1990 Ford Sierra XR4x4 from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

You must have a real lemon. I've had three 4x4 sierras and they have given me no trouble at all.

I bought my 1990 2ltr xr 4x4 in 1992,and was as good as the 2.9 ltr 4x4 I drove for work. It was a lot of car, for not a lot of money...ABS, power steering,4 wheel drive, sunroof, central locking.

The safety of the ABS was the best feature, which was very use full when towing my caravan, and what a good tow car it was to. I have enjoyed years of trouble free motoring, with the exception of a new clutch & clutch cable. The only major work I had done was when the rosso red paint began to fade, so I went for a complete re spray, with a lacquer finish, so the car now looks in mint condition.