Most readers already know the core mechanics of these cars, but there are plenty who still debate which model should be counted as the first in the line. For some, the VAZ family begins with four wheels and a story, while others see the early years as a practical chapter in a car’s commercial life. In tough times, the VAZ-2113 can stand out as a reliable work vehicle. The option is tempting, yet buyers should understand the design’s weak points before deciding—this is what Sergey Zinoviev highlights in the latest issue of Za Rulem.
The article explains that the backbone of the fleet consists mainly of cars with 8-valve engines from two generations: the entry-level VAZ-21114 and the so-called Kalino-Grant VAZ-11183. There are also some units fitted with a 16-valve engine, though those were produced in limited runs. All engines are relatively straightforward to service, which is a plus. On the flip side, ongoing maintenance remains a reality for owners.
A common set of complaints across the Samara-2 family concerns seals, gaskets, the thermostat, the water pump, the ignition coil, the ECU, and various sensors. There is also the risk of the expansion tank failing and the timing belt giving way, even when it appears relatively new. These issues aren’t rare, and a careful buyer should factor them into cost and scheduling for upkeep.
Pinning down a precise origin for the engine is tricky in practice. The expected lifespan on paper is roughly 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, yet many drivers report clocking 300,000 kilometers, and some even surpassing the half-million-kilometer mark. When it comes to price, a new engine can cost around the same as the oldest Samara-2 variants, about 80,000 rubles, with the matching transmission typically adding another 20,000 rubles. Beyond the engine and gearbox, the rest of the drivetrain and the chassis require their own separate discussion, as they influence overall reliability and ownership costs over time.
Read about additional considerations when choosing a VAZ-2113, -2114, or -2115 with mileage in the June issue of Behind the Wheel magazine. It is currently available and ready for readers.
- When evaluating a Vesta with mileage, it helps to identify which version is regarded as the most dependable.
- Behind the Wheel is accessible through Odnoklassniki for those who use that platform.