Used ZAZ 968

What to know before buying: ZAZ 968

From 4 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The ZAZ-968 was produced from 1971 to 1994 in three main versions: 968, 968A and 968M.[6]one sourceZAZ-968ZAZ-968AZAZ-968M
• It is a simple four-seat, two-door car with basic electrics, an austere cabin and limited comfort.[6]one sourceZAZ-968ZAZ-968AZAZ-968M
• The rear-mounted engine is readily accessible for inspection and repair; one 1982 968M owner could remove and reinstall it unaided.[6][2]ZAZ-968ZAZ-968AZAZ-968M
• Across 102 owner reviews, handling scores 3.9/5, reliability 3.8/5 and comfort 3.0/5; ground clearance is praised, while brakes and sound insulation are criticised.[5]one sourceZAZ-968ZAZ-968AZAZ-968M

Typical faults

• Brakes are a recurring risk: reports describe intermittent or uneven braking, inspection trouble, and a chafed rear brake pipe that leaked fluid on a 1973 car.[1][3][4][5]ZAZ-968
• A 1973 car was badly rusted between the wheelarch and door; water entering around the windscreen collected on the floor and promoted further corrosion.[4]one sourceZAZ-968

  1973–1973

• On a 1973 car, oxidised relay contacts stopped the battery charging; the indicators failed and the headlights worked intermittently.[4]one sourceZAZ-968

  1973–1973

• Without timely maintenance, the four-speed gearbox can become stiff to shift and may jump out of gear while driving.[6]one sourceZAZ-968ZAZ-968AZAZ-968M
• On one ZAZ-968, prolonged power loss was traced to a broken pushrod; the owner suspected the car had run that way for one or two years.[3]one sourceZAZ-968
• Both rear shock absorbers on a 1973 car were completely worn, causing the rear end to bounce badly over potholes.[4]one sourceZAZ-968

  1973–1973

• On one 1982 968M, the structure beneath the driver's seat was so weak that the seat needed support from a belt and later a bent reinforcing bar.[2]one sourceZAZ-968M

  1982–1982

Which engine and version to take

• The best-documented standard choice is the 1,197 cc, 40 hp carburetted MeZM-968; low-volume 45 and 50 hp versions are also noted for the 968M.[6]one sourceZAZ-968ZAZ-968AZAZ-968M

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect the wheelarches, sill and door areas, floor and underside closely; look for perforation, dampness and leaks around the windscreen.[4]one sourceZAZ-968
• Test every service brake and the handbrake; ensure the car does not pull, pedal feel remains consistent, and pipes and cylinders do not leak.[1][3][4]ZAZ-968
• Check charging, relays, terminals, wiring, dipped and main beams, and indicators; oxidised connections have caused both charging and lighting faults.[4]one sourceZAZ-968
• During the test drive, use all four gears: selection should not be excessively stiff and no gear should jump out.[6]one sourceZAZ-968ZAZ-968AZAZ-968M
• Check the rear dampers over uneven ground and confirm that the doors have not sagged and close without being lifted.[4]one sourceZAZ-968
• Assess engine power and the valve gear; in one case, long-term power loss was caused by a broken pushrod.[3]one sourceZAZ-968

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]retromoto.lv — Mishka ZAZ 968 · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — ZAZ 968M 1982.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum
3. [3]forum.automoto.ee — zaz 968 pidurid ja mõned muud probleemid · forum
4. [4]forum.automoto.ee — Zaz 968 1973\' - automoto.ee foorumid · forum
5. [5]auto.ria.com — 102 отзыва о ZAZ 968 от владельцев - ЗАЗ · press
6. [6]autoclassics.us — ZAZ-968 Producing History | Avtoclassika - Autoclassic · press

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