1989 Ford Sierra L review from UK and Ireland
"Damn rust"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch cable broke at 170 000 going on holiday. Couldn't get an original cable (in France) so put a pattern one on which broke 1 year and 1 week later. Replaced with an original which is fine.
Exhaust manifold cracked at 190 000.
One or two front brake calipers were needed (seized - £5 from the breakers).
Cylinder head valves and seats, rings and shells done at 175 000.
Otherwise normal wear and tear (discs, pads, shocks, bushings, exhaust twice, clutch once - only because of a noisy bearing, cam belts).
Never paid more than £3/gallon for the oil. The trick is to use genuine parts, warm the motor gently and change every 6 000 miles.
Engine is seriously tired now but a change of valve guides and maybe cord rings will keep me going to 300 000 miles.
If there wasn't so much rust I'd completely overhaul the motor.
General comments?
40 mpg until recently.
80 000 miles on a set of tyres (Michelin).
Lot's of room, extremely comfortable, very easy to work on with ordinary tools.
Tough (3 accidents).
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 CVH Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 27000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 230000 miles |
| Previous car | Morris Traveller |
| Date of Entry | 23rd February, 2001 |