So, cant drive my Niva anymore, so replacment wise.....

[TheWexican]

My suggestion would be a Rover 600 (618 or 620).



Its a bit of a boring car, but they are cheap, and a comfortable ride. There is plenty of them for sale at reasonable prices, lots with leather or half leather interiors even, and all the usual electrics.

The petrol models are fantastically reliable, as they have a engine/drivetrain from the Honda Accord. Well able for 150k+ miles. The diesels are much more risky as they have the rover diesel engines which are far from bulletproof.

I actually looked at buying a white 618si last year when I was living in Oxford. It was a 1999 car with full leather, service history and only 70k miles. Asking price was £1200 which was reasonable enough. Decided against it in the end, but purely only because i was moving back to Ireland soon after.

In general, I just think they are a reliable 'normal' car that many people overlook because of the rover badge.

[Lada & Korean Parts]

i never found the steering that heavy.......

mind you,stock wheels,always had grease in steer box,tyre pressures.....

we have young birds driving these,no problem,and just sold filters moment ago to a very "petite" girl that owns one,and asked her if she had problems parking/steering etc.,"nup,not a problem at all" was the reply.

[Jonno]

I must admit I did find my niva a little uncomfy on stock seats, but that was due to a spinal problem I had a few years back. I replaced the seats with ones from a Rover 620GSI and was really nice with them in, they were fully adjustable in height and lumbar support too.
As for steering, it was no heavier than any other vehicle that wasn't equiped with power steering assistance. There are aftermarket kits available for the Niva I believe but dont know of the cost.
Proper lubrication of the steering box can go a long way to making the steering easier.
Heavy duty clutches can be a little stiffer than standard plus they put an additional strain on the clutch fork on actuation.

[Jonno]

For real ride comfort, if you are intent on changing, how about a mk1 C5? The HDI's are good on economy and with main dealer offers the second hand market for citroens is priced accordingly.

[BigRedJ]

the last citroen i had was a 2CV! well its just sold, so the hunt is now on!

[baxter]

i never found the steering that heavy.......

While it's not "that heavy", I suspect it's still heavy enough for many peeps with back issues.

Sure it's not as heavy as people make out, or have only driven ones with wide tyres etc. But you wouldn't say a Niva's steering was light at parking speeds would you. There's no way it compares to my non-power steer CR-X for example. Or indeed any other 4WD I've driven (mostly power steer though to be honest), except of course maybe Lard Roamers (though the last one I drove had knackered steering gear so not a good measure).

I'm sure the Ozzie shelias manage Nivas' steering just fine (Ozzie shelias could probably manage them with 'Zuk rims and half-flat 225s ), but they don't have back issues and specifically looking for a car with light steering and an auto tranny.




BTW for anyone with heavy steering issues Andy ran his fronts at 40psi rather than the terrible 30 odd factory setting. One of the best tips ever. I've done the same and it lightened the steering up noticeable; not only nicer to drive, but far less wear and forces through the steering box etc. The tyres haven't had over-inflation wear issues in the year or so it's been run at 40, and it hasn't become any worse of an under-steering pig. I highly recommend it, especially if you're running wider than stock tyres.

[Matt]

Is it a V6? i've now got a V6 Vectra lovely car to drive.