GAZ GAZ-31029

GAZ-31029 in brief

The GAZ-31029 was manufactured by the Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ) from 1992 to 1997. It was a stopgap solution: the development of the GAZ-3103, 3104, and 3105 series was delayed, and the GAZ-24-10 stamping equipment was worn out, so the plant modernised the existing Volga once more.

Most of the body panels were taken from the GAZ-3102, while the front end became more modern, with a sloping, more aerodynamic profile. The car features black plastic bumpers, so there are hardly any chrome details. The technology remained largely the same as the GAZ-24-10, with just a slight update to the electrical system.

Variants and updates

The base model is a four-door saloon. The taxi version was called the GAZ-31021 and ran on 80-octane petrol, the estate was the GAZ-31022, and the rapid response vehicle was the GAZ-31023. In 1993, a pickup prototype, the GAZ-2304 'Burlak', was shown, but it never made it to production.

In early 1996, the GAZ-31029-50 version appeared with a new 2.3-litre (2287 cc) ZMZ-406 fuel-injected engine, producing 145 hp and paired with a five-speed gearbox. The manufacturer quoted a 0-100 km/h time of 13.5 seconds and fuel consumption of around 9.3 litres/100 km. This version also required the front disc brakes from the GAZ-3102.

Record-breaking production — around 115,000 cars per year in 1993, but as volumes increased, build quality declined. This model changed the image of the 'Volga': from a symbol of authority and career success, it became an affordable everyday car.

Engines and gearboxes

Mechanically, the GAZ-31029 was identical to the GAZ-24-10: it came with a standard carburettor-fed petrol engine (carburettor K-151), rear-wheel drive, and a single rear axle. The electrical system was slightly modernised.

The base version has a manual gearbox, while the GAZ-31029-50 with ZMZ-406 was paired with a five-speed box. For a modern driver, the difference is significant: the fuel-injected engine and the extra fifth gear allow for more relaxed and economical driving.

What to check when buying a used GAZ-31029

First, inspect the body: check for dents, the floor, door sills, wheel arches, and the boot. Build quality dropped significantly, so the condition of cars varies greatly — it's important to see if the body has been treated for rust and hasn't been repainted after accidents.

For carburettor versions, check if the engine runs smoothly at idle, and for the ZMZ-406 version, check the electronics and fuel injection system. Assess the steering and suspension play, brakes, and electrical installation.

Finding spare parts is usually straightforward, as the 'Gazelle' uses more than half of the 'Volga's parts, including the engine and electrical system. Check documents and registration history in advance.

Variants by purpose

This model comes in variants tailored to purpose and engine, rather than specific trim levels.

Comparing variants

For most buyers, the best choice is a GAZ-31029-50 with an injection engine and a five-speed box, especially if it's relatively free of rust. If the market allows, opt for this.

Frequently asked questions