Vesta Under the Microscope: 125,000 Kilometers and Rising Consumable Costs
Editors note that Vesta has logged more than 125,000 kilometers, a milestone that speaks to the car’s endurance and to the wear that naturally accumulates with such miles. In the latest installment of Behind the Wheel, Kirill Mileshkin shares practical observations from the operation of Vesta and discusses how the prices of domestic car consumables have climbed over the past two years. The piece highlights not just the visible wear but also the price shifts that affect everyday maintenance for many Russian drivers.
The data underpinning these observations come from the same source used throughout the period: the same store, the same consumables, and the same model of vehicle. This consistency makes the price table particularly representative of trends affecting Vesta owners and similar domestic cars.
Rising costs of consumables for Vesta in rubles
| may 2020 | Dec 2020 | Dec 2021 | May 2022 | |
| Engine oil Lada Ultra 5W-40 (4 l) | 1438 | 1598 (+11%) | 2366 (+65%) | 2514 (+75%) |
| Oil filter Lada | 238 | 263 (+11%) | 359 (+51%) | 813 (+242%) |
| Air filter Pilenga | 202 | 239 (+18%) | 266 (+32%) | 470 (+133%) |
| Cabin filter Large filter | 210 | 245 (+17%) | 308 (+47%) | 387 (+84%) |
The most striking change lies in the price of the original oil filter, which more than tripled over the period. Other items have also risen noticeably. Motor oil, the most expensive staple, nearly doubled in price within two years, a shift that ripples through the cost of routine maintenance for many owners.
Even amid these increases, Vesta continues to hold appeal for a broad audience. The car remains a focal point of discussions about affordability, reliability, and value in the current market environment. As the new issue of the magazine unfolds, readers are offered a closer look at whether this model remains a sensible buy for everyday use.
What failed in Vesta after 125,000 kilometers and why the car still performs well – in the June issue of Behind the Wheel. Available now!
- Another topic of interest: comparing Lada Vesta used and new models, and what sets them apart.
- Behind the Wheel is accessible through Odnoklassniki.
At a glance, the discussion pairs practical maintenance realities with broader questions about ownership costs and long-term value, offering readers a balanced view of what it takes to keep a Vesta reliable as mileage climbs.
References and data sources for pricing and maintenance observations are provided in the magazine’s issue, with attribution to the original reporting team and its contributors. [Citation: Behind the Wheel, June issue.]