Faults:

Alternator regulator pack failed, replaced whole alternator as commutator badly worn (£90).

Gearbox selector pin broke at around 90,000 (apparently common)

Clutch required replacing at 100,000 miles. Release bearing jamming meant difficult gear changes (may have lead to selector pin breakage above). The flywheel also needed machining due to clutch plate wear. Sounds costly, but actually only £140 including machining.

Engine became very smokey and required reconditioned injectors for MOT emissions test (£140 for four).

Front wheel bearing started rumbling at 105,000 miles.

General Comments:

Very robust up to about 100,000 miles, then bits start falling off or failing. The diesel engine is prone to oil leaks and hates starting in the morning. In cold weather it's even worse.

Also, look out for a blocked heater matrix, which you may not spot when buying in the summer!

On the up side, the 1.8 TD Sierra is quite fuel efficient and comfortable to drive. Don't expect to burn away from the lights though - it's sluggish from a start, but provides good torque from 20 mph all the way up to 90. Don't be afraid to rev the engine fairly high, as it's the only way to get the extra push from the turbo.

I quite like the hatchback as it has an impressive amount of room in the back when the rear seat is down.

Parts are very cheap and easy to come by.

Faults:

In 3 years nothing at all except brake pads and discs (once).

General Comments:

The best used car I have ever owned in 23 years of motoring. Also a very safe and ample towcar.

Faults:

Water pump - first week.

Fuel pump.

Head gasket.

Stem seals.

Piston rings.. (oil control).

Battery.

Brake drums, discs, pads and shoes.

Brake pipes.

Handbrake cable.

Petrol tank.

EEC module twice!!!

General Comments:

When it runs, it runs well, but when it don't, it really don't!!

I just want more reliability.

Faults:

Clutch unit failed, mechanical.

General Comments:

Seriously quick, handles well, one of the rarer models, bodywork still very, very good.

Faults:

Rear light cluster suffered corrosion, cheap to fix.

1 battery.

Apart from tyres, exhausts (only on its third) and one set of shox at 75K, it's bombproof and still gives 40mpg when driven gently.

General Comments:

Dynamically prehistoric, but when you want to get from A to B in great comfort, with reliability and use little fuel it can't be beaten.

One of the last Fords (or any car) that you can easily service. Apart from cambelt changes it never saw a dealer from 36k to 148k, and I'm a mechanical dunce...

Faults:

Having not had a service since I got it, the car has done remarkably well needing only a complete new set of brakes, a water pump and 4 new tyres. Recently the car has started back firing and missing very badly for no apparent reason. Service next week should cure that.

General Comments:

Paid £2500 for it 2 years ago. Very quick for an 18 year old and only £100 more to insure too! It handles like a fish with the rear end swinging about in the wet. You have to become something of a rally driver to keep the thing on the road!

The engine rattles after 100,000 miles but that can be expected with the mileage and age.