1989 Ford Sierra GL Estate 2.0 SOHC petrol

Summary:

A good family car in its day, reliable

Faults:

Just after purchase, a new clutch fork.

At 10,000 miles a lower RR suspension arm.

One rear wheel cylinder at 85,000.

Otherwise nothing, just routine servicing.

General Comments:

A comfortable, reasonably quick car for its type e.g. repmobile.

Now at 100,000 the door seals let in a little wind noise, otherwise just the usual Ford dash rattles.

25 MPG and lots of space being an estate, a good family car. The only problem is the tinworm is starting to make an appearance, e.g. rust on the tailgate and door skins.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2000

1989 Ford Sierra LS 1.6 petrol

Summary:

An absolutely unbreakable car

Faults:

Engine rebuild at 187,000 miles due to a cracked piston ring which caused excessive exhaust emissions.

The original clutch was replaced at the same time due to damage caused by a loose spring.

The ring gear was replaced at the same time (it had previously been replaced at 98,000 miles).

I had a lot of trouble with damp starting in the beginning, but replacing the cap, leads and non original coil with non Ford items cured the problem.

General Comments:

Unbeatable car. Very thirsty in city traffic, but extremely reliable, cheap and easy to repair when things go wrong.

For example, the engine rebuild, clutch and ring gear cost a total of £200. Use of good quality oil (15W40) every 3000 miles left the engine in excellent overall condition. Apart from a broken ring and a slightly worn cam lobe, the engine was perfect.

This car has had a tough life, lots of rough roads and towing, but I can't seem to break it. It's also a very safe car, as the Volvo driver that hit it found out.

I plan to replace it next year, but I doubt I'll get as good a car again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st November, 2000

1989 Ford Sierra Ghia 2.0i DOHC

Summary:

A fast comfy fun bargain

Faults:

Not much:

Rocker cover gasket leaks.

Air conditioning keeps breaking down.

Front bushes have been changed twice in 1 year.

Front bumper fell off.

General Comments:

Overall I think it's a lovely car to drive - very comfortable, quite quick (138mph) but very juicy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2000

27th Dec 2000, 16:27

I do agree, my rocker head cover leaks quite bad, it's been changed twice.

The front wheel bearing on mine has started knocking.

30th Oct 2001, 07:18

138 miles per hour? Are you sure the speedo doesn't over-read?

1989 Ford Sierra XR 4x4 Turbo 2.8i turbo petrol

Summary:

A cut price Cosworth beater!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing, amazingly!!

I have changed the suspension (Spax PSX kit), fitted a st/st exhaust (modified Cosworth Mongoose system)& aluminium rocker covers (because they look nice!)

General Comments:

I bought the car mainly because it was fitted with a Turbo Technics 230 bhp / 270 lb/ft single turbo conversion. In addition to this it has excellent handling (4 wheel drive, Spax suspension & Sapphire Cosworth wheels / tyres) & excellent brakes. It can also hold its own against a 2wd Cossy and show a clean rear numberplate to a standard 4x4 Cossy !!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2000

21st Nov 2005, 04:23

How much do these cars weigh?

8th Mar 2007, 09:23

Over 1300kg.

1989 Ford Sierra Cosworth 2.0 EFI turbo petrol

Summary:

Exocet missile

Faults:

Never really broken down, just keep on modifying it.

General Comments:

Come on Ford, get your finger out, let's see the Focus Cosworth before the Japs take over totally.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th June, 2000

1989 Ford Sierra Sapphire Classic 1.6

Faults:

RUST around doors, floor, boot, wheel arches.

Engine replaced and then had to be rebuilt after 10,000 miles. Cam shaft noisy at minute and about to go.

Alternator, choke changed to manual as automatic choke kept failing, carburettor, heater matrix, water pump, battery, accelerator cable snapped twice. Front brake discs and pads. Starter motor.

General Comments:

Poor reliability. This car spent more time in my driveway being repaired than on the road. Car about to be scrapped!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th February, 2000

29th Aug 2001, 07:02

I had a similar problem with my automatic choke, it used to stay open far too long. I fixed it by simply turning the choke actuator (black circular unit on the carb) to keep the choke off at all perminantly. I just pump the throttle a few times to start it. It's pretty rough for a few a while, but it saves a fortune on petrol and it will idle normally. The problem is normally caused by the spiral spring in the unit weakening so turning by a few degrees can some times add enough tension to get the choke operating properly. Also the cam problem is more than likely caused by a blocked oil spray bar due to irregular oil changes. This is worth changing on any OHC pinto unit during a rebuild if the cam shows heavy wear.