1989 Ford Sierra LX review from UK and Ireland

Water pump failed at 80000 miles

The radio aerial that was built into the rear screen was replaced with a normal one as it never worked properly (a common fault).

New exhaust and a patch of rust welded up underneath car at 91000 miles.

This car may not be the most exciting vehicle to drive, but I have become a big fan of the Sierra. It only cost £375 to buy, but came complete with a full service history from new (Ford garage). The car had been privately owned which is rare because most Sierras were run as company cars.

This car is very comfortable on long journeys and there is plenty of space for my six foot frame. It is not so good around town though, as there is no power steering on my model and the m.p.g.is poor on short journeys.

The best thing about this car is the reliability. It has the old "pinto" type engine which means it is dead simple to fix with no fancy electronics to go wrong. It starts first time every morning and I have had no problems with the automatic choke as other Ford owners seem to have.

I have considered trading in my Sierra for a newer more economical car but it seems a shame to sell it as the car is so good and would only be worth a couple of hundred pounds. I shall therefore be keeping this unfashionable, but reliable car for a few years yet!