Not Many Left: 1980s Imported Yugo GV

In the 1980s, the Yugo GV was the cheapest new car you could buy in the USA. It retailed for less than $4,000 and was sold between 1985 and 1992. Produced in the former Yugoslavia with old Fiat engineering, the Yugo quickly developed a bad reputation for build quality and reliability. In short, it was as cheap as the price tag, and most of the 141,000 copies sold in the States have long since turned to dust. This example may be an exception, and it’s being listed here on Facebook Marketplace by a friend of the owner. The model year isn’t disclosed, and the car can be found in Newton Falls, Ohio, where it’s available for $2,200. Kudos to “Aspidude” for the tip.

Production of the Yugo by Zastava Automobiles lasted longer than imports to the U.S. took place, accounting for 794,000 units worldwide. Business mogul Malcolm Bricklin spearheaded sales of the Yugo in America, which may not have been his shining moment. It was an underpowered little car with a 1.1-liter 4-cylinder engine that was rated at 53 hp. A 4-speed manual transmission was also along for the ride.

It’s amazing how many of the little cars were sold as they did, because the Yugo quickly became the butt of a lot of jokes. For $4,000, you probably would have gotten less grief from your friends by buying a used Toyota Corolla instead. Somehow, this 40-year-old automobile has survived rust-free in Mid-America, and we’re told it runs great, though the photos suggest it’s been sitting.

The seller says the car has a lot of new parts, which we assume have been installed and are not stored inside somewhere. But just what are these parts and how difficult is it to get more of them if needed? The body, paint, and interior seem to be in good shape. This Yugo is priced in cheap wheels territory, and would you consider a surviving Yugo to be a good purchase?