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The announcement that Ford’s Territory is undergoing a major revamp in mid 2011 has created a lot of interest in secondhand examples of the long running Ford SUV. So let’s review what’s on offer in Territorys built over the last six years.
Ford Territory is an Australian-designed and built SUV that’s extremely practical. It’s close to being perfect as a family transporter and many times has topped the Australian best seller list in its class.
The Ford SUV isn’t as big as it appears, being significantly shorter than a Falcon station wagon. Indeed, it surprises many who learn that it’s shorter than a Falcon sedan. Thus the Territory is easier to drive and park than first time drivers often anticipate. Having said that, it’s still not a small vehicle and can be a pain in tight carparks.
Seating in Ford Territory is for five or seven people according to the number of rows of seats installed. The third row of seats isn’t too bad for adults, with good head and reasonable legroom. However, a more realistic passenger load is four adults and three children.
Luggage space with all seven seats in place isn’t expansive, but the Territory is hardly on its own in this regard.
Good handling and ride comfort are major features of this car and the Territory is well-suited to Australian roads. It has precise handling for a big wagon and rides better than many European 4WDs that cost a lot more.
The Territory SUV is based on the Ford Falcon and shares some of its mechanical components, particularly in the powertrain, but quite a few other parts are unique to the wagon.
Territory is sold with two-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The sales split has generally been in the region of 60/40 in favour of the 2WD model, proving as most buyers of 4WDs are in reality looking for a practical wagon, not an off-road vehicle.
However, electronic aids improve traction off-road in the Ford Territory 4WD variants so they can handle virtually anything the adventurous family demands. In particular, there are hill-start and hill-descent assistance features and these take much of the scariness out of extreme slopes. May we recommend additional training in off-road driving before tackling anything that’s potentially hazardous?
Ford Territory uses major components from Falcon’s six-cylinder drivetrain, including a turbocharged variant of the engine from July 2006. There's no V8 option as Ford feels the big sixes have been developed to the stage where they virtually replace the eight.
Automatic transmissions are used on all models. The auto had four forward speeds on all models until October 2005, when a six-speed was introduced on the upmarket models. The automatic six is the only transmission installed in the turbocharged Territory.
Territory isn't the most economical of vehicles, though things have improved over the years due to improvements in engine technology. The six-speed models are noticeably better than the four-speeds.
The big Ford wagon is built to a reasonably high standard in Ford's Australia factory at Geelong. We do see the occasional problem areas so be sure to get a professional inspection to clear the car you’re considering.
Though there's good underbonnet and under-vehicle access, this is a modern vehicle that’s complex in its mechanical components. So unless you are an expert it’s best to leave all but the simplest of repairs and maintenance to the professionals.
Spare parts for the Territory are generally favourably priced and we haven’t heard of any recurring complaints about availability.
It goes without saying there is no lack of professionals on Fords in Australia. Virtually every town of any significance has a Ford dealership, and many private garages will have a mechanic or two who was trained in a Ford workshop.
Insurance is usually towards the bottom end of the scale, but some companies may take exception to turbocharged engines so ask around before settling for one insurer or the other.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Check the engine starts up easily and idles smoothly and quietly.
Make sure the automatic transmission works quietly and doesn’t hold onto gears, or change gears too often when it really should be holding the one ratio.
Ensure that the brakes work properly with the ABS system pulling the Territory up in a straight line.
Possible leaks at front brake hoses were the subject of a voluntary recall in March 2009. Check with a Ford dealer or the company's head office to see if the work has been done.
Take the wagon for a run on rough roads to see if there are any rattles or squeaks as cabin parts move. Even the rear-drive models are sometimes used to explore bush tracks and the like.
Look at the condition of the body, especially on an AWD in case one has been taken into off-road territory. Signs of the latter damage are generally at the bumper corners, the underneath of the door sills and on the underbody. Also look for tiny scratches in the body side where it has been squeezed through bushes and the like.
Visually check the condition of the interior as kids can do a lot of damage when they get bored.
CAR BUYING TIP
Drive any car in a sensible manner in the conditions for which it was designed for and it will generally look after you. Take it out of its comfort zone and things may rapidly change.
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