A budget car is often chosen by buyers who expect dependable service for many years.
But there is an option that combines reliability, modern technology, and comfort, according to Kirill Mileshkin, a respected automotive analyst at Za Rulem, the long-standing authority in Russian car journalism.
Rather than opting for the new Lada Granta, priced in showrooms from 750 thousand to one million rubles, buyers might consider the Lada Vesta. In the secondary market, a well-maintained Vesta can be found from about 500 thousand rubles, offering similar reliability with added sophistication.
The used Vesta presents three clear advantages over a new Granta.
1. Engine
The fresh Granta is equipped with a compact eight-valve engine rated at 90 hp. Over time, some components were revised, and it remains difficult to assess how these changes impact long-term reliability.
On the secondary market, the Vesta can be found with a wider range of engines, including a well-regarded 113 hp option, and even variants with a CVT transmission. This combination generally provides livelier performance and a more comfortable ride.
2. Cabin
Granta offers less interior space and misses several user-friendly features, such as a dome light for rear passengers, USB ports, and effective heating. The Vesta’s interior, besides these basics, has an important edge—the front seats are frequently praised as among the most comfortable in its class.
3. Warranty
The Granta, being new, carries the manufacturer’s warranty—36 months or 100,000 km, whichever comes first, plus a six-year anti-corrosion coverage. A Vesta bought on the secondary market and under three years old can still be under warranty under the same terms. For instance, a one-year-old vehicle can retain a two-year warranty, which remains valid even after the transfer of ownership.
And there are more considerations to weigh beyond these points.
Additional perspectives and other options to the Granta are explored in the December issue of Behind the Wheel, which is already on shelves.
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The insights reflect a comparison presented by a prominent car journalist team, focusing on practical ownership benefits, reliability, and value retention for mainstream models.