Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
Lada 4x4 (Niva) for overland Lada 4x4 (Niva) for overland
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree10Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Jul 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Budapest
Posts: 13
Lada 4x4 (Niva) for overland
Hello,

in a few years we plan to travel from Europe through Africa to Caucasus and Kazahstan. We have limited budget we can spend on the car (c.a. 10-12.000 EUR). You can buy a brand new Lada 4x4 from this money here in Hungary. So our initial idea is to buy one and make the journey with it. Do you recommend this? Does somebody has already experience with the Niva? Thanks!


Az én iPhone készülékemről küldve a Tapatalk segítségével
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Jul 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Wuxi, China
Posts: 41
No, you will have no support in Africa for Lada. Better to get a secondhand, low tech Toyota, Land Rover or even Nissan.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
I take it you mean one of the new Chevrolet co-produced Nivas?

They are not really comparable to the original. I have briefly driven both and the new Niva feels much less rugged.

For your budget you could easily pick up a nearly new Rav4 or Honda CRV which are similar to the new Niva. But with a bit of effort and preparation you could easily get a proper 4x4 with that money, something like a Toyota Prado (Landcruier 90 / Colorado), a Land Cruiser 80 or a Land Rover if you are a competent mechanic.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Jul 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Budapest
Posts: 13
Thank you for all your replies. Actually I was thinking about the “classic” Niva, which called 4x4 today: https://www.lada.ru/en/cars/4x4/3dv/about.html.
But I assume your advises still stand.  I will check the RAV4. I have been informed that Land Rovers have been eaten by rust. I just thought that it might be a good idea to have a new Lada 4x4 instead of having an old Toyota, but it seems that this is not true.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
Old Nivas are pretty good off-road vehicles, very well sprung. But you mention 'we'; this car is pretty small and not designed to carry weight! For two people I think it's a poor choice unless you plan to travel very light.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Jul 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Wuxi, China
Posts: 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by erdei82 View Post
... I have been informed that Land Rovers have been eaten by rust...
You have been informed incorrectly. Land Rovers are mostly made from aluminium and withstand rust much better than most. I have been driving Land Rovers for 20 Years and can vouch for that.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
All old vehicles are prone to rust if they have not been garaged their whole lives. Land Rover chassis are made from iron just like other cars. I would use rust as a criterion for selecting a specific used car, not as a way to judge between brands.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
I don't know about Hungary, but prices are getting a lot higher for Defenders in recent years.
They are made of aluminium but the old ones have some weak spots where aluminum and iron can rust away very fast when water is getting involved. (inside of doors)
As said it still features a ladder chassis frame like most old skool 4x4s which is always a risk.
(be careful when buying a Nissan, some of them have breakage in their chassis)

So when it comes to poorly maintained vehicles, I would choose a unibody RAV4 over a Defender. But a Defender is better in offroading of course.
As said, other options are Landcruiser and Nissans.

But I would check how much offroading you really want to do. If you just want to be prepared for bad road quality and only take an occasional dirt track (which locals usually take with a normal car) the RAV4 is a pretty good choice.
The locals (at least in Asia) use it as well so parts are available. It is reliable, more comfortable than a real 4x4 and you will get a lot newer car for the same money.
Just don't overload it. If you're gonna take lots of heavy stuff, the 4x4s come with much higher load rating.
__________________
2011 Overland from Amsterdam to Nepal and back
2018 Overland from Amsterdam to Tokyo via Central Asia and Mongolia
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Aug 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Budapest
Posts: 13
Thank you for all your comments! We plan to travel light and don't want to go hard offroading. So it seems that I will pick a few years old RAV4.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Just take a spare of all filters with you, perhaps also spare ignition parts and auxiliary belt, and go.
__________________
2011 Overland from Amsterdam to Nepal and back
2018 Overland from Amsterdam to Tokyo via Central Asia and Mongolia
Last edited by Lovetheworld; 6 Aug 2019 at 19:48.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 205
I would take the Lada. They are truly awesome off-road.

Buy a clutch kit as well as usual service items to take with you.

They are so basic any mech can work on them and if you need parts get them posted in.

I had a Rav and it’s AWD layout is poor.
If you want a soft roader Subaru symmetrical is far better.

There is a vid on YouTube that shows it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
I agree, but the RAV4 is as servicable as the Lada in the countries where he is going. In fact, at times I saw more RAV4s than Nivas. Subaru is much less present than RAV4 or Lada Niva.
In the end I think the RAV4 will be more reliable and much more comfortable on long distance, for the long driving days.

He is also mentioning Africa. I don't know how to incorporate that in his route at this moment, because it is not easy to make a combination right now.
But I would never recommend doing Africa with a Lada Niva.
Although everything is possible in the end :P
__________________
2011 Overland from Amsterdam to Nepal and back
2018 Overland from Amsterdam to Tokyo via Central Asia and Mongolia
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Aug 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Budapest
Posts: 13
Thank you! I was also considering the Toyota 4runner. Is this then a better choice than RAV4?


Az én iPhone készülékemről küldve a Tapatalk segítségével
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 205
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetheworld View Post
I agree, but the RAV4 is as servicable as the Lada in the countries where he is going. In fact, at times I saw more RAV4s than Nivas. Subaru is much less present than RAV4 or Lada Niva.
In the end I think the RAV4 will be more reliable and much more comfortable on long distance, for the long driving days.

He is also mentioning Africa. I don't know how to incorporate that in his route at this moment, because it is not easy to make a combination right now.
But I would never recommend doing Africa with a Lada Niva.
Although everything is possible in the end :P
I appreciate what you are saying however the Lada Niva is a proper and very capable 4wd. The Rav is AWD and not capable.

I am trading ability off against serviceability.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
Quote:
Originally Posted by erdei82 View Post
Thank you! I was also considering the Toyota 4runner. Is this then a better choice than RAV4?


Az én iPhone készülékemről küldve a Tapatalk segítségével
I have a 1996 Hilux Surf (4Runner) and think it's an excellent car. Not quite as tough as a Landcruiser or Hilux, but the build quality is the same.

Here it is at -40 degrees on the Kolyma Highway last winter



The trouble you will have is that cars of this age will need mechanical preparation, which gets expensive if you're not a somewhat experienced mechanic.

There are newer models, but very rare in Europe and I dare say not as well made.

EO
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Last edited by eurasiaoverland; 10 Aug 2019 at 07:32.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
FOR SALE! Subaru Leone 4x4, Buenos Aires, December 2016 juleytim TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 28 Oct 2016 15:45
Taking a Lada Niva home? Simon_100 4 Wheels Travel Reports 8 12 Nov 2015 05:40
Wanted in Europe in Dec: LHD 4x4 Camper Snoah Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 17 May 2015 16:50
For sale: powerfull 4x4 Suzuki in Chile sept-okt '13 Wi-to Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 27 Aug 2013 23:53
TATA military 4x4 truck Bundubasher Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 2 Jun 2012 18:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top