MARUSSIA, the first Russian supercar.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart
And that my friend is just not true. I would know, I grew up in Russia. All Russian cars were poorly built and ran like crap from the factory, and broke down constantly. Pretty much every car owner there had to be learn to fix them, and spend a lot of their free time fixing their cars. To make matters worse, parts were expensive and not readily available, so people did get creative. On the plus side, the cars were basic and simple so they were easier to work on.
Obviously I cannot speak for Russian cars in Russia, but the general perception is that they were reliable and solid.
Simple and and basic engineering are they key to why these cars have soldiered on so long. Sure, the body is often rusted but the chassis and mechanical components are working fine. Do-it-yourself work is also possible on these older cars. For a modern car to properly function you don't need a mechanic but a computer technician...
That's not what I heard and read. Russian cars were applauded for their reliability and solidity. Many Russian cars from the Soviet era were even exported to Western Europe and the UK - and this is where the good reports about reliability come from.
Obviously I cannot speak for Russian cars in Russia, but the general perception is that they were reliable and solid.
Obviously I cannot speak for Russian cars in Russia, but the general perception is that they were reliable and solid.
I guarantee you, a modern car from any brand (even Toyota and Lexus) won't last as long out there. The complexities of modern cars make this impossible.
Simple and and basic engineering are they key to why these cars have soldiered on so long. Sure, the body is often rusted but the chassis and mechanical components are working fine. Do-it-yourself work is also possible on these older cars. For a modern car to properly function you don't need a mechanic but a computer technician...
Simple and and basic engineering are they key to why these cars have soldiered on so long. Sure, the body is often rusted but the chassis and mechanical components are working fine. Do-it-yourself work is also possible on these older cars. For a modern car to properly function you don't need a mechanic but a computer technician...
To put things in perspective, I know a Russian guy who completely rebuilt the engine in his Russian truck back in the 80ies, down to welding together the crankshaft that broke in half. Yet, when he saw me replacing the timing belt in my LS, he said he would never attempt to do it himself because of how complicated it looked.
Often even the mechanical componenets arent working right. The engine would be chocking and smoking, suspension would be non existant, no brakes, wobbling wheels, tires that are beyond bald, etc.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart
Trabants, Wartburgs and Barkas from Eastern Germany are apparently also very reliable cars and highly sought-after collectibles here by real car enthusiasts. The Wartburg sedans in particular have a very good durability reputation it seems.
I really dont know much about these three.
uh those could be real thrusters...they are russian after all 
__________________
Redefining Lexus Aftermarket Parts Since 2001
-- We are your Lexus suspension experts--
BCR - KW - PENSKE - OHLINS - HKS - GREDDY - STANCEPARTS
Links - Arms - SuperPro Poly Bushings - Solid Bearing Conversions - Motor Mounts
RB BBK's and 2P Rotors, G-Loc pads, Radium Fuel Systems
Custom Fabrication Design and Machining - Industrial 3D Printing - Laser Cutting
2018 USTCC Sportsman Class Champions - 2018 NASA ST5 National Champions
Redefining Lexus Aftermarket Parts Since 2001
-- We are your Lexus suspension experts--
BCR - KW - PENSKE - OHLINS - HKS - GREDDY - STANCEPARTS
Links - Arms - SuperPro Poly Bushings - Solid Bearing Conversions - Motor Mounts
RB BBK's and 2P Rotors, G-Loc pads, Radium Fuel Systems
Custom Fabrication Design and Machining - Industrial 3D Printing - Laser Cutting
2018 USTCC Sportsman Class Champions - 2018 NASA ST5 National Champions
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 0
From: California
And that my friend is just not true. I would know, I grew up in Russia. All Russian cars were poorly built and ran like crap from the factory, and broke down constantly. Pretty much every car owner there had to be learn to fix them, and spend a lot of their free time fixing their cars. To make matters worse, parts were expensive and not readily available, so people did get creative. On the plus side, the cars were basic and simple so they were easier to work on.
