UAZ-39094 "Farmer" - the best car for the countryside

UAZ cars are a rather specific technique. As a rule, having heard the name of the brand, two models are immediately remembered - 469, aka "Hunter" and "Patriot". If you give it time to think, "Loaf", aka SGR, will come to mind. And the most experienced drivers will remember the Tadpole truck and even the UAZ Pickup.


But few people remember the hero of today's article. This is UAZ-39094 "Farmer" - a fairly rare modification in cities. The car managed to combine two models - a truck and a van. It turned out the perfect family car for the countryside.

Now the car seems hopelessly outdated. Although, for remote settlements, especially in Siberia and the Far East, UAZ "Farmer" is still relevant. In theory, Japanese and American pickups can become competitors of this model.


In practice, they are too expensive, and it will be difficult to get spare parts. But parts for UAZ can be found in any village, if not new, then used ones.

History of creation

The first vans at the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant appeared in 1958. Anticipating a flurry of indignant comments, I want to clarify right away - we are talking about the UAZ-450 model. This car was created on the components and assemblies of the GAZ-69, although it does not look like it.


In 1965, a new model appeared - the UAZ-452. This is the same “Loaf”, she is also a “Pill”. Most likely, it was assumed that the car would stay on the assembly line for 10 years, a maximum of 20. But fate has developed in such a way that the car is still being produced.

The direct ancestors of the "Farmer" are UAZ cargo modifications. These are the models:

✅ 450D
✅ 452D
✅ 3303

These are all onboard vehicles with a double cabin. Their main advantages are simplicity of design and high cross-country ability.

As long as the Soviet Union existed, no one at the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant thought about a universal model. This became relevant in the 90s, when the supply chain to government agencies failed. Even the police and medical services began to refuse the mass purchase of UAZs. The main car for them was the Gazelles in various modifications.


As for the "Loaves" and "Tadpoles", private traders in the countryside began to buy them. Not very active. Many demanded a universal model - capable of accommodating a family, like an ordinary passenger car. And having a separate cargo platform, where you can even carry manure.


The first cars were distinguished by the simplest configurations. A private consumer demanded comfort, so gradually the car received additional options.

After 2011, the model was equipped with:

✅ Power steering
✅ ABS
✅ Euro-4 class motor

"Farmer" is often used by hunters and fishermen.

Appearance and interior

UAZ-39094 looks rather strange. It seems that the onboard modification was combined with a van, cut off from each part. Despite the ridiculous appearance, the car turned out to be universal. This is the goal pursued by the designers, spitting on the design. Moreover, it would increase the cost of the car.


The interior is relatively spacious, especially in the back row. Access is through the side door on the right. Of course, there is nothing luxurious inside, but this is not necessary for a working car.

Access to the engine compartment is implemented through the cabin, like all standard Loaves. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Pluses - it is warm in winter, engine repairs and maintenance can be carried out in any weather - there is a roof over your head. Cons - hot in summer and noise all year round.


A modern driver, accustomed to foreign cars, is unlikely to enjoy driving the Farmer. But for most rural residents, these cars are familiar from youth.

Technical features and patency

Under the hood of the average UAZ-39094 is the ZMZ-409 series engine. This is a popular power unit, well known in Russia. The working volume is 2,7 liters, the power is 112 liters. With.


By the way, experienced minders claim that a properly assembled ZMZ-409 is capable of delivering up to 170 “horses”. As for the resource, it is not less than 500 thousand kilometers with timely maintenance. The engine is not disposable - it can be "capitalized" more than once.

"Farmer" is able to accelerate to 115 km / h. But it’s not worth tormenting the engine like that - the “cruising” speed of the UAZ is 80 km / h. Gasoline consumption can hardly be called modest - 10 liters can fit on the highway. And even then, if you go no more than 60 km / h.

Gearbox mechanical. There is a transfer case that connects the front axle when needed. There are modifications with a differential lock from the factory. However, with a strong desire, it can be installed independently.


Brakes "Farmer" with a vacuum booster. Discs in front, drums in the back. Not to say that the UAZ stops quickly, but the brake system is enough for its leisurely motor.


By the way, the Farmer’s cargo platform is lower than that of the UAZ-3303, known by the nickname Tadpole.

"Farmer" is great for the most difficult operation. To do this, it has a number of design features:

✅ Plug-in all-wheel drive
✅ High ground clearance
✅ Spring suspension

The car can force water barriers up to 0,5 meters deep. The main thing is to know the capabilities of the machine. You should not specifically go to a dirty place if the car is loaded. Otherwise, you will have to follow the tractor.

Not only for the village

Salon "Farmer" is suitable for fishermen and hunters. The cargo platform is able to accommodate all equipment and future production. The second row chairs can be converted into two beds, so you should not take a tent with you. There is a small table in the salon.


To keep passengers warm, an additional stove is provided inside. Under the order or independently it is possible to install an autonomous heater. It is not necessary to buy Webasto, the Chinese counterparts also performed well.

As a rule, the owners of the UAZ "Farmer" speak positively about their equipment. First of all, they note a high level of cross-country ability and the ability to carry heavy and fairly large loads. Low price and maintainability can also be attributed to the pros.


I don't like fuel consumption off-road. The car would fit a diesel engine, but alas, it is not. There are complaints about the lack of soundproofing of the cabin, especially on early models, and the build quality.

Summing up the reviews, one can understand that the Farmer, despite the foreign name, is a typical Soviet car. Hard worker, low comfort level. Although, maybe modern drivers have become too fastidious? If the car is suitable for travel and work, what more can you ask of it?