1989 Ford Sierra CL review from Israel
"Big, comfortable and cheap workhorse"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 120000 I noticed the car runs out of coolant pretty quickly - that was because a rubber plug in some pipe that got loose. Replaced for $1 (the plug) and $4 (workmanship).
The clutch cable broke down at 130000.
3rd gear a bit clunky.
Some stuff in the interior (like the rear-view mirror was re-glued before I bought the car).
Lately eats a lot of oil (1l for 2000km). Apparently, must replace the cylinder rings.
Air-conditioner works, I mean when the electronic control box wants to cooperate. The air conditioner was assembled in Israel, so it's not the manufacturer's problem.
Engine VERY unstable while cold, need to hold the accelerator down until it heats up.
The fuel gauge lies when between 30l to 45l - tends to show 0l to 15l. Weird, not harmful.
General comments?
Purchased for a low price (equivalent to $3000).
Very comfortable car, a lot of space, good driving position (though, clutch pedal travels a lot). Brake pedal is tough. Basically reliable, but pretty poor performance with 1.6 engine.
About 10l to 100km - not bad for an engine designed in 1981...
No rust, VERY strong (had several accidents).
Heavy duty (can handle 550kg while Renault Kangoo - only 440!!!).
Next I will try a Mondeo from 1995-1996.
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  | Good car shame about the image!!! |
| AN 80's CLASSIC |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 115000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 142000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 17th December, 2001 |