Faults:

I changed the timing belt, but reset the timing wrong by one tooth. So in the end replaced the cylinder head.

Oil leak from the pressure switch, rocker cover and sump gasket.

Horn is slightly faulty, no real damage though with costs.

I have no temperature gage readings.

Full gage runs lower rather quickly. very high full consumption.

General Comments:

This car flies as soon as your foot hits the pedal. Its so easy to pass the speed limit, as the drive is so smooth.

Plenty of leg room within the front.

Well balanced with the steering, and has plenty of power for power sliding around corners, and powering on out.

Faults:

Rear Crankshaft Oil seal needed replacing at 74000.

Numerous Tires, Exhausts, and a couple of batteries needed replacing over the nine years of ownership.

General Comments:

What a great family car.

Good performance and comfort, coupled with excellent economy. My 1.8CVH model still returned 32 mpg when I changed it.

It never failed to start, and never once let me down in nine years.

I only changed cars because at 12 yrs old the chassis had begun to rot, and it was not worth repairing.

It's a shame they don't make them now. I'd love a 2.0 GHIA.

Faults:

The water pump failed almost immediately.

Then the head gasket.

Then most of the water pipes, one after another.

Regular tuning and electrical problems.

Needs regular bush replacements.

General Comments:

I think the above problems come with any RS Cosworth that has covered the miles mine had when I bought it, however comprehensive service history is a definite must so as to avoid so many problems all in one go.

I was glad I opted for the 4x4 as it handles extremely well and is especially rewarding in the wet when other cars would so easily fail to retain any grip.

Unfortunately the build is poor, but then that is typical of Ford, so it shakes and rattles, however it most defiantily rolls!

Faults:

Mapstar sensor went at 115000 miles. £230 including diagnostic test and labour at main dealer.

Small bit of rust in right rear wheel arch.

General Comments:

0-60 in nine seconds, more than sufficient even today.

Holds the road well through the bends.

35 mpg on work run, 42+ mpg on long motorway journeys.

Driving position is a bit uncomfortable with my long legs as the clutch pedal travel is very long.

Wonderful close-ratio gearbox.

Bomb-proof engine, red-lines without protest.

Faults:

Aside of durables such as tyres, exhaust and such like, the largest expense was for a reconditioned automatic gearbox at around 80,000 miles. This was supplied and fitted by my Ford dealer at a cost of £800 in 1998.

The fuel tank became porous about two years ago and was swiftly replaced.

General Comments:

This car has been excellent. It was a one owner example with a full service history when I bought it from a Ford main dealer. Reliability has been exceptional. Even when the auto `box started to play up, it never stranded me. It has quietly and efficiently cruised up and down motorways the length and breadth of the country. It has performed duty in the mean streets of London, never over-heating or missing so much as a beat. It has transported two people, two mountain bikes and holiday paraphernalia for a week with ease. And this is a hatchback not an estate and everything was carried inside the vehicle. No bike racks for me. The room in the back is excellent - 4 people genuinely travel in comfort and the seats never ever gave a moments concern. However, all things must end, and today we parted company. This Sierra was my first Ford and undoubtedly an excellent example. If the Skoda Octavia automatic I have chosen as a replacement is half as good, it too will be an excellent vehicle.