Whats Good
Ladas 4x4. Dates back to the 1970s, but quite good if your need is for a tough, basic 4x4. 12 2" long by 5 6" wide and 1,210kg to 1,550kg. 79bhp 1.6 engine. 5-speed gearbox with high and low range transfer box. Usual Lada full tool kit supplied. Reasonably competent off road. Latest cars have Suzuki-like front. Some have been fitted with aftermarket PSA XUD diesel engine. Should be next to nothing cheap.

Whats Bad
Very noisy, slow, thirsty and dated. Quite a small cabin (looks like a Fiat 127 on stilts). Trim not up to the job. Horrible to drive on the road (swaps ends in the wet). Obstructive gearbox.

What to Watch Out For
Make all the usual working 4x4 checks as these arent bought for status and are bound to have been hammered off road. Look for leaking gaskets and seals in the axles, gearbox and transfer case. Check the hub bearings and steering bushes carefully. Look for rock damage to sump and axles. Expect the seat trim to have fallen apart. Expect some rust. If there are holes on the surface panels, check the structure very carefully with an old screwdriver. Be highly suspicious of fresh underseal.