After old Zhigulis, used models with simple construction, affordable spare parts and durable suspension can be considered on a budget of up to $5000. Important advantages also include power steering, airbags and a higher level of comfort.
Cars up to $5000 after Zhigulis: five practical models
Within this budget, the source advises paying attention to five cars popular in Ukraine with simple-design petrol engines.
1. Renault Logan
First-generation Renault Logan cars stand out for their high ground clearance and durable suspension. The optimal choices are the 8-valve 1.4 and 1.6 l engines, which are compatible with LPG. The advantages are cheap spare parts and the roomy Logan trunk, while the drawbacks are the simple interior and weak sound insulation.
2. Skoda Octavia Tour
The Skoda Octavia Tour has a galvanized body and a large liftback trunk. For inexpensive maintenance, the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI is recommended, suitable for running on LPG. Among the minuses are limited rear space and the considerable age of most available cars.
3. Volkswagen Golf IV
The Volkswagen Golf IV offers a more comfortable interior, body resistance to corrosion and a wide selection of spare parts. Among the recommended engines are the petrol 1.6 MPI and the diesel 1.9 TDI, but the latter requires checking the turbo and fuel system.
4. Chevrolet Lacetti
The Chevrolet Lacetti has a spacious interior, soft suspension and inexpensive maintenance. The 1.6 and 1.8 l petrol engines are indicated as optimal. The weak points include increased fuel consumption and the paintwork.
5. Opel Astra H
The Opel Astra H offers good handling, a sturdy body and a developed service base. The source advises the 1.6 or 1.8 l versions with a manual gearbox. Among the possible problems are named the ignition module, sensors and lower ground clearance than the Renault Logan.
"The main criteria are body reliability, cheap maintenance, durable suspension and ease of repair," notes the author Oleksii Astapov.
