gerrie
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by gerrie on May 4, 2011 8:27:10 GMT 2
hi guys
My name is Gerrie van Eeden and I am a journalist at Drive Out/WegRy. I am really glad to be on the forum and would like to get in the loop on all your activities. It would also be nice to get you guys some coverage in the magazine (we have a diary section each month, so all your GTG's and club activities should be sent to me, so that we can publish it!) Also, if you guys have any cool ideas or modifications that you made to your vehicles, let me know and we can look at publishing that as well. We are, as a magazine, looking to move away from only publishing mainstream stuff (read Toyota, Land Rover and Nissan) and getting the smaller brands involved as well... So please, if we don't know about it, we can't publish it!
I came across the forum while I was looking on Gumtree for a Lada (the guy lives in Tsitsikamma) and he told me to ask around on the forum if I need any advice. That's why I am here. I have introduced myself.
To get back to how I found the forum. I drive a Camry and it is getting too big for me, and the offroad capabilities are limited! ;D ;D But, seeing as I am an offroad journalist, I do get plenty other chances to drive around in new cars and take them offroading. But that gets a bit boring. When you don't have your own offroader, you cannot really enjoy it that much, because you have to get to know the vehicle every time you get into a new one. That's not lekker! So I started looking around for a small replacement 4x4 for my Camry. A guy told me about how a friend of his impressed him with a Lada, and I started looking around, and seeing that you can buy them for about the same value that I will be able to sell my Camry, it seems to be a good idea. But, the big BUT! Would it be wise to get this car as a day to day runner, to and from work? And how am I going to fit in one? I am rather tall, and recently had a bad experience where I struggled to fit into a Jimny on the long road... So please guys, tell me, unbiased, would it be wise for me to get a Lada?
Thanks
Gerrie
PS. For all your club news and modification stories email me on gerrie@wegry.co.za
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Post by hotstuff on May 4, 2011 8:56:45 GMT 2
WELCOME Gerrie we look forward in convincing you that Lada is the right way to go. I have a Lada i use every day. with good maintenance and care it will keep you happy for years. As a every day runner well most will say not a good idea but I disagree. As for your height issues well try and get in one and get a feel for it. I am sure we will be able to help and also would love the exposure for the Nivas in your magazine. There are quite a few of us die hard Lada Fans here. so finding storries etc won't be to hard.....Welcome again, we look forwad to your views of our Beloved Lada Nivas.
Kind Regards Mike
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darryn
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Ruchnoy Protivotankovyy Granatomyot
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Post by darryn on May 4, 2011 8:57:03 GMT 2
Hey hey Gerrie! I buy Drive out every month! So good to have you around mate... I'm 6foot4in and fit well in my Niva, just had to modify the rails for my seats. There's PLENTY of info in the technical section on mods, spares etc... I don't think any of us have struggled with parts since we joined the forum.
Ari and I are the events organizers, so we'll keep you informed. As far as I gathered, the Wegry team seems to be based in the W Cape, have a look for the Lada Doc (Mike) if you are indeed in Cape Town.
Very exciting stuff!
We'll be seeing you around... Darryn.
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butasteve
Senior Niva Petrol Head
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Post by butasteve on May 4, 2011 9:01:01 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie Welcome on board. Nice to read about you and the type of work.
I've bought a Lada, it's a better than our previous "Old Timer". We are still in the process of fixing, but she runs OK. I believe it all depends on your mnidset how you think about your car. I like old style cars and cars that I can do DIY repairs.
I drive my car on weekends to the shops, Visits and Sundays to Church. All our OutReach activities is now done with the Lada. It's good good ground clearance, which is ideal for the farms in the Klein Drakenstein Area. Sometimes in bad weather I drive to work. Got laughed at, but I love the looks/frowns when I drive by.
The car is unique and people know that it's me or my wife coming around. The best is to simply enjoy your/my ride.
That's my 2p for what it's worth.
Regards Stephen
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gerrie
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by gerrie on May 4, 2011 9:32:30 GMT 2
One big question... what is the fuel consumption like driving in the city?
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gerrie
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by gerrie on May 4, 2011 9:37:44 GMT 2
Another question, how do you watch a topic on the board? So that I could perhaps, get an email when a new reply is posted? Do we have that function? I can't seem to find it... darryn... Ja, Ons sit hier in die mooie Kaap... vandag is die weer weer lekker... sal amper wil glo dit was nooit koud nie!
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Post by ronnie on May 4, 2011 9:51:38 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie
Welcome to the Forum. This is a first for a motoring magazine to show an interest in our 4x4. If properly maintained the Niva is fantastic off road and very reliable. I say properly maintained as even if you service at your local non franchised repair centre there are small things which need to be done every 10000 kms that they will not know about. The main one is tensioning the timing chain, a 5 minute job when you know how. Failure to do this simple task can cause expensive engine damage. Look around and try to buy a model with single point fuel injection, and you can then fit an air con for the hot Summer weather. The Lada Owners club of South Africa is a young club with a rapidly growing membership, and welcomes publicity to further the interest in this 4x4, which is very simple in design and perfect for DIY oriented people who have a passion for a vehicle devoid of complicated electronics. All the parts manual and workshop manuals are free to download on the Forum and are supplied with the compliments of "Turbonutter" Chose one carefully and enjoy.
Ronnie
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Post by Charles on May 4, 2011 10:07:22 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie
Nice to have you onboard.
Charles
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Post by jaco1978 on May 4, 2011 10:40:56 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie,
Welcome to the forum.
I'm 2,10m tall and I sit as comfortable in my Lada as I am in most other cars. In fact, I'm more comfortable in it than my dad's big Toyota Hilux. I have also not yet moved the rails on the seats.
To use the Lada as a "daily runner" would be personal choice, I think.
Regards,
Jaco
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gerrie
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by gerrie on May 4, 2011 11:54:04 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie, Welcome to the forum. I'm 2,10m tall and I sit as comfortable in my Lada as I am in most other cars. In fact, I'm more comfortable in it than my dad's big Toyota Hilux. I have also not yet moved the rails on the seats. To use the Lada as a "daily runner" would be personal choice, I think. Regards, Jaco Cool - personal choice, I get, but it would be my only option, so would it be wise?
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Post by hotstuff on May 4, 2011 12:18:40 GMT 2
AS I SAID I USE IT FOR EVERY DAY TRAVEL, BIT MORE ON FUEL COSTS THAN THE AVERAGE SEDAN, AND NO AIRCON BUT LOVELY TO DRIVE.
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Post by ronnie on May 4, 2011 12:42:45 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie
I do not use my present one as every day transport, but my previous one was used every day for work and pleasure. I find them very comfortable, but I am short.
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on May 4, 2011 12:47:16 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie
You can click on "new topics" at the top of the page and you will find all the ones with new posts.
Ronnie
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on May 4, 2011 13:28:55 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie
Let me put it this way. If I leave my Lada standing for more than 3-4 days it WILL break something but when I drive it everyday or every 2nd day nothing breaks for weeks.
Maybe as LOCSA we should put something together that includes 5 or so of our Ladas with pictures and send it to you.
Ari
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gerrie
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by gerrie on May 4, 2011 13:33:55 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie Let me put it this way. If I leave my Lada standing for more than 3-4 days it WILL break something but when I drive it everyday or every 2nd day nothing breaks for weeks. Maybe as LOCSA we should put something together that includes 5 or so of our Ladas with pictures and send it to you. Ari I would prefer the ones with high mileage and impressive conversions/gadgets... all the bells and whistles!
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on May 4, 2011 14:12:50 GMT 2
Gerrie
Ok then you should skip Marius and come straight to me and Ronnie,Danie.
Ronnie has all sorts of small conversions etc. I have 245/75 R15 MUD tyres and a 5cm lift, spot lights, long range fuel tanks etc. Danie is busy with a fiat engine transplant.
Ari
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gerrie
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Post by gerrie on May 4, 2011 14:22:56 GMT 2
Thanks... will do...
I have one unanswered question yet... What is the fuel consumption on these monsters? And what do they drive like on the langpad?
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Des
Junior Niva Petrol Head
Bruce All Mighty
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Post by Des on May 4, 2011 14:45:51 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie Welcome to the forum. There are quite a number of us from Cape Town. If you want a Lada, you must be prepared to scratch around on it yourself. Especially on the smaller stuff. Otherwise you will soon find yourself out of pocket badly, because most mechanics out there don't have a clue about this vehicle...not that they'll tell you that. However, it's not all doom and gloom, we have Mike from LADA DOCTOR, for all the big stuff, here in CT. He is one of the genuine guys, always ready to help. Here's the positive, your Lada(THE ONE YOU WILL BUY!!!just kidding), will take you to hell and back without breaking a sweat... and that's to fetch the Toyotas, Tusons en al die mooi speel dingetjies op die mark, etc.... that couldn't make it back. I left out Landy's not to offend Ronnie. You will buy a 4x4 Lada for a fraction of the price of any other 4x4, one that can only be explained as a "kaniedood". ...If you maintain it like everyone says. You asked about fuel economy? I have the 1.7i(single point injector)Sidekick and my boet has the 1.7 carb. I use mine daily and get about 10L/100km in mild traffic. He gets about 13 in the platteland. When you ride a lada Niva it will take you back to the time when you could scarcely see over the dash of you Oupa's plaas bakkie. The times you rode on the plaas pad, bumping along and you only saw where you were going on every third bounce. The best time ever!! Enough said, you listen to the advice given on this forum and you can't go wrong. Why, because know one here has any ulterior motive. No, that's wrong. We do have a motive. The motive is to help one another. Thank you for showing an interest in our special little 'tjorrie'.
Regards Des
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gerrie
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by gerrie on May 4, 2011 14:51:20 GMT 2
I think my best bet, after reading all the advice, would be to go and visit Doctor Mike and see what they are about - whether I fit or not is a big issue for me... I don't like being squeezed into a car for extended periods of time... As for tinkering about - grease never scared me (Ek het grootgeword in Welkom - enough said!) Mike, staan by... waar is jou winkel??
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Post by hotstuff on May 4, 2011 16:21:33 GMT 2
I think my best bet, after reading all the advice, would be to go and visit Doctor Mike and see what they are about - whether I fit or not is a big issue for me... I don't like being squeezed into a car for extended periods of time... As for tinkering about - grease never scared me (Ek het grootgeword in Welkom - enough said!) Mike, staan by... waar is jou winkel?? Gerrie howzit bud well give me a ring i am in the durbanville , uitzicht area work from home, just barely not much space left. my no is in the tech section or in gumtree regards mike ps. look forward to meeting you.
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Post by hotstuff on May 4, 2011 16:25:26 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie Let me put it this way. If I leave my Lada standing for more than 3-4 days it WILL break something but when I drive it everyday or every 2nd day nothing breaks for weeks. Maybe as LOCSA we should put something together that includes 5 or so of our Ladas with pictures and send it to you. Ari I would prefer the ones with high mileage and impressive conversions/gadgets... all the bells and whistles! well i have high milage some mods but soon a complete rebuild and new look coming soon how about we do a write up from start to finish.
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spencer
Full Niva Petrol Head
"In Soviet Russia, Niva drives you"
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Post by spencer on May 4, 2011 17:00:47 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie.
Welcome to the forum. Nivas are very reliable when properly maintained, which I believe you can do. The wife uses ours for her daily commute of about 40km. With 10km/liter in and around Jo'burg, I'm very happy with it. I'm looking at buying another one in the near future as well.
Spencer
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Post by marius on May 4, 2011 17:07:05 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie A very warm welcome to LOCSA and it is a great honour to have you as a member. It is also great news that your magazine is going to make an effort to feature other players than the mainstream. I attempted to do so back in 2000 with your competition but did not get much of a response back then. I believe you have been advised to skip my advice – but never the less here goes ;D ;D ;D We have had our Niva for nearly 11 years now and believe it or not - for most of it we have used the car as our daily. The first year – during the warranty period – was a bit of a nightmare but we survived and since then the car proved to be very economical to maintain and reliable. Fuel consumption on the Ladas seem to vary quite a lot – I believe it depends on the carburator that you use. Many converted to the Weber that gives the car more grunt but at a price. My consumption is normally within spec. The TBi’s are normally quite good. According to the "book" fuel consumption per 100km should give you the following amount of liters used: • At 90 km/h in 5th gear you should get 8.3 • At 120 km/h in 5th gear you should get 11.5 • City driving should give you 10.5 I have been quite happy with our Niva's fuel consumption - so far - averaging around 10 on the open road. I normally cruise at around 100-120. Hardly ever push it beyond that - anything above 120 then it get's a bit heavy on the fuel. If you have a carb - adjusting the timing and CO2 level correctly should keep you within spec. A tall guy with big feet should have some difficulty getting used to the pedals. I am not tall and I still find it a bit tricky at times. Getting out of the car can also be a bit of a bruising experience but you will learn quickly As you know the Lada is extremely basic but the standard seats are fairly comfortable – even for a tall guy. I am not big on mods but there are some great samples out there. A stock standard Niva can handle most road conditions and is pretty impressive in the wet. The only negative is corrugated roads. She tends to get a bit jumpy. The Niva is probably at it’s best in thick sand for obvious reasons. What to look for when you buy a Lada: As a unitary body you should be very wary of rust underneath the car. Ladas are regarded as “cheap” and many tend to neglect and even abuse the car. I am sure you will know when a car is in good shape though. Hope to hear a lot more from you in the future. Regards Marius
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spikes
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Post by spikes on May 4, 2011 17:46:55 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie A very warm welcome to the NIVA forum! Being tall and fitting yourself into a NIVA takes about a week to get sorted out. hen you don't brake and accelerate any more. 1.7i gives between 8 and 11km/100 all speed and terrain related. Enjoy!! regards Spikes
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Hercules
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
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Post by Hercules on May 4, 2011 20:20:33 GMT 2
Hi Gerry.
A warm and hartly Lada welcome to the forum. Hi also buy the wegry everymonth and enjoy the magazine.
I am driving my Lada for 6years and used it as a daily vehicle to work and back and weekends to the shops. The Lada is a comfortable vehicle in its own right and even the seats are comfy.
The maintainance cost is minimal and a very easy vehicle to work on. Fuel consumption is average 12l/100km in town. My vehicle is a Sidekick has 215000km on the clock and towing often a trailer as well. There is some photos on the forum of the accessaries fitted like a roofrack with water and jerrycans, tyre pump and inclino meter, ect.
Regards.
Hercules
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vincentc
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Post by vincentc on May 4, 2011 21:47:22 GMT 2
Hi Gerry
My recently acquired 1997 1700 now has 82000 on the clock. I bought the vehicle as a daily driver and have done 2000km since I acquired it.
As many others in the forum will have already told you, it is NOT a toyota or a pajero or even an Isuzu.
What it is, very simply, is a Niva. It does not need push buttons on the dash to get it out the kak, because in the Niva you will not even have been aware that there was kak.
For my sins, I travel the length and breadth of KZN with occasional forays into neighbouring states and in the past used a KB250 or KB300 D-TEQ. I can honestly say that with the exception of the aircon in the KB300 (KB250 was a hot box) I have not missed the much newer Isuzu's.
The Lada attracts attention (sometimes it is the hole in the exhaust) but more often than not, it is people who ask what that car is. Kids point at it and as Des put it beautifully earlier, it takes you back to a time of simplicity. When it WAS ok to walk around with a Kattie in your pocket and stealing peaches ended up with your backside bright red is you were caught.
If you have ever driven old Alfa's or Fiat's you will UNDERSTAND the Niva.
Have fun looking for a Niva and match your price with your affordability.
Remeber - Keep it real - The only mud allowed on a Niva is REAL Mud :-)
As they say in Ghana - "Akwaaba" - Welcome
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on May 5, 2011 8:33:36 GMT 2
I believe you have been advised to skip my advice – but never the less here goes ;D ;D ;D Regards Marius Hi Marius Not the advice which is always good. But there are no mods on your niva. Ari
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gerrie
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by gerrie on May 5, 2011 13:47:05 GMT 2
I feel really welcome here guys... brilliant! If you ever have anything to send me, feel free to e-mail... I have to hang my head in shame and admit that I tend to skip over forums on a daily basis (due to what I do for a living, I am registered on 10 and counting...) so if anybody feels there is a discussion going on that might interest me or the magazine, please email me the link... gerrie@wegry.co.za I will try to go visit Dr Mike ASAP (pretty hectic week this - played rugby last night and we beat UCT - Booyah!) and try a Lada on for size... Now the other side... My price range is simple... what I can get for my Camry, I will spend on Lada... so if anybody knows anyone who is looking to buy a Camry, please let me know. Or if someone wants to trade his Lada for a Camry... That could also work! (I know of a Lada standing in Tsitsikamma that the guy is considering trading... if anybody nearby can check it out - awesome!)
Lastly - my summary of a Lada... It's like marmite... You either love it or hate it... I have not been in one, so I don't know where I stand yet... but seeing all the good things written about it... I can only hope to love it!
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Post by marius on May 5, 2011 14:30:35 GMT 2
Hi Ari I am seriously only pulling your leg - and I know exactly what you meant ;D
I do like the mods on your Ladas and sometimes I am very tempted - but then I remember why exactly we bought the Lada - keeping things simple. I must say my better halve would realy like a bit more bells and whistles to dress her up nicely ;D
Marius
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Post by ronnie on May 5, 2011 15:35:36 GMT 2
Hi Gerrie, The first Niva freda and I saw was at the motor show in JHB in 1996. We sat in it and bought one there and then . The first time we drove one was when we took delivery. The rest is history Ronnie
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