[lohithrao]

FOlks am planning to pick a Sierra soon, so before doing that i would want to know about this vehicle.

Usage:
Will be used mostly on Hiway, also on some bad stretches(not offroading though

Expectations:
Should be a relaible, Since it will be( mostly) used on the Hiway expect it to be stable (at speeds above 80), decent milage (14 on Hiway?)

The plan
To buy a vehicle in running condition(turbo) dont know which model though. Do up the vehicle which includes "Engine, Gearbox, Suspensions, Paint, wheels etc"

So would be great to hear from people who have some good info about this vehicle.

Should i go ahed with this plan?
How much will it cost me? (Buying + fixing)


thanks guys!

[hillram]

Dear Rao,
I'm using a Sierra for the past 1 year and i have changed 2 models:
- Advantages:Good Power,Gives 11kmpl in city with A/c,good turning radius

Disadvantages :
- A/c is very vulnerable.Mostly Rear A/c connection is cut off.
- Getting into rear seats is a problem as u need to push the front seat and do a small circus.most of the models the seating alignment is jagged.
- Very noisy engine
- Check Bosch pump as it can give problems
- Spares are a problem,but most of Sumo spares go into it.
- Servicing required for every 4000km
You mail me and i can send u my Sierra pics

[hillram]

Rao,
Follow the below pirice card:
- Sierra Normal - 1996 - 1998 anywhere from 60-75k max
- Sierra Turbo - 1996 -2001 anywhere from 90 - 110k

beyond this its not worth. u will have to spend on repairs

[rocksterraghu]

Hi Lohith,

I'm posting based on my experience when my cousin was looking for one a year ago.

1. Reliability is an issue with old Tata Sierras. They generally visit the garage more often than not. Spares, service all seem to be difficult. These are the inputs I got from mechanics and reliable auto dealers.

2. Finding a Sierra in good condition is very very difficult. Most Sierras are modded, ripped and devastated.

It is your call, but I would not recommend it, unless you find one in good condition. Cheers!

[lohithrao]

hillram, rocksster.. thanks a lot for the inputs..

roctster.. Agree with you finding a vehicle which is in good shape is asking for too much, but am ready to fix it completly. if i can find a decent one(Turbo) for about 90k. how much will i have to spend to make it perfect.

Complete engine ovehaul, gearbox and suspensions??

[triggercool]

Originally Posted by hillram

Dear Rao,
I'm using a Sierra for the past 1 year and i have changed 2 models:
- Advantages:Good Power,Gives 11kmpl in city with A/c,good turning radius

Disadvantages :
- A/c is very vulnerable.Mostly Rear A/c connection is cut off.
- Getting into rear seats is a problem as u need to push the front seat and do a small circus.most of the models the seating alignment is jagged.
- Very noisy engine
- Check Bosch pump as it can give problems
- Spares are a problem,but most of Sumo spares go into it.
- Servicing required for every 4000km
You mail me and i can send u my Sierra pics

Information is good but would request you to be in details abt problem . Is there problem with engine or gear box or only suspension as most of the part are from sumo if i am not wrong

[SUV]

Ideally go for the Sierra Turbo upgrade the Tires to 235/75 R 15 and the handling will improve a lot.

If the engine is not abused and the oil change intervals are maintained regularly then i dont see a problem with the engine (unless its a Lemon).

What you need to look out for -

1. the Rear Suspension Linkage tends to snap if the vehicle is abused on cross country. Check for Welds ...

2. Check for Oil Leakage (Engine Rear End Oil Seal)

3. In Sierra's the temprature sensor would never work and would show normal but engine would have got overheated. A Typical sign would be the Coolant Boiling over, Go for a 5 KM Drive (or sufficient distance for the engine to heat up) open the Coolant Reservoir Lid .. hear for any strange noise. If in doubt walk away.

4. The Fan Belt Tensioner Pully (3 if am right ?) tend/'s to fail (jam) after about 60K KM ...These need to be replaced / checked time to time. Check for metal rubbing noise or that of a blown bearing.

5. AC - The Problem of AC going kaphut in the Sierra was because of
a. Bad Rear AC Piping. In the Absence of a Gear Box / Engine
shield the Piping was exposed to the environment (they come
with a Linkage just aft of the gearbox).
b. Compressor - If you by any chance get a Sanden 508
Compressor unit then you shouldnt have any problem.

6. Power Steering - Some early Examples came wth Rane Power Steering Units - These are very trouble some units and were plauged with constant Oil Leaks and hard steering. Try and get hold of a Z-Off power steering example if possible Or you could probably find some in a Chor Bazar for sure.

7. Check the FI - Bosch Units are pretty good and reliable, they also make the engine far more silent and have better throttle response compared to a TVS FI. Just get the Injectors Cleaned / Replaced as required, you should be good to go.

Hope the above helps.

[lohithrao]

WOW! SUV thats lots of info instead of me trying to do all that inspection. might aswel take you along when am going to see the vehicle

btw how much you think i will have to spend to make the vehicle good as new? since my usage is mostly on the hiway. i need a relaible machine. dont want to get stuck middle of nowhere.

Also you know of any decent vehicle(Turbo) for sale in Bangalore?

Thanks

[iraghava]

Lohith - The best manto contact for info about problems in the Sierra is Bass&Trouble! Here is a fantastic thread about a Sierra he owns:

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/modif...a-belongs.html (Guess who this Modified Sierra belongs to?)