Sierra's 50,000

Sierra’s 50,000

The Ford Sierra EFi 4×4 has done a trouble-free 50,000 miles. Still nothing amiss, except a digital read-out showing the driver’s door unshut when it is — resulting in hard slamming if I let someone else drive. A service at 48,000 miles cost £185.66, of which new brake pads (the first needed) and replacement of the offside brake caliper, the thread of which had broken, accounted for £60.13. New fuel-, oiland air-filters and fresh plugs accounted for the rest, with oil and labour. The Michelin MXW V14 tyres all have 6mm of tread left after

more than 6,000 miles. The car starts first time in any temperature, and still uses virtually no oil.

I have no idea what these Sierras cost as used cars, but anyone wanting roomy, safe, big booted, twin-cam 4wd transport is recommended to enquire. Those who say 4wd is fine for rallying, but unnecessary otherwise, surprise me. On ice, snow, in muddy car parks or on slimy hills all-wheeldrive is a boon which, with ABS brakes, I would hate to forego. But before deciding which 4wd car you will have, try the steeringlock. The Sierra scores here, with a notably small turning-circle.