Overview and Common Failures
The body before restyling was very weak, but after the update the situation improved. Corrosion usually starts on the hood, sills, door edges, fuel tank hatch, and if measures are not taken, it quickly spreads. As they say, in width and in depth.
Interior
The interior here is very cheap in terms of materials and may squeak from the first kilometers of mileage. There is no sound insulation, and the plastic often deforms in the sun and rattles heavily. But the biggest problem is the finicky electrical system: window regulators, central locking, heater resistor, basically everything there regularly fails.
Engine
The 1.7-liter engine VAZ 2123 comes from the classic Niva engine VAZ 21213. Even before 100,000 km, high-voltage wires, ignition module, aluminum oil supply pipe, many sensors, as well as all gaskets and seals are often replaced here. Hydraulic compensators, timing chain, and expansion tank have modest durability.
Transmission
The 5-speed manual transmission VAZ 2123 is known for its play in the lever and weak engagement clarity, and it also hums, makes noise, vibrates, and rattles in a certain rev range. The reliability of this transmission is also not high, oil leaks regularly occur in it, bearings wear out very little, as well as the master cylinder, and the fifth gear gear.
Suspension
The Niva's suspension is more or less reliable and doesn't cause any particular trouble, but don't forget to service the wheel bearings about every 30,000 km. Closer to 100,000 km, some bushings and ball joints may require replacement, and sometimes shock absorbers too. Plus, it is worth considering the low quality of many spare parts. Brake discs have a low lifespan, and hoses under the bottom often rupture.
