy is the spare wheel bracket, which is made of light alloy metal . It is not subject to corrosion. The rear door opens to the side, allowing easy access to the luggage compartment.
General characteristics of Chevrolet Niva
The first thing that attracts attention is the overall dimensions of the Chevrolet Niva and the body. It differs from its predecessor in its streamlining and lack of angular shapes, which also provides excellent aerodynamics at high speeds.
The development took into account the requirements for modern cars. Therefore, the domestic SUV has become a little more spacious and larger.
Car dimensions:
- width – 1800 mm;
- length – 3919 mm;
- height – 1652-1690 mm.
The last parameter differs slightly depending on the presence of roof rails. Also, the height is affected by the degree of “fatigue” of the suspension springs, which sag over time.
The dimensions show that the Chevrolet Niva is a middle option between a passenger car and a heavy SUV. These sizes are most optimal for city driving. The car is easy to drive both in traffic jams and in a crowded parking lot or in a cramped yard.
After restyling, the Chevrolet Niva received new plastic body kits “Bertone” to protect the lower part of the body from crushed stone and gravel. However, critics note that it is easy to miss the corrosion underneath, which can quickly spread through the metal.
Let's note other general characteristics:
- weight of the Chevrolet Niva in running order – 1485 kg;
- maximum possible weight – 1860 kg;
- load on the roof of the car together with the weight of the trunk - 75 kg;
- permissible trailer weight with/without brakes – 1200/600 kg;
- load capacity of Niva Chevrolet - 450 kg;
- trunk volume/with seats folded – 320 l/650 l.
Many car owners complain about the small trunk, which is not enough to transport large loads. But this problem is easily solved by folding the rear seats or installing an expedition vehicle on the roof.
SUV interior
In the cabin, in terms of comfort and equipment, there are noticeable changes for the better. The instrument panel has acquired a modern look. We were pleased with the seats for front passengers with a range of adjustments.
The three-spoke steering wheel fits well in the hands . The range of additional systems and functions has been improved. All switches are in the driver's direct line of sight and accessible. This allows you to concentrate on driving while driving and not be distracted from the road situation.
Chevrolet niva 2016 interior
Lada Niva detailed review. Resource of the motor and gearbox. Auto mechanic's opinion about Niva.
Lada Niva represents
a copy of the well-known Chevrolet Niva, which was sold in Russia for more than 15 years; in the spring of 2021, Lada bought 50% of the shares from GM-Avtovaz, after which the Chevrolet Niva was renamed Lada Niva.
Inside the Lada Niva
, if you compare it with the Chevrolet Niva, the changes are minimal, or rather there are practically none, the only thing that catches your eye is the Lada emblem on the steering wheel. The interior decoration of the Niva is quite budget-friendly, but wear-resistant and has a mileage of 130-150 thousand km. If the salon is not deliberately killed, it can be preserved quite well. The Niva's trunk is small, its volume is only 320 liters.
The equipment of the Lada Niva may include:
two airbags; ABS; snorkel; air conditioner; multimedia system with four speakers and rear view camera; rear parking sensors; standard alarm; immobilizer; front center armrest; adjustable lumbar support for driver's seat; heated front seats, mirrors, windshield; front electric windows; roof rails; 16 alloy wheels; front fog lights.
Niva body
galvanized using cold galvanizing technology, the SUV resists corrosion quite well, but it is not amiss to carry out additional anti-corrosion treatment of the bottom and hidden cavities immediately after purchase; it is advisable to do the anti-corrosion treatment not at the dealer, but in a specialized center, it will be cheaper and of better quality.
In terms of bodywork, the only difference between the Chevrolet Niva and the Lada Niva
is a different radiator grille and Lada logos, instead of the Chevrolet emblem.
Buying a Chevrolet Niva on the secondary market
, it wouldn’t hurt to lift the car on a lift and assess the condition of the bottom, since sometimes car owners overestimate the Niva’s off-road performance and mercilessly abuse the car off-road; the bottom of such cars is usually scratched. I don’t recommend buying such cars, besides, there are plenty of examples on the secondary market that haven’t moved beyond the primer, just don’t rush and chase a low price.
Niva suspension
comfortable and energy-intensive, the chassis forgives a lot and it is almost impossible to break through it. Spare parts for the chassis are not expensive and they are always available in auto shops specializing in Ladas. Niva ground clearance is 20 cm.
Motor
Niva has the only and no alternative, engine index 2123, timing chain drive, with hydraulic chain tensioner, the engine is equipped with hydraulic valve compensators.
The chain is changed after 100-120 thousand km, but the hydraulic tensioner can fail earlier at 40-60 thousand km; many people replace it with a mechanical one, which has a much longer service life. Average
engine life is about 200-250 thousand km.
Niva gearbox
five-speed manual, with adequate operation the service life of the box does not cause any complaints from the owners. The average service life of the gearbox with adequate operation before the first overhaul is about 150 - 180 thousand km, repairing the gearbox by modern standards is very budgetary and will cost 10-20 thousand rubles, and for 25 - 30 thousand rubles, you can buy a new gearbox .
I, as an auto mechanic and the owner of a small service center, can say:
that the Niva is quite a good option for your money, you can safely buy the Niva, both new and on the secondary market.
No matter what condition the Niva is in, I can always find it,
since all the main spare parts are always in stock and are inexpensive, and any garage service can handle repairs of any complexity.
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Technical part
1.7-liter power unit is installed in the engine compartment . The engine power is 80 horsepower . The car has acquired a softer and smoother ride due to updated shock absorbers and enlarged silent blocks.
Vehicle vibration has noticeably decreased. Unfortunately, there were no significant or conceptual changes to the car. With certain progress and additional equipment, the shortcomings of an SUV are visible to the naked eye.
The main problems of the Chevrolet Niva VAZ-2123 engine
Among the most common malfunctions are the following:
- The motor does not turn on.
- The engine stalls at idle and when driving.
- Reduced power of the power unit.
Reasons for startup problems:
- contamination of fuel lines (the system is washed with water or cleaned with compressed air);
- clogging of the fuel filter (the filter element is cleaned or replaced with a new device);
- the gasoline pump is broken, the unit has stopped pumping or supplies an insufficient amount of fuel (you need to install a new gasoline pump).
If the engine often stalls, this indicates a malfunction in the fuel pump, as well as the idle air regulator, which needs to be replaced with a new mechanism. The engine may also stop working if air gets into the gasoline hoses. In order to eliminate this defect, it is recommended to eliminate damage to the hoses and their fixation points, tighten the fastenings of the clamps, etc.
If a discrepancy between the engine power and the nominal values is detected, it is necessary to check the throttle valve adjustments and the condition of its position sensor. A faulty sensor cannot be repaired; it will simply need to be replaced with a new device. It is also recommended to check the serviceability of the engine ignition system (spark plugs) and the amount of battery charge.
Disadvantages of the Chevrolet Niva
- Manufacturers have failed to cope with the problem of cabin noise . The car is honking. A hum makes its way into the cabin due to the installed transfer case. This disadvantage can be partially reduced. It is necessary to install additional sound insulation.
- The vibration is not felt as strong as before. But it is present and comes from the bridges.
- Another problem arising from previous shortcomings: increased fuel consumption . It can be solved by installing gas equipment. The SUV's gasoline consumption is 8 liters per 100 km on the highway. Within the city, consumption increases significantly and reaches 14 liters per 100 km.
- The power unit for an SUV is frankly rather weak . There is not enough power and agility for high-speed overtaking and maneuvers. You need to come to terms with this. After all, a car weighing 1.5 tons is positioned as a vehicle for off-road and rough terrain.
- Experts and owners of the new SUV note the small capacity of the luggage compartment and the inconvenience of placement in the cabin. There is simply not enough space.
There are still minor shortcomings, but they can be solved and are not a constant headache for the driver.
Engine
Despite many negative statements about the low-power 2123 engine, it has one big plus - it is reliable. With good oil, major repairs may be required after 300-400 km, sometimes even later.
There are only three classic “sores” of the engine:
- Oil leakage - One problem could be poor quality oil seals or a warped valve cover due to over-tightening the bolts.
- Hydraulic tensioner - often when starting “cold” the timing chain begins to knock. If this problem occurs, it is better to install a mechanical pilot tensioner and enjoy smooth engine operation.
- Hydraulic compensators can knock after 100 thousand km; the problem also occurs “in cold weather” and as the engine warms up, the knocking disappears. This sometimes happens from bad oil, so it’s best to try replacing it first. If there is no effect, the issue can be resolved by installing new parts or converting to classic adjusting bolts.
Many experts admit that Chevrolet Niva hydraulic compensators are unreliable and even after restyling this problem could not be solved - over time they begin to knock. If you leave this unattended, at high mileage the engine may simply seize. But if you decide to install bolts, you will have to adjust the valves every 20-30 thousand km.
Positive aspects of the Chevrolet Niva
Along with the generally recognized shortcomings that experts are working on, there are many positive aspects.
- A significant argument is the cost of the car . The price is affordable for most potential buyers.
- The car is unpretentious in maintenance.
- Spare parts, units and components are constantly in stock. Their cost practically does not increase.
- The car has high cross-country ability.
- Due to the large approach and departure angles (350/370), the SUV can overcome obstacles that are inaccessible to ordinary passenger cars.
- The downshift and forced locking of the center differential help to easily move along the autobahn or confidently overcome off-road conditions.
- The ergonomic suspension ensures a smooth ride.
This is an incomplete list of the positive qualities of the new Chevrolet Niva car.
