A 1986 Lada Niva that’s Seen Better Days

[@karstenb.436]

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]

Great to hear this, thank you!🙂🙌🏻

[@mihaimihai9254]

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]

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

[@davidhall370]

Thank you Freddie 😍

[@antonhosinsky3090]

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.

[@davidgalt8107]

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.

[@theslowwalkhome7314]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

Delighted you enjoyed it!🙂

[@mangeshdehadray7979]

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

[@freemenofengland2880]

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

[@drink4711]

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

[@erikvangen1281]

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. 🙂👍

[@biker_dale]

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 😆

[@OnlyCitrus]

Its going to be a good day when Freddie uploads

[@14biscuits]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

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

[@tasanastaspats5769]

😂😂😂

[@marwood1969]

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

[@Max-rn3eb]

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.

[@daverapier6524]

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

[@mantarayal]

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!!

[@allsearpw3829]

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 .😉

[@davemorgan6721]

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 👍

[@jasonk7072]

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.

[@seanfrank4158]

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]

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

[@karstenb.436]

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

[@sarangthemalbert8547]

Another refreshing content from Freddie 👌

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thank you Sarangthem!🙂

[@volt8684]

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]

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

[@timday6087]

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.

[@davidallum6841]

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

[@supershelma]

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

[@m4mihulja]

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.

[@akhilshah2157]

Lovely car beautiful colour 😍

[@toreking1]

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.

[@stuartmoles843]

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

[@1990-t1j]

That looked hard work, Freddie.

[@chema1546]

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 🙏

[@RahulPatil-yg7vy]

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]

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

[@craigdouglasmartens7037]

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

[@henryhartley9993]

I'd love one.....

[@frederickacerra7766]

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]

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

[@78Outlaw]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

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

[@78Outlaw]

@@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 :)

[@teneretraveller8980]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

This is so true re the Panda!

[@sijt5287]

Nice quirky little vid mate.

[@kevinshaffer1047]

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!!..

[@timtim0007]

Freddie should be the next Top Gear presenter.

[@macvideo]

I have a 91 model… in Brazil.

[@LeandroGamaWolfsburg54]

Tenho um 1990 azul noturno.

[@Jimmyboypepsimax]

Great Video Freddie! Ipswich next boy?

[@crumblymal8479]

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 ,👌👍

[@zedwarrior1866]

It's such a beautiful car!!

[@FreddieDobbs]

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

[@yevgeniyvalstion7467]

You know you can buy brand new one of these.

[@decayintheuk]

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

[@WillDeKorteTheCooksBelly]

Brilliant ep as ever Fred 🙌

[@ChristopherD-M]

I love these!! 😍

[@spikodemiko5514]

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

[@FelixGomezRoca]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

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

[@richardbartlett6932]

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

[@EminBastea]

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

[@Jean-de-lune]

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!

[@marcinwojtaszko633]

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

[@ciaran4060]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

I was very tempted (Monika very against!😆)

[@crankybear1236]

Three shifters??? Damn 😂

[@stephencox1955]

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

[@coledines]

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]

Delighted you usually the videos Cole- appreciate the feedback🙂

[@coledines]

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

[@peterwrench4416]

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

[@sravan6492]

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

[@shashankasaikia4136]

Sir!!! review Royal Enfield Hunter 350

[@MARSIPAANIKAKKU-lk9bz]

NICE I LIKE 2103 1500S.2107 1300 AND NIVA

[@jorgevalbuena8836]

La dirección es dura, primero por qué mecánica sin ningún tipo de asistencia, segundo por qué el carro tiene tracción permanente en la 4 ruedas y si además le colocan ruedas delanteras más anchas,empeoran la dureza, pero si se mueve despacio mientras se da dirección , entonces hasta Mónica puede conducirlo, como dicen los diseñadores ,en lugares lejanos menos es más,esa era su filosofía y parece que aún hoy día vence

[@stevezahn8056]

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.

[@legless1956]

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)

[@philroberts5537]

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]

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

[@julio_amoralez]

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]

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

[@oblahdes]

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.

[@dankeez1129]

Ah a Lithuanian Niva. These in Lithuania are pretty rare

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

Toyota Supra front wheels?

[@johnimmins7302]

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.🚙

[@Adam_Adam_Adam_Adam]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

I wouldn’t be surprised at all!😆

[@chrismeyler]

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

[@maxroshin2895]

Definetely there were no nivas with diesel engine in mass production

[@GarageFIAT]

Thanks for support Ukraine 🇺🇦!

[@andrewhaden7822]

Moscovitch next please

[@michaelfraser5723]

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

[@allanhughes7859]

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...........

[@Northernlanes]

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

[@kevincraig8257]

it looks like an International it sounded like a diesel

[@pookiewookie7679]

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

[@krasky]

"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!

[@sappernz]

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.

[@Drive_Camp_Ride]

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"

[@leeandjancruise]

Horrible just horrible tovarisch.

[@garycampbell7891]

WTF! Get back in the room man!