1988 Ford Sierra GL Estate 1.8 Pinto

Summary:

A successor that didn't actually match it's predecessor

Faults:

Worn out steering rack.

Snapped rear spring.

Snapped clutch cable.

General Comments:

MUCH slower than the 2-litre, but very good top speed (I've had 110mph so far).

Doesn't feel as bulky as an estate should.

Mk2 Sierra is nowhere near as nimble as the original model.

Nice ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 2000

28th Jan 2002, 17:44

I pressed the clutch pedal down, and it went "ping" and never came back up.

Easy to fix though, a ten minute job. :)

21st Jul 2009, 17:25

I too have snapped a Sierra clutch cable. Unfortunately, my Ford garage here has no idea what a "Sierra" is! Any help in finding a suitable substitute, or perhaps a later-model US Ford swap that would fit??

Mine is some 60 inches in length, so may be less available than some shorter length cables, I suppose.

I have thought of replacing the combination cable/housing with an open cable system and pulleys attached to the frame of my little Westfield, but it would be easier if I could find a direct bolt-on replacement.

Jerry.

1988 Ford Sierra GL 1.8

Faults:

RUST on doors, boot, bumper mountings and bulkhead. This is apparently common if the model was built in Dagenham as opposed to their german counterpart.

Rear wheel drive - very poor handling in frost or snow conditions.

General Comments:

Engine is sound and very cheap for replacment parts, although body work is very prone to rust.

The Sierra loves its fuel, so much so it sucks through the trans siberian pipeline until it's dry.

Ford obviously knew what they were doing by replacing it with the Mondeo, lets hope their body work wasn't built in Dagenham!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st February, 1999

1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire Ghia 2.0i petrol

Faults:

Oil pump gave out but whole replacement engine including labor only cost £400.

General Comments:

Cool car but a bit expensive on petrol. Only get about 20mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 1998

1988 Ford Sierra LX 1.8 petrol

Faults:

General wear & tear e.g. exhaust, tyres, brake pads, valve stem oil seals, recently burned a valve no 3 pot.

General Comments:

Good reliable motor, always ready to jump into and go. It has 129,000 miles on clock, and can still get off its mark.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 1998

1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLS 2.0 petrol

Faults:

Throttle quadrant broke. Rear spring broke. Otherwise wear and tear for 80,000 miles ie clutch, exhaust, shockers, front brake pads and discs.

General Comments:

A very comfortable, reliable car which I have had from new. Keep away from main dealers though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th August, 1997