Faults:

Very few problems, only major expense was MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor blew causing the engine management system to go awry. Not a cheap part -> £150 from the main dealer and not the sort of thing you want from a breakers yard.

Other than that, just servicing. Engine needs a tune and the timing chain probably needs changing again (should be done every 50,000 on this engine).

General Comments:

Loads of low end grunt, gets harsh over 4,500 rpm, still a quick car.

Good levels of equipment and comfort.

Not as good as Pinto engined cars for modifying, but 170bhp is possible for under £1k.

Faults:

Problems with the radiator fan motor.

General Comments:

A good comfortable drive.

Faults:

This car has yet to actually leave me stranded and the engine itself has never been worked on!

However :-

Siezed rear callipers, a problem with all GLSi cars. Factory fitted alarm gave up the ghost when Maggie Thatcher still had the reigns!

Erratic idle speed, probably due the EFi Pot. OSR wheelarch beginning to show corrosion. Cigarette lighter hasn't worked for years.

Has a very healthy appetite for anti roll bar bushes (very cheap, but awkward to replace). This is over compensated for in very reasonable tyre wear.

Other spares do come at a bit of a premium.

General Comments:

115,000 miles on the same clutch, believe it or not ten whole years and 115,000 on the original exhaust (not common I grant you). A comfortable family cruiser, returning an average of 35 mpg!

Thankfully, never yet failed an MOT first time.

Clearly dated by design these days, but an excellent cheap option if you have the where with all on mechanics and are not in the slightest bit worried about keeping up with the Jones'.

Beware the dreaded tin worm!!!!!!

If you don't like spanners, buy a pinto engined model, almost every schoolboy mechanic cut his teeth on one of these and can strip an engine in his fag break.

Faults:

EFI idle speed POT went wrong, one of the rear discs doesn't work on the handbrake. Needed to replace the throttle cable.

General Comments:

A nice car to own and drive. Not the fastest thing on four wheels but it aint that slow either.

Faults:

Siezed rear disc callipers.

Rust on rear O/S W/arch.

Alarm system has not functioned since day 1.

General Comments:

A surprisingly quick car let down by a stodgy suspension setup! Considering the GLS is basically the cruising family man's fastback the car was no more refined than the standard LX models with the exception of all round discs and MT75 gearbox.

Reliability has been impeccable. Fuel consumption is much better than my previous Sierra LX 1.8 CVH.