Report Abuse

“Ford Sierra Sapphires were one of the most common...”

written by mrspivvy on 25/08/2007

Good Points
This is a 2.3 diesel sapphire, one of the last with the old Peugeot indenor. Its a basic engine and very reliable, giving up to 50 mpg. The car is spacious and comfortable over distances. also, as sierras are now deeply unfashionable and old hat, they can be picked up for next to nothing. mine has 91000 on the clock and interior wear is negligible. I had forgotten just how good they were.

Bad Points
The diesel engine although economical is a total slug. there is little torque and it struggles badly on hills also with modern common rail diesels you forget just how noisy diesel engines used to be- the sierra engine makes a fearful din, the missus reckons she can hear me coming a mile away.
mine is a base model "L" and it really is basic. The rear seats don't fold down which limits carrying ability.

General Comments
Ford Sierra Sapphires were one of the most common everyday cars of the '80s, with the vast numbers produced parts are readily available and cheap-at the moment. They remain a reliable family car suitable for everyday use on a budget. You should buy carefully as sierras were one of the last Fords to suffer badly with rust.

Pinto engined cars are thisty, later DOHC engines better on fuel but more fragile. 1.8 turbo diesels are a good performance/economy compromise.