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| Title: | Cars in the UK |
| Notice: | Please read new conference charter 1.70 |
| Moderator: | COMICS::SHELLEY ELD |
|
| Created: | Sun Mar 06 1994 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 2584 |
| Total number of notes: | 63384 |
9.0. "SIERRAS" by CHEST::WRIGHT (Tony Wright DTN 830-4142) Thu Dec 10 1987 15:58
This note has been moved from EURO_MOTORING
Note 60.0
ULYSSE::LOUGHLIN 8 lines 4-DEC-1987 12:06
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-< Sierras -- are they cars or eggs on wheels? >-
Note 42.? implied the SIERRA is not a driver's car.....
Could someone please illucidate (explain to a thicky) why
this opinion could possibly be held. I had a Sierra Gear in
the UK before I retired and look forward to possibly (depends
whats on the market in AUG_88) getting another.
Ian
Note 60.1 8 lines
IPG::DAWSON 8 lines 4-DEC-1987 12:13
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-< There are gears and Ghias >-
Hi Ian!
Most Sierras come with 5 gears these days! Even those with a
Ghia badge.
Sorry - couldn't resist it!
Colin (who wouldn't own a Sierra if it was given to him!)
Note 60.2 8 lines
RTOEU1::CKENNEDY "Keep your eyes on the road ...." 27 lines 4-DEC-1987 12:34
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-< He did 110 mph in a 30 - Not me >-
I hired an XR3 from Avis at Manchester a month back, but they didn't
have one when I got there. I was forced to take an XR4x4 at the
same price.
The only problem I had was with the power steering, which was fine
until you gave it more than a quarter lock. It suddenly went light.
However, this could be something that you have to get used to, and
I only had the car for perhaps 150 miles.
Otherwise, it beat the S*1t out of my Astra, having bags of power
all the time. A constable of my acquaintance, arrived in his squad
Cavalier, and took it for a blast. On returning he suggested that
we should swop the little blue lights, and hope that the force and
the rental company would not notice.
I must say that the latest changes by Ford, especially the front
light treatment, have almost made the Sierra acceptable to my eyes,
but for my purposes, I don't think they have a model for me.
All in all, an interesting car, I still get overtaken by the 1600
model, I wonder if the drivers wear ear plugs?
Well, must get back to this weekends ski plans,
Cheers,
Colin K.
Note 60.3 27 lines
RTOEU1::CKENNEDY "Keep your eyes on the road ...." 11 lines 4-DEC-1987 12:40
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-< I don't believe you >-
re.1
The only thing to do with an ***** is to crash it, preferably in to
another *****
Substitute TR7, Capri, XR2/3, Skoda, Lada, Volvo etc. for *****
You'd refuse n pounds for a free Sierra?
Colin K.
Note 60.4 11 lines
FNYFS::PELLATT "Going body popping..." 27 lines 4-DEC-1987 12:49
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-< Family Saloon, FULL STOP. >-
I've driven a number of Sierras ( although none of the latest ones)
and am left with the following impressions ;
- worst characteristics are 'floatiness' of front end at speed,
partic with power steered versions, and vulnerability to side-winds.
- generally underpowered for engine size.
- poor 'over shoulder' visibility on five door models.
- some very odd cornering behaviour on occasion.
No, in my opinion, the Sierra is NOT a drivers car - fine for trundling
the family round town, and fairly economical, but no good for SAFE
high-speed driving in anything but the easiest conditions.
Dave_who_doesnt_think_any_amount_of_bolt_on_goodies_make_a_family_saloon_or_
a_shopping_trolley_into_a_performance_car.
P.S. Are there ANY family saloons that could honestly be called
drivers cars ? Forget raw 0-60 ( e.g. where 'things' like Montego
Turbos look ace ) and think about handling, grip, stability and
'high end' acceleration.
Note 60.5 27 lines
HAMPS::JORDAN "Chris Jordan, South UK Application Centre" 1 line 4-DEC-1987 12:53
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-< BMW 528i ?? >-
But who can afford them??
Note 60.6 1 line
NIGEL::ROBERTS "Same procedure as every year" 17 lines 4-DEC-1987 13:13
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-< SET MODERATOR >-
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Note 60.6 Sierras -- are they cars or eggs on wheels? 6 of 6
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I've changed the title of this topic to something a little bit more
relevant to the subject under discussion. The original title was
something like "I like ratholes!"
The author of .0 may wish to change it with SET NOTE/TITLE to
something a little less representative of the moderator's view
on the subject.
Regards,
Nigel Roberts, moderator
Note 60.7 17 lines
IOSG::LANE "My FM2R died last night !" 29 lines 4-DEC-1987 14:49
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-< Why I don't like sierras >-
Sierras,
Bad suspension - wallows horribly on corners, put a washing machine
and 4 bags of concrete and 500 records in the back and the front
wheels nearly come off the ground (as compared with opel record
of similar size/design where this was no problem)
Bad steering - heavy with no power steering, too light with it
Bad bodywork - if you lean on the wing you get a dent! I got 4 in
3� months
Bad interior design - all the controls don't seem to fit where I
would logically expect them to be, wheel arches in the back are
bloody awkward for loading anything big, same for rear lip on back
door.
Bad seats - v. uncomfortable ruined my back!
Bad visibility - terrible to park, can't see to reverse.
Good points - first car I drove with central locking, this I liked!
Andy.
PS: this is not based on a 1 hour driving session, I rented a sierra
for 3� months, drove it 17,000 km in that time all round france
germany italy, the UK etc...
Note 60.8 29 lines
ULYSSE::LOUGHLIN 16 lines 4-DEC-1987 16:28
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-< Just the Ghia >-
Honalable Japanese car makers say 'sianora' or was it 'no_sierra'....
However I agree in the more appropriate title for the note (60.6)
thanks Nigel. The 'rathole' alluded to the fact that the whole
discussion started as a rathole in DEC_UK whilst discussing rear
window wipers. Why anyone can be so interested in where they've
been instead of where they're going escapes me for the moment....
Colin, I believe Jasper Carrott had a theory about Citroen owners
and vegetarians. It was specifically related to the 2CV but as a
general principle about lemon owners......
Thanks for everyone's comments on the Sierra Ghia (Gear?) so far.
It looks like I should go for my #2 choice, the Rover 825 Sterling.
TTFN, Ian
Note 60.9 16 lines
ULYSSE::LOUGHLIN 9 lines 4-DEC-1987 16:34
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-< Please retractor your comments >-
Ref 60.7.
Andy, given your penchant for bags of cement, bodywork dents, etc.,
could I recommend the Fordson Major as a suitable choice of vehicle.
Regards, Ian
ps for city dwellers, the FM is a LARGE farm tractor
Note 60.10 9 lines
HAMPS::JORDAN "Chris Jordan, South UK Application Centre" 1 line 4-DEC-1987 17:13
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-< You learn something new every day >-
And I thought that an FM was something to read......
Note 60.11 1 line
KERNEL::FOX "Er du kledd for enhver anledning?" 6 lines 5-DEC-1987 20:59
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-< Ugh :^( >-
I *hate* Sierras.
Enough said.
Fiesta Driver.
Note 60.12 6 lines
43406::MOXLEY "But Boss, this IS work-related" 15 lines 7-DEC-1987 12:14
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-< Sierra?..no thanks! >-
< Sierra???? >
If I remember rightly, when the Sierra first came out there was
a lot of concern in the press about how the front end can be severley
mashed in accidents, this goes right down to the sub-frame, and
means that they are *EXPENSIVE* to repair..insurance companies don't
like them!
I have driven the Sierra estate 1.6...yuck!..(sore derriere after
100 miles or so..really naff seats...and crummy warning lights/dash..
oh and that FEEBLE 1.6 engine.
If you're about to buy one..go for the RS Cosworth!...(ther only
one worth considering!!)
Note 60.13 15 lines
43406::KEDMUNDS "I haven't got an fm2r..." 7 lines 7-DEC-1987 12:19
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-< Brake the steering wheel >-
I've only driven a Sierra on the odd occasion as a hire car,
so it was always a "standard" model rather than an up-market one.
I noticed, however, that whenever the brakes were applied with any
pressure worth talking about, the steering wheel seemed to "kick".
Anyone else noticed this; does it do it on later models/all models?
Keith
Note 60.14 7 lines
HEART::BETTS 17 lines 7-DEC-1987 16:42
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-< Mixed range >-
Went out in an XR4i yesterday, interesting mix. Engine was sweet,
smooth and quite powerful (after 70,000 miles). Handling and build
quality was poor, stability and rear seat comfort also below my
preference.
I drove a 1.6 estate - horrible, but it had been thrashed.
Cosworth has real performance, too much for the road in inexperienced
hands - and is cheap enough to be bought by the 'wrong' sort....
It deserves better, but probably wont get it. I even saw one with
L plates...
Bi||
| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 9.10 | Roof rack for Sapphire | VANISH::BARRON | Snoopy Vs Red_Barron | Fri Jul 06 1990 13:00 | 7 |
|
Is it possible for someone to loan me a roof rack for a Sapphire Sierra?
It would be required from Friday 3rd Aug for three weeks.
Hopefully
Dave
|
| 9.11 | Yuk! | SUBURB::POWELLM | Old, but NOT decrepit!!! | Thu May 23 1991 17:46 | 3 |
| I wouldn't have a Sierra or its cousin the Saphire 'cos I don't like
sailing.
Malcolm.
|
| 9.12 | Theyre not that bad. | SAC::ADAMS_R | | Mon Apr 13 1992 14:11 | 6 |
| I have owned a Sierra for 3 months now and the only complaint I have
about the cars design is the variable ratio on the rack. It drives
smoothly, handles very well, has plenty of acceleration, the seats are
very comfortable and I like the styling. But then it is a Cosworth. ':^,
Raymond.
|
| 9.13 | | PERKY::RUTTER | Rut The Nut | Mon Apr 13 1992 14:48 | 11 |
| >> I have owned a Sierra for 3 months now
And you haven't had to 'share' it with any strangers yet ?
>> the only complaint I have
>> about the cars design is the variable ratio on the rack.
Are you referring to variable assistance from power steering ?
J.R.
|
| 9.14 | | BELFST::FLANAGAN | Bread + Fire = Toast | Mon Apr 13 1992 14:55 | 4 |
| I though the Sierra Cossie's steering was universaly praised for it's
feel and precisness... but then again I've never driven one.
Gary.
|
| 9.15 | | SAC::ADAMS_R | | Tue May 12 1992 17:32 | 14 |
| re -2 No I haven't shared with anyone I don't know yet mainly due to paranoia
and lots of precautions.
re -1 The steering is very precise with lots of feel. In fact most of the time
while moving I am unaware of the power steering. However, on sharp enough
corners at higher speeds (esp northbound M3 to anticlockwise M25) as turn-in
increases the ratio (assistance?) changes and becomes very touchy. Perhaps one
should not corner at such speeds? ':^, If it is variable assistance (I will
check the workshop manual tonight) does anyone know how to make it come in later?
Raymond
|
| 9.16 | Urban legend is alive and well. | SAC::ADAMS_R | | Mon Jul 06 1992 10:49 | 16 |
| Urban legend is alive and well and scientific enquiry is in its death throes.
It seems that a wheel alignment has cured the problem or at least diminished it
to a point where I cannot detect it. If anything the steering is a touch more
docile at high speed than my RS 2000.
(def bitch_mode on)
The manual (a paperback taken from service microfiche) was pretty useless on
the subject. The complete description of the steering system was:
"Power assisted variable rack and pinion.". Thanks guys. Is this typical of
UK workshop manuals? The Ford Australia manual for my escort usually contains
a detailed description that explains how the thing works and what tends to go
wrong with it and how to check it. This kind of understanding can be invaluable
when looking for faults. Far more informative than just how to disassemble and
reassemble.
(def bitch_mode off)
Raymond ':^,
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