1994 Ford Granada Scorpio review from UK and Ireland

Windscreen wiper rotor fell off. Fixed it by drilling the ball joint and bolting the thing together. Sounds harsh, but works well now.

Poor automatic gearbox performance when cold. This is probably due to me using cheap 'n' nasty auto fluid once.

Strange grinding noise when cornering hard at full lock.

Needed new exhaust pipe (mid and rear sections) at 95,000 miles. Which isn't bad at all.

Firstly, anyone who tries to drive a Granada Scorpio like a sports car will be seriously disappointed. However, waft around like you're the Queen, and you'll really start to appreciate the qualities of a car like this. I bought mine in March 2001 for £1,500 with a full service history and one company owner under its belt. Even if you're not a fan of Ford cars, you'll love a deal like that.

Of course, it will crack 145mph (on a good day) and out-accelerate fools in Vectras and Mondeos, but they'll have the last laugh - the company pays for their petrol.

The interior is very comfortable (mine has leather seats) and contains more toys than Hamleys. The most surprising thing is, that after 104k miles, they all still work!

I must agree with some other reviews, which slate the fuel economy. In fact, it is the reason I have decided to sell mine. Even if I drive like an old lady, I still only get around 20mpg - and that's on the motorway!!! Every time I go to the petrol station, I see the pump attendant rub his hands together gleefully at the prospect of another £45 fill-up. I must have more Tiger Tokens than Coca-Cola's top sales rep.

If only I could have ALL the power and ALL the comfort without the insatiable appetite for go-go juice...

I think the answer might be in my next car - a Rover 620 Ti.