Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior The paintwork is not very strong, but the body holds up well and chips do not rust quickly. There are complaints online about easily erasing glass, including headlights, and short-lived chrome. The material used in the car interior is cheap, but their durability is quite high. There are currently no major electrical problems, except for occasional multimedia malfunctions. Engine The 1.6-liter VAZ 21129 engine is not very powerful, but it is reliable. Until 2018, it had piston plugs that caused valve failure when the belt broke. The 1.6-liter Renault N4M engine is also good and rarely bothers its owners. Some forum users complain about the low lifespan of the timing chain and the absence of hydraulic compensators. The 1.8-liter VAZ 21179 engine receives more criticism online, mainly due to oil consumption. Transmission The 5-speed Renault JR5 manual transmission is known for its reliability and high lifespan. The 5-speed VAZ 21807 manual transmission is also good, but noisier during operation. The VAZ 2182 robotized transmission has jerky operation and a limited clutch lifespan. The Jatco JF015E continuously variable transmission has just started to be used and has not yet shown any issues. Suspension The suspension is sturdy and durable; most of its components last up to 100,000 km. Some complaints can be found on forums regarding squeaking of bushings and knocking of shock absorbers. The steering rack also performs well, and only the tie rod ends need replacement after 100,000 km. Uneven brake pad wear is observed, it is better to buy non-original ones.
