I'm here!
Generally, they are pretty good.
The rust isn't too bad, so long as it isn't left to get out of hand, it can be kept at bay.
Usually, the price reflects the condition quite well.
Cheaper ones tend to be poorly maintained, so niggling troubles will always be present, whereas a slightly more expensive one will/can go great, and be reasonably trouble-free.
They have great flex from standard, which is a good thing.
They also have a very comfortable ride, and handle bumps etc better than any other small 4wd I have driven.
They also handle very well due to the full-time 4wd.
Engines are strong, as are the gearboxes, except for 5th gear, which can jump out of gear if it is used at speeds under 90kmh-ish.
I think if you are looking at a cheap, useable 4wd that will knock the socks off bigger, more expensive 4wds, then a Lada is a good choice.
Also, Ladas can be modified (lifted etc) very easily, and cheaply.
Another also, they are OK for pulling stuff out, so long as it's not a stupidly heavy vehicle stuck in the mud (because the weight plus the drag from the mud makes for a difficult job for a 1600
)
Heaps of info can be found here:
http://www.ladaniva.co.uk/baxter/NivaMainPage.htmAnd if it's the blue on on TM you are looking at, it seems ok, especially seeing as it has a current WoF.
Just make sure the brakes are working good, as they are supposed to be awesome when they are working properly, but if they aren't working great, they can be costly to fix (as I have found out
)
cheers
the bonus's, if maintained 
they are very good for a standard entry truck but they are like old english cars you have to spend time to keep them going 
