Ford Sierra Sapphire (1993)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1994cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1994cc33 years old33 tests49k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1994cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

76% of MOT tests on Ford Sierra Sapphires from 1993 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 31 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,711 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1993 models105th of 188(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models894th of 1,136(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 1993 models average+0%(76% avg)

vs Ford average-9%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

48,711

Average miles

229,400

Expected for age

The average 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire had 48,711 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 87%. The 1993 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Sierra Sapphire by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1993	76%	33	48,711 mi
1992	87%	181	49,047 mi
1991	92%	164	52,634 mi
1990	96%	238	49,400 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+4%

Mazda MX-5

1995 · 1840cc Petrol

£2,561/year

74%

-2%

Mercedes E

1994 · 2199cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+3%

BMW 3 Series

1991 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,411/year

82%

+6%

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About the 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire

The 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire is a family car. Our records list a 1994cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 48,711 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Sierra Sapphire owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire Fuel Costs

The 1994cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Sierra Sapphire Reliability Trend

Older Ford Sierra Sapphires tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire

At 33 years old, the Ford Sierra Sapphire is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 33 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Sierra Sapphire(1993)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Mazda MX-5(1995)	74%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Mercedes E(1994)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW 3 Series(1991)	82%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire

Is the 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphires ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire?

76% of 33 MOT tests on the 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 105th of 188 models first registered in 1993 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Sierra Sapphire has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1992 the lowest at 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire is 48,711 miles, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.