Ford Territory is a large SUV that was designed and built in Australia.
Launched in May 2004, it was based on the Ford Falcon and shares some of its mechanical components.
However, many parts are unique to the big wagon.
This Ford SUV has precise handling for an off-road wagon and rides better than many European SUVs which cost considerably more.
The big Ford wagons hold their value well because serious off-road drivers are aware that every other SUV sold in Australia is an overseas design.
These may — or may not — have been adapted to suit Australian driving conditions.
Ford Territory seats five or seven people if it has a third row.
The third row of seats isn’t too bad for adults, but a more realistic passenger load is four adults and three children.
Luggage space with five seats is good, but with all seven seats in use there’s obviously not a lot of room left.
Territory received a major revamp in May, 2011.
Significant changes were made to ride comfort and handling, with less body roll than the original.
NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) was almost to sedan standards, thanks to highly experienced Aussie engineers giving it their best work.
In December, 2014 the Territory got a facelift.
It also saw the introduction of a Ford’s in-car connectivity system, SYNC2, standard across the range, as well as WiFi hotspot and voice control smart technology.
But it was too late for Ford’s 10-year-old SUV to compete with much newer imports and the last Territory was built in October, 2016.
Territory isn’t as large as it appears, being significantly shorter than a Falcon station wagon and, surprisingly, also shorter than a Falcon sedan.
Meaning that the Territory is easier to drive and park than you might expect.
Most Ford Territorys have Ford’s old-faithful straight-six 4.0-litre petrol engine, with a turbocharged version of this six being offered from July, 2006.
The engines are on the thirsty side, but improved slightly over the years.
The six-speed petrol autos are noticeably more economical than the four-speeders.
The long-overdue option of a turbo-diesel engine was introduced in the face-lifted Territory of 2011.
A 2.7-litre V6 it has used the latest technology in variable-valve turbos and high-pressure injection.
All Territorys have automatic transmissions, four-speed until October, 2005 when a six-speed was introduced on the upmarket Ghia — but only in AWD format.
The six-speed was gradually moved into other models, but it wasn’t until the 2011 makeover that it was finally used in all Territorys.
The automatic six is the only transmission installed in turbo-petrol and diesel powered Territorys.
Territory is sold with two-wheel-drive (to the rear wheels), or all-wheel drive.
Electronic aids improve traction off-road in the Ford Territory 4WD variants.
Hill-descent and hill-start assistance take much of the scariness out of extreme slopes.
Though there’s good under-bonnet 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 maintenance to the trained mechanics.
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.
Spare parts for the Territory are generally favourably priced and as yet we haven’t heard of any recurring complaints about availability.
Insurance premiums are usually in the lower end of the scale and there doesn’t seem to be a big variance from company to company.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Territory is built to a reasonably high standard in Geelong.
We do see the occasional problems so a professional inspection is recommended after you have done your own initial look over.
Take a Territory for a run on rough roads to see if there are any rattles or squeaks as cabin parts rub against one another.
Even the 2WD models are sometimes used to explore bush tracks and the like.
Look at the condition of the body in case the Territory has been in 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 the undergrowth.
Check the engine starts up easily and idles smoothly and quietly.
Make sure the automatic transmission doesn’t hold onto gears, or change gears too often when it really should be holding the one ratio.
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.
Visually check the condition of the interior, including the luggage area.
Off-road exploring with lots of gear and muddy people on board can result a mess, even trim damage.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to spend from $2000 to $4000 for a 2004 Ford Territory TS; $4000 to $7000 for a 2006 Ghia; $6000 to $9000 for a 2007 Turbo; $9000 to $13,000 for a 2009 Ghia Turbo; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2011 Ghia Turbo; $17,000 to $24,000 for a 2013 Titanium; $20,000 to $29,000 for a 2014 TS; $26,000 to $35,000 for a 2016 Titanium; and $29,000 to $41,000 for a 2016 Titanium.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/