Banger buyers guide #4

Sierras are now old hat, and whilst likely to be bought as a cheap banger there is no reason to buy something on its last legs, nobody wants to break down. I am ignoring the cosworth variants, as these are a specialist car of which I have little knowledge.

Launched in 1982 as a replacement for the long running Cortina, Ford made a  big play on the unconventionally (for the time) styled Sierra's low drag coefficient. Available at various times with following engines

1.3 Kent (rare and unlikely to be found now) reliable old-tech, but underpowered in this fitment.

1.6,1.8 and 2.0 pinto OHC-reliable, long lasting, appreciates regular oil changes and timing belt replacement. few vices,  oil burning (blue smoke) and top end rattle (worn cam) are signs of a pinto past its best. pre-85 examples not  suitable for unleaded. Pinto equipped cars show the engine's age, it's quite a rough running unit but has pleasing low down torque. carb fed versions can be thirsty, and earlier 1.6 cars had the troublesome VV carburettor. Later 2.0 pintos had the stronger "205" engine block, the same bottom end as used in the cosworth and  for many years was in demand by kit car builders, meaning few pinto engined cars remain in comparison to the huge numbers made. The "lean burn" 1.6 pintos, if the carburettor is in good condition, can return excellent MPG making them a good choice for an everyday car, with economy only slightly worse than the diesel.

1.8 CVH. Similar to that used in the FWD Escorts, the 1.8 as used in the sierra is the only UK fitment of this engine. Timing belt changes need to be carried out regularly, and top end rattle from an engine of advanced years is common.  This was a popular option on fleet L/Lx models as it offers more performance than the 1.6 but with similar fuel consumption and is one of the most common variants remaining. last of the line 92/93 examples were also fitted with a 1.6 CVH engine (CFI)  mated with a catalytic converter.

2.0 dohc 8 valve- introduced to replace the pinto around 1989, its generally a reliable engine offering more performance and economy than the outgoing engine, although head gasket problems are well known, as the head tends to crack and warp rather easily. This engine has a timing chain, breakages are rare but not unknown. quite a lot more difficult to work on than a pinto.

All but early models had a 5 speed box, capable of interstellar mileages although they all feel quite notchy, especially so when cold. A worn box can jump out of gear and will get quite noisy.( Later (post 89) models used a different box(MT75) which tends to be longer lasting and stronger.)4x4 models used a similar gearbox attached to a seperate transfer box- This gearbox is on its limits for the amount of power being put though it so advanced wear is common, as are problems with the transfer box, CV joints etc. you should ensure there are no untoward noises and all gears are attainable with a 4x4.

2.3 cologne V6 - a reliable enough engine, but little performance advantage over a good 2.0 pinto and quite thirsty. top end noise is a sign of old age and timing gear has been known to break. Sierras with this engine are very rare now, they were only manufactured in the higher spec mk1 sierras from 1982-84

2.8/2.9 cologne V6- same engine as that found in contemporary granadas, vices same as 2.3, only found in XR4i, ghia 4x4,XR4x4 and 4x4 GLSi. be wary of flat spots/poor idling/heavy fuel consumption from faulty injection system

2.3 Peugeot diesel- This is the long running "indenor" as fitted to various Granadas, Peugeot 505s, LDV vans etc. a reliable, economical and long lasting engine, although noisy and low on power- drastically so by todays standards. appreciates a strong battery and decent glowplugs. On the plus side, it's the same basic engine as used in LDV 400/convoy vans until 1996 so this means you can create a diesel hot by swapping to a 2.5 turbo engine from the LDV.

1.8 Ford turbo diesel- As fitted to various escorts, fiestas and the later mondeo.  reliable but appreciates regular servicing and timing belt changes, be wary of a turbo past its best, its likely to be expensive. despite smaller capacity it provides a useful performance advantage over the older 2.3

Bodywork is not particularly long lasting on any sierra, sills, floopans, arches,boot floor etc are all common rust areas, in particular there is a nasty rot spot underneath on the chassis for which the rear axle has to be removed to repair. Doors also rust on their corners and around the window ledge (the sierra was originally intended to have flush fitting windows, this was deleted on production cars) Dont underestimate damaged bumpers. Many were colour coded and you will struggle to find another the same. although matt grey "neutral" bumpers are still available new at a price, second hand is your best bet, but sierras are getting rare in scrap yards and people seem to be charging a lot for good bumpers. Be wary of the steering column lower coupling bush, these perish and are not available new from anywhere.

suspension is the common or garden macpherson struts up front with coils at the back, usual checks for wear apply.

Interiors are hard wearing and comfortable, although dash tops on earlier models crack routinely and replacements are hard to come by. problems with extra cost options such as electric windows, mirrors, air con etc are to be expected on a vehicle of this age, also non functioning gauges are common. side bolster wear on the driver's seat is also a common fault and you may struggle to find a good replacement, particularly if the car has recaros.

Sierras were available as a 3 and 5 door hatch, 4 door saloon (sapphire) and 5 door estate. price is dependant on condition regardless of body type. The rare 3 door hatchbacks were only available in the UK up until 1985,  and excepting the almost-a-classic XR4i were basic or L models with no frills and small engines (1.6 the biggest available) suprisingly they are not worth much more than any other sierra of the age. If bought as a banger a standard non-sporting sierra should cost anywhere between £200-600 with an MOT if its worth bothering with, although XR4i, and 4x4 versions tend to be hovering between £800-1500 in good condition. obviously cheaper cars are available, it just depends what condition you want.

If you buy a sierra you obviously want to keep it, so extra security devices are a MUST. They are remarkably easy to break into and remain a target for joyriders due to ease of theft, RWD and plenty of poke. An angry rottweiler kept hidden in the back should do the trick.

My personal favourites are:

XR4x4 2.9 - usefully quick with amazing handling and tend to have all the toys. great if you can afford the petrol, also classic status should await them.Dont underestimate the running costs, dear insurance and poor MPG mean that most of the remaining cars have had dozens of owners which doesnt bode well for routine maintenance. for the ultimate Q car you could fit the 24v cosworth cologne engine as used in the scorpio.

2.3 Diesel. - purely because it costs pennies to run and is practically worthlesss ( so cheap to buy!) getting rare now, most were mini-cabbed to death and they tend to be broken for the high ratio diff they have, for use in kit cars etc. Dog slow and very noisy they may be, but there is virtually nothing to go wrong with this engine, they just keep going and going and 50mpg is attainable. only available as an L or GL so trim is basic with no toys to go wrong- ideal for the miser on a very tight budget?

xr6- a little known south african built model, also available as fuel injected 3.0i RS and 3.0 GLS.a couple have made it over here, standard sierra with a 3.0 essex V6. torque monster.

xr8- as above but with a 5.0 V8 mustang engine. if you find one bite the vendor's hand off. They only made 250 in south africa for racing homologation and values are sky high for those that remain.

summary: The quintessential '80s repmobile, the sierra was designed to be a reliable motorway cruiser, and this still holds true today. Buy on condition rather than specification if you can, just so long as you dont give a stuff about the bargain basement image. The later facelifted variants are virtually all that remains, and these are a better car, earlier carburettored cars being quite thirsty to run everyday. To quote Ford's early 80's slogan- "ford gives you more". (visits to petrol stations? reasons to buy waxoyl and hammerite?)

Happy hunting!