Ford Sierra Ghia I (1989)
1989 Ford Sierra Ghia I
CarHunch analysed 4,608 real MOT records for the 1989 Ford Sierra Ghia I. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1989 Ford Sierra Ghia I is essentially beyond reliable—a 10% first-time pass rate against the UK average of 80% tells you these cars are 35 years old and mostly failures waiting to happen. At just 53,276 miles average, many have sat dormant or deteriorated rather than being driven regularly, which compounds the problem of age-related decay.
The zero dangerous defects on record and near-zero failures per vehicle suggest that when these Sierras do make it to the MOT bay, they tend to fail decisively rather than limp through with minor issues. If you're buying one, treat it as a restoration or weekend project rather than transport—budget for a full pre-purchase inspection by a specialist who knows 1980s Fords, because the pass rate gap is really about whether the car still functions at all, not safety margins.
What to check before buying a 1989 Ford Sierra Ghia I
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford Sierra Ghia I
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 4,598 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 6 | 91.7% | 0.17 |
| Diesel (0%) | 4 | 0% | 0 |
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Ford Sierra Ghia I?
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