Today ZAZ Chance is actively sold on the secondary market, and the choice of a specific year of manufacture can significantly affect reliability, comfort and cost of ownership. In this article, we will look at what changes the model has undergone over the 8 years of production, what to look for when buying a used copy, and which years of production are considered the most successful.
It is worth noting that ZAZ Chance was not a revolutionary car - it was created as an affordable transport for the city and suburbs. However, even in the budget segment the model had its own “tricks”: for example, good sound insulation for its class (compared to Daewoo Matiz or VAZ 2109) and a spacious interior for a compact body. At the same time, some years of production suffered from “childhood diseases”, which the manufacturer eliminated in subsequent modifications.
If you are considering Chance Whether it's a first car, a workhorse, or a family car, it's important to understand that models of 2009–2011 are technically different from the releases of 2012–2017, and not always for the better. Below is a detailed analysis for each period.
1. Chronology of ZAZ Chance release: key stages (2009–2017)
Production ZAZ Chance can be roughly divided into three stages, each of which made their own adjustments to the design and equipment of the car. Let's look at them in detail:
2009–2011 — start of sales and “run-in” of the model. During this period, the car was equipped with an engine SQR477F (1.3 l, 83 hp), which was later recognized as not reliable enough. The body and interior remained practically unchanged, but already in 2010 the first complaints about threshold corrosion and weak electronics. However, these cars are the cheapest on the secondary market today - they can be found for 150–250 thousand rubles (as of 2026).
2012–2014 - period of modernization. In 2012, the engine was replaced with a more reliable one SQR477F modifications Euro-4, and new finishing materials appeared in the cabin. We have also improved braking system and pendant. These changes had a positive impact on reliability, but prices for used copies increased to 200–350 thousand rubles.
2015–2017 - the final stage, when ZAZ Chance got the latest updates. In 2015, a version with ABS and EBD as standard, and in 2016 - a new multimedia system with support Bluetooth. These cars are considered the most “mature” and are second-hand. 250–400 thousand rubles.
Interesting fact: in 2017, production ZAZ Chance was stopped due to falling demand and financial problems of the plant. The last copies rolled off the assembly line in June 2017, and today they are considered the most “fresh” and technically advanced.
2. Technical specifications by year: what has changed?
Despite the external resemblance, ZAZ Chance different years of production have noticeable technical differences. Below is a comparison table of key parameters:
| Years of manufacture | Engine | Power, hp | Gearbox | Ecological class | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2011 | SQR477F 1.3 l |
83 | 5-speed manual | Euro-3 | Weak generators, problems with sensors |
| 2012–2014 | SQR477F 1.3 l (modernized) |
86 | 5-speed manual | Euro-4 | Improved braking system, new radiator |
| 2015–2017 | SQR477F 1.3 l / SQR481F 1.5 l* |
86 / 109 | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic transmission** | Euro-4 / Euro-5 | ABS/EBD in the base, new multimedia |
* 1.5 liter engine installed only on export versions and is rarely found in Russia.
**Automatic transmission was only available in 2016-2017 on top trims.
Deserves special attention suspension: in models 2009–2011 they often broke down stabilizer links and bushings, and since 2012 they have been replaced with more durable ones. Also, since 2015, they added to the basic package power steering, which made control more comfortable.
⚠️ Attention: If you are considering ZAZ Chance 2009–2011, be sure to check condition generator and starter — these units often failed due to low-quality components. In 2012+ models the problem was partially resolved.
3. Pros and cons of ZAZ Chance depending on the year
Each release period ZAZ Chance had its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them in detail:
- 🔹 2009–2011: Pros - lowest price, simple design. Cons — weak engine, electrical problems, body corrosion.
- 🔹 2012–2014: Pros — improved reliability, quieter interior. Cons — there are still problems with the suspension, poor sound insulation at high speeds.
- 🔹 2015–2017: Pros — ABS in the base, better equipment, more reliable engine. Cons — high price on the secondary market, rarity of spare parts for automatic transmissions.
If you need the cheapest possible option for city driving, you can consider cars from 2009–2011, but be prepared for frequent service visits. For those who appreciate reliability and comfort, better take a closer look at the models 2015–2017 — they are technically more developed.
Separately worth mentioning configuration. In 2016–2017 a version appeared Chance Luxe with air conditioning, power accessories and multimedia system. These cars are in greatest demand today, but they are also more expensive - 300–400 thousand rubles.
When inspecting the ZAZ Chance 2015–2017, be sure to check the operation of the ABS - sometimes the sensors become sour from dirt and the system turns off. Cleaning takes 10 minutes, but sellers are often silent about this problem.
4. Typical problems of ZAZ Chance by year of manufacture
Like any budget car, ZAZ Chance has a number of “diseases” that depend on the year of production. Here are the most common of them:
2009–2011:
- 🔧 Engine: oil leakage through the valve cover gasket, timing belt wear (it is recommended to change every
60 thousand km). - ⚡ Electrics: blown fuses, problems with the generator (especially in cold weather).
- 🚗 Body: corrosion of sills and arches, weak paintwork.
2012–2014:
- 🔧 Suspension: knocking of the stabilizer struts, wear of the silent blocks of the rear beam.
- 🔥 Brakes: overheating of the rear drums during heavy braking.
- 🎵 Noise insulation: plastic squeaks in the cabin (solved by treating with silicone grease).
2015–2017:
- 🤖 Electronics: malfunctions of the multimedia system (especially in frosts below
-20°C). - 🛑 ABS: false alarms on rough roads (cleaning the sensors helps).
- 🔋 battery: rapid battery drain due to current leakage (the alarm is often to blame).
Many problems ZAZ Chance solved independently - for example, replacing struts or cleaning ABS sensors. However, if you are not ready to do repairs, it is better to choose a car 2015–2017 with minimal mileage (up to 80 thousand km).
How to check current leakage in ZAZ Chance?
Disconnect all consumers (lights, radio), remove the terminal from the battery and connect the multimeter in ammeter mode. The normal value is up to 0.05 A. If the current is higher, look for a “gluttonous” unit (most often it is an alarm or climate control unit).
5. Which year of ZAZ Chance should I choose in 2026?
The year you choose depends on your budget and goals. Here are some quick recommendations:
✅ For the budget conscious (budget up to 200 thousand rubles):
Cars will do 2010–2012 with mileage up to 100 thousand km. The main thing is to carefully check the body for corrosion and the engine for oil leaks. Pay attention to examples with full service history (even if it's just an oil change note).
✅ For pragmatists (budget 250–350 thousand rubles):
Optimal choice - 2013–2015. These cars already have a modified engine and improved suspension, but are not yet the most expensive. Look for versions with power steering and air conditioning - they are more common than in earlier releases.
✅ For those who value comfort (budget from 350 thousand rubles):
The best option is 2016–2017 included Luxe. Here you will receive ABS, EBD, modern multimedia and a more reliable engine. The downside is the high price and rarity of offers.
If you buy ZAZ Chance for taxis or commercial travel, avoid cars 2009–2011 - they require too much investment in repairs. For personal use, you can consider early models, but only if full diagnostics before purchase.
☑️ What to check when buying a used ZAZ Chance
6. Cost of ownership: spare parts, repairs, expenses
One of the main advantages ZAZ Chance is low cost of service. Most spare parts are interchangeable with Chery A13, and their cost is 30–50% lower than that of their European or Korean counterparts. Here are approximate prices for popular consumables (as of 2026):
| Spare part/service | Cost, ₽ | Replacement frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Timing belt (set) | 2 500–3 500 | Every 60 thousand km |
| Stabilizer links (pair) | 1 200–1 800 | Every 30–40 thousand km |
| Brake pads (front) | 800–1 500 | Every 20–30 thousand km |
| Battery (55 Ah) | 3 500–5 000 | Every 3–4 years |
| Engine oil (4 l) | 1 500–2 500 | Every 10 thousand km |
Average cost annual maintenance (changing oil, filters, pads) costs 10–15 thousand rubles. Engine overhaul (with mileage 200+ thousand km) will pull on 50–70 thousand rubles - this is 2-3 times cheaper than foreign cars of the same class.
However, there are also pitfalls:
- 🔧 Body repair can be expensive due to weak metal - welding and painting of arches costs from
15 thousand rubles. - ⚡ Electrics sometimes it requires diagnostics at random - the diagrams are not always accurate, and the errors on the on-board computer are not informative.
- 🛒 Spare parts for automatic transmission (if it exists) are rare and expensive - it’s easier to order them directly from China.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing spare parts for ZAZ Chance always check VIN code or year of manufacture - parts for models before and after 2012 may not fit!
7. Alternatives to ZAZ Chance: what to compare with?
If you are in doubt about your choice ZAZ Chance, consider analogues in the same price segment:
- 🚘 Daewoo Matiz (2005–2015): cheaper, but less comfortable and with worse sound insulation. Plus - a huge number of spare parts.
- 🚘 Chery Amulet (2006–2015): same engine as Chance, but the body is less reliable. But it’s 20–30% cheaper.
- 🚘 VAZ 2114/2115 (2001–2013): cheaper to repair, but inferior in comfort and safety. The suspension is “stiffer”.
- 🚘 Geely CK (2009–2017): more modern design, but more expensive to maintain. The engine is weaker (
1.3 l, 86 hp).
By ratio price/quality/reliability ZAZ Chance occupies a leading position among budget hatchbacks. It loses to foreign cars in prestige, but wins in ease of repair and cost of ownership.
If you need a car for the city that is as cheap as possible to maintain, the ZAZ Chance 2015–2017 is one of the best options in its class.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
❓ Which engine is more reliable: 1.3 or 1.5 l?
Engine 1.5 l (SQR481F) more powerful and less revving, but it was installed only on export versions and is extremely rare in Russia. 1.3 liter (SQR477F) after 2012 it became more reliable thanks to improvements, so for most buyers this is the best choice.
❓ Is it possible to install HBO on ZAZ Chance?
Yes, but with reservations. Engine SQR477F not officially adapted for gas, so it is required ECU setup and regular valve checks (every 15 thousand km). The average cost of installing 4th generation gas equipment is: 35–45 thousand rubles.
❓ Which gearbox is more reliable: manual or automatic?
Manual transmission in ZAZ Chance practically “indestructible” - with proper use it serves 200+ thousand km. Automatic (4-automatic) is found only in 2016–2017 models and requires regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km). If you are choosing between a manual transmission and an automatic transmission, it is better to take a manual transmission - it is cheaper to repair.
❓ How much does insurance (MTPL) cost for ZAZ Chance?
The cost of compulsory motor liability insurance in 2026 for ZAZ Chance (engine 1.3 l, 86 hp) is approximately 4,500–6,000 rubles depending on the region and driver experience. For comparison: Daewoo Matiz costs 5,000–6,500 rubles, and VAZ 2114 - in 5,500–7,000 rubles.
❓ Where is the best place to buy spare parts for ZAZ Chance?
Optimal options:
- 🛒 Official ZAZ dealers (if they still work in your region) - original parts, but expensive.
- 🛒 Online stores (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) - a wide range of analogues.
- 🛒 Chinese sites (AliExpress, Taobao) - cheaper, but long wait for delivery.
For urgent repairs, spare parts from Chery A13 - they are completely compatible.