1989 Ford Sierra GLSi 4x4 2.9i V6

Summary:

It's a seriously quick wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

Nothing has actually broken with the car, its last owner was as fastidious as I am.

All I've done is give it a good service.

Even the bodywork is in excellent condition for the year.

General Comments:

The car will beat most things from the lights, especially in the wet. The handling is fantastic with the four wheel drive.

A performance exhaust on the V6 creates a sound which a Ferrari would be proud of.

The downside however, is the fuel consumption. On a long gentle run it'll do more than 30 miles to the gallon, but drive it hard and it'll drop into the low teens.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2001

18th Jan 2002, 04:03

Pipercross induction kit and black diamond exhaust now fitted. The noise at full chat is amazing! The steering rack (power) has a bit of play in it which is becoming more noticeable. New from Ford at £398.00! Ouch!

24th Jun 2003, 08:43

The Sierra has now exceeded 150,000 miles on a recent trip to the north of Scotland. Still impressed by the power and traction of the machine, especially on the steep inclines and hairpins. The suspension is probably past its best by now and could do with a bit of upgrading, but did the job OK. Amazing how much camping stuff the boot can swallow.

I'll never tire of the noise of the V6 with a good exhaust reverberating through the mountain passes.

Best £900 quid I ever spent.

25th Sep 2007, 07:05

I am looking at buying one of these, are they OK for everyday use? is parts availability OK? I read somewhere the gearbox is weak on these?

1989 Ford Sierra Cosworth Sapphire 2.0 Cosworth turbo

Faults:

Warped brake discs.

Premature wear to the tires and brakes.

Seized clutch.

Blown head gasket.

Shattered spark plug.

General Comments:

Forget your Japanese Scooby's and Evo's. The 'Cossie' will always be king of the road and track.

Blistering performance with all the benefits of comfortable 4 seater transport that will happily cruise at three figure speeds (just watch the fuel gauge plummet though!).

I have used mine as a second car for dry weekends in the summer. It has many modifications that have resulted in over 300bhp and race-car handling. It is taken to many RS shows (great sociable atmospheres) and regularly used at track days. This has meant that I have got through a fair few sets of tires, brakes and spark plugs, but it's all worth while for the Porsche crushing tail happy performance.

Once you buy a Cossie you will find nearly all other cars on the road boring, mundane and slow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2001

17th Dec 2001, 11:21

Interesting review. Yes the Cossie does make most things seem slow in comparison. It is also a hoot to drive! Engine is rather coarse though. But better than an Evo? Well I own a rather fun Evo VII, my weekend car & it makes a complete mockery of all the Cossies I have come up against on the track. They just can't go through the bends at the same speed :)

Have to say though, as a cheaper alternative... nothing comes close!

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1989 Ford Sierra GLS 2.0 SOHC

Faults:

Very little - all major components original & untouched.

Rocker cover only been off once and then only because the gasket was leaking.

Brake pads & discs need replacing approx every 50,000 miles and the cam belt is replaced every 45,000 miles, otherwise it's just oil & filter changes, tyres etc, and it just keeps going.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2001

1989 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLSi 2.0

Summary:

One and a half tones of Dagenham Pig iron that goes like a whippet but handles like a rhino on crack

Faults:

The fuel tank fell off the first time I filled it up due to acute corrosion on the mountings and fixings.

The rear wheel arches needed attention almost immediately, and with the harsh winter that followed, soon needed replacing.

Idle speed control valve is a little erratic and the gasket needs regular checking for air leaks.

The last MOT inspection revieled quite a few areas of underside body work that required welding.

This models major let down is its suspension, it proves sloppy and prone to excessive yawing. Handling suffers as a result along with sharp braking and acceleration.

General Comments:

On the plus side, the addition of a filter charger to the inlet manifold on the throttle body makes throttle response razor sharp.

It has impressive acceleration for such a heavy car and will cruise quite happily at 120mph (on private roads).

Although quite thirsty around town, on the motor-way MPG will go into the mid thirties.

The interior on the standard model is a bit dull, but substitution for the Ghia spec makes a big difference.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd April, 2001

18th May 2009, 13:54

If it was that rusty, it probably was a Dagenham built car. They always said the Cologne built ones were better in that respect.

4th Nov 2009, 04:32

All Sierras were built in Genk, Belgium.