1990 Ford Sierra XR4x4 review from UK and Ireland

Heater matrix leaked in 1998 (whole lower dashboard needed removing to replace). It's replacement leaked in 1999.

Front wheel bearings cracked and shattered at speed in 1999.

Compliance bushes have failed roughly every 8-12 months.

Whole braking system (all disks, all calipers and all lines) replaced due to various failures - most notable the rear calipers seized and handbrake would not work.

Front prop-shaft for 4x4 system failed twice in last 4 years - this is a £250 part only available from Ford.

Front differential (the 4x4 transfer box) has serious internal faults and 'clunks' whenever taking up drive or changing gear hard.

Front drive-shafts replaced recently due to failure.

In 2000 the engine was completely rebuilt at a cost of over £1000 due to a head gasket problem which went unnoticed and damaged the cylinder head.

Clutch replaced recently at a cost of over £200 - not cheap due to the gearbox type.

Engine management system replaced in 2000 due to a fault.

Whilst this car is very quick and handles like it is glued to the road, it's running costs are through the roof.

Petrol consumption is about 15-20mpg in the city, and about 35mpg on the motorway - mainly due to the 4x4.

75% of the parts the car requires are only available from a Ford main dealer - it is very hard if not impossible to locate parts for this car in the scrap yard.

The car seems to eat tires! Because of the 4x4, all wheels are driving and therefore all sustain abnormal wear.

This car has become so unreliable that I can't even make a simple journey to work without wondering if I will make it or not. It's failures have just been one after another.

I would estimate that with one thing and another I have spent over £7500 on maintaining this car.