Our spy photographers have been at it again, this time around catching Ford testing the long awaited Ford Territory Diesel.
Although this pair of white Territorys look identical to most other Territorys on the road, it takes an eagle eye to spot the glaring differences.
If you have a look at the front end, the front-mount intercooler is visible, as is a side mounted radiator, which has had a fog light removed for extra breathing room.
In addition to the turbo-diesel engine, Ford will also be fitting out the interior of the Territory with the FG Falcon dashboard and fascia.
As you can see from the interior picture, the centre stack and tachometer/speedometer cluster are a replica of that fitted to the current Falcon.
Shortly after receiving a mouthful of vulgar language from the driver of the first pictured vehicle, our photographer spotted yet another diesel powered Territory.
Further investigation has found that Ford is currently testing 14 Territorys with the same engine, as described below.
Ford were meant to have the ‘new’ Territory ready for the Melbourne International Motor show but ran into trouble with the originally slated five-cylinder turbo-diesel unit used in the Volvo range.
Instead, CarAdvice has exclusively obtained information which confirms all 14 Territory test mules, along with the final Territory Diesel product will be powered by the outgoing 2.7-litre, turbo-diesel, V6 from Land Rover’s Discovery3 range.
While the Land Rover Discovery3 weighs a hefty 2.4-tonne, Ford’s Territory is a slimmer 1.9-tonne with diesel fitted. The loss of weight, along with the 140kW/445Nm Land Rover Discovery3 engine will mean the Territory will be one slick moving machine.
Ford is expected to use their current relationship with ZF Sachs to mesh the 6-speed automatic from the Falcon range into the diesel Territory.
The roof on the first vehicle pictured also looks to be modified, suggesting a full length glass roof could be on the way.
While it’s good to see the project coming along, it is well and truly overdue. This vehicle should have been finished over a year ago and ready to hit the market for the Melbourne International Motor Show.
When asked about the release date for the next generation Territory, Ford spokesperson Sinead McAlary told CarAdvice “We don’t comment so specifically on the timing of future model programs”.
There was speculation at the recent Territory launch that a revised model would arrive in early 2011. If that’s the case, you can expect to see the arrival of Ford’s Diesel powered Territory around the same time.
If you hear any Territory news or spot any vehicles testing on the road, drop us an e-mail.
Diesel powered Falcon sedan anyone? Might scoop up a few sales from those clamouring for a diesel Commodore.
I don’t think you will be able to purchase a diesel comformadore anytime soon. Potential conformadore buyers would be more concerned about whom will honour warranty obligations in two and a half years time.
Now, Ford Australia…well done! You had to be bought up to speed kicking and screaming, but finally there are signs of life. Well done! Hell, if I were to contemplate buying an Australian manufactured machine, it would be a Ford (still hate Geelong though).
This will be a major plus for Ford in Australia. Diesels offered right across their range of passenger cars. I believe it will allow them to have a major impact on the “Toorak Tractors” as a rear wheel drive turbo diesel with 6 speed auto. Rather than try to predict the effect the Ford Territory diesel will have on the number of sales in the market place, I believe this will force some of the somewhat “B” grade people movers to improve their game. I am really looking forward to this forward step by Ford as an Autralian made vehicle.
A diesel will make the Territory an awesome touring machine!
With that much torque on hand it would make for a great weekender for towing the caravan/boat etc! Can’t wait to drive one when we get one in!
As an owner of a Territory Ghia with sequential injection LPG fitted it is the only way to go. My LPG tank gives me 480kms between fills and it only costs around $30 to fill. The diesel could achieve 900kms at best however each fill would cost around $100. LPG has far lower emissions than diesel as well. Ford really should have developed a decent factory LPG instead.
I BROUGHT A TEZZA THIS YEAR WAS GOING TO BUY A FG FALCON XR6 BUT NO REGRETS HERE GREAT CAR LOVE A CAPTIVA WAS NEVER ON MY RADAR TO SMALL AND NOT A FORD OR MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA
The Discovery 3 quotes consumption at just over 10L/100km. The territory should come in between 8 and 9L/100km. So what is the capacity of a Territory fuel tank again?
i htought htey already had a diesel one…
Errr CA, if these were your pics, how come they have pavle.com.au plastered all over the pictures?
Tim:
They have been exclusively licensed to CarAdvice courtesy of the photography agency – Pavle.com.au.
http://www.pavle.com.au/27/201.....py-photos/
LPG, where is the tank for the LPG sited in your Territory?
Why is it that whenever there is a story about an Australian made diesel, some idiot always chimes in with stupid comments about LPG???
If people wanted LPG, they’d buy a petrol Territory in the first instance, not a friggn diesel!!!
“….it takes an eagle eye to spot the glaring differences.”
Go to school!
Quote ” As you can see from the interior picture, the centre stack and tachometer/speedometer cluster are a mirror image of that fitted to the current Falcon.”
It does ?
Well that is good. Would have been great if it was many years ago. Why is Ford playing catch up again? When will it innovate?
Loooooooong overdue. Simon, you can fit LPG to a diesel. Will the engine be made in Australia?
“mirror image”, must be for export!!!! Well done Ford, lets hope it’s not too late. Judging by the amount of Diesel Captivas out my way they should have done this 2 years ago.
Golfschwein, LPG tank is where the spare tyre is underneath the vehicle. Therefore I still get the full boot with split fold function. 65 litres twin tanks
I wonder if the tow rating will be improved on the diesel? That would make it more attractive for me for caravaning.
After a problematic Pajero and then a lemon Prado, I want to go back to an Australian made car – the AU Falcon I had never let me down even after 230,000km.
LPG, where is your spare? In the rear luggage area?
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here we go again.
Take a close look at the current aurion/camry panel gaps, fit and finish…
Sam, The Original:
You have to remember this is a pre-production prototype…it’s not representative of the final product.
Simon, I think you are the one being the idiot. I take offence to your so called “stupid comments”. Out of all the comments already posted about this article you are the only one with the “stupid comments”. Isn’t the appeal of a diesel Territory about lower fuel consumption and reduced running costs? I was purely stating facts that a LPG model already does that better but with lower emissions. Go comment on other blogs as you clearly don’t belong here.
I agree for towing a diesel would be better due to increased low rev torque, I don’t tow which is why I prefer LPG.
Is there an approximate price for the diesel?
I currently drive a 05 Territory and i am wanting to update to a diesel. After driving a shockingly bad new Prado, I realise I still want the handling, steering and build quality of the Territory, so this new diesel one would be prefect.
couldnt agree more Pete brought my Tezza in January the drove a friends 2 year old Prado got the right car mate.
CJ, LPG installer mounted the spare with a bracket raised up in the side luggage area. In the 7 seat models this cannot be done so a tyre seal and inflater can is required.
Perfect car for us! We are looking to get rid of our Prado (it drives as bad as a truck and its falling apart) We were actually considering a Land Rover, but a Territory with the same engine would be much better for us as it would drive more like a car and be probably built more durable. Good job Ford! just dont make it too expensive….
Jimbo Says:
July 21st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
“The Territory will still be a mediocre car….”
Jimbo, compared to what exactly? Nothing short of an expensive German comes close.
Toyota build good trucks (Pardo/Kluger), but they do drive like trucks.
And Holden have never had, or will have, anything that is even worth comparing.
I would also like to know about the tow rating. A 2.5 tonne rating would give me the perfect excuse to get out of my Kluger..!
The Territory already has 2300kg towing capacity, which trumps the Kluger by 300kg.
Look around a caravan park (outside of school holidays) and there’s lots of Territorys there – seems the nomads are sick of driving “trucks”.
Gee I never thought Id want to update my Territory which is just a fantastic car, but that diesel engine sounds mighty tempting….
^ I wouldn’t expect any change from the current 2300kg braked towing capacity (which BTW is 300kg more than a Kluger), so there’e your excuse.
Sam the Original you are a fool.
That Terry is ancient and a mule for christ sake, its probably done many other testing procedures. All they care about is how the engine performs.
Mules have been kicking about since 2005 atleast. It will be a great car for an update that should have received more attention.
I’ve got one thing to say to Ford – ABOUT BLOODY TIME! Lucky we weren’t holding our breath….
Caradvice, do you know if they will bring out an optional country pack with the diesel? say, bigger ground clearance and more aggressive tyres.
DesignEng©™, I am just going off my experience with my work fleet vehicles. We started off with a full fleet of Territory’s and due to reliability issues we have since changed all but one vehicle over to Kluger’s. We haven’t had an issue since. Time is money and they spend way too much time off the road.
After renting a Territory for a couple of weeks in Tasmania,im now very interested and impressed by this car. I hope Ford gets the diesel out soon as it will be on my shopping list.
It’s taken long enough. Good to see finally it has happened though.
After Ford stopped making the excellent RTV ute, I thought there wouldnt be any other Ford which would interest me. But that diesel Territory will be a great bit of gear! If only they could do a cab chassis version – haha I can dream.
I am with LPG dude, give me 40cpl v 120cpl anyday.
No major changes required, all the gear off a Falcon LPG plumbs up nice and easy.
Ford have injected LPG coming out very soonish, maybe they are waiting for that, anyway the aftermarket guys are having a field-day fitting LPG, and unlike paying $2k extra to buy a junk DIEsel Rudd gives you BACK $2k and a further $1k back if its W/Aust. registered.DON’T try this with DIEsel smelly stinking job!
Long live Aussie made LPG!
Cheers
F-0
I’d rather a Discovery with that engine but hey, about time. Finally a real reason to buy a Territory. Still, in my eyes it is a bit late. This engine is being phased out so it’s hardly going to be cutting edge.
NissanMan……..Ford are building an FG RTV…..I am not sure if its out yet…I think it is.
Jimbo…..I worked for a building company and we had a fleet of Klugers but they had too many problems (electrical, overheating, poor fuel consumption, trim falling off, doors that had to be slammed to shut…to name a few) and were very un-economical. Talk about gas guzzlers!! They have since bought 6 Territory’s and not only are they so, so much better to drive they have had no problems. They feel so much safer than a Kluger because they handle like a really good car, not a top heavy brick on wheels like the Klunker. It is quite surprising how far behind the Kluger is in handling, steering, braking and overall car control. It really is like driving a truck.
LPG, thanks for the info. Without an intelligent solution for the siting of the tank, conversions just don’t rate, in my book.
By the way, the appeal of the diesel isn’t, or shouldn’t, be just about the dollars and cents, cos that doesn’t necessarily add up. They drive differently, combining a friendly, low rev chuggability (new word, that) with a willingness to dance once in a while. That’s the reason I like my Golf and the reason this Tezza is sure to sell well.
Hi DirectInjection,
Na Ford have stopped making the RTV, I had a LPG one as a company car and when it was up for renewal I asked if I could keep it longer as Ford had no replacement, but management wouldnt let me because of some max km leasing rule, so now I have a 4×4 Hilux which is half the car the RTV was. If it comes back into production, il be the first to line up for one.
I just don’t understand why Ford Aus need to be dragged kicking and screaming into every diesel decision they make. Just look at how long it took them to get a TDCi Focus on the road, and they didn’t even need to develop that. And the Fiesta?
Is it possible to work out the fuel consumption of one of these? how much does the Land Rover use which weighs half a tonne more?
NissanMan….they are bringing out the FG RTV ……..aricle on Caradvice….
Indoo,
Yes it would be pretty hard to calculate fuel consumption in relation to the Landrover.
One of the biggest factors that would need to be altered is the gearing.
My Guess is the Landrover has totally different gearing that doesnt favour fuel economy.
Best guide is to take the Captiva Diesels economy as a guide because it will put you closer into the ball park.
Direct injection,
That FG RTV atricle was just a bit of hype.
There was nothing in it to suggest that they were.
IMO they snapped a shot of Fords test track field unit (BA RTV) and jumped the gun
Golfie,
In all honestly the better “low rev chuggability” rule only applies when you dont have the I6 as the alternative.
Unlike your typical petrol, the I6 has plenty of mumbo from down low, so the argument of making it diesel purely for low down “chuggability” is null and void.
Im with you Nissan Man,
Bring on the Territory ute!!!!!
Thats the only thing I see that could possibly end my string of Falcon utes.
Don,
Thats a great suggestion you made with the Country pack.
I like it.
If Ford marketing could drum up something along the line of built in this tough country its built for or something like that they would sell plenty.
But then again Ford and good marketing is a laugh
Sam,
The panel gaps arent to be judged on this vehicle as it is for testing.
The bonnet you speak of would have been ripped off and slapped back on perhaps more than once as the focus of this mule is the engine
I understand you, Andrew M. But it will have its buyers. M Class Mercs, BMW X5s, X3s, Grand Cherokees, Cayennes, Q7s, Touaregs and assorted Range Rovers all provide buyers with the choice of diesel or petrol engines with varying degrees of mumbo, and the diesel uptake makes offering the choice worthwhile.
Well Howdy Golfie,
Hey Im not arguing that the Diesel option wont attract buyers, I reckon its long over due from the point of attracting customers,
Im just saying that compared to the I6 there isnt really any gain of low down mumbo.
Small cars, yes a considerable difference because you have to rev their ring off due to the lack of torque
The Commodore V6, yes again because the thing doesnt start to move till you strike 3500RPM.
The Ford I6, no Real gain because Mr Mumbo and all hs friends, and his friends friends, and his friends friends friends jump right on borad from around 2000RPM
The addition of the diesel to the Territory would be welcomed, but I’m with LPG – I don’t know why we don’t engineer cars (ie so that they don’t take boot or cabin space and just replace a fuel tank) so they can run on the Liquid injected LPG – Australia has heaps of the stuff and it’s way cheaper.
Diesel is for trucks and as the stuff is dearer than petrol, you will have to do a lot of kilometres to make up the increased purchase cost of a diesel.
It would be great if they could bring out a bit more off road version with more ground clearance. I would love to buy a well-built Australian diesel SUV especially after having a bit of quality trouble with my current Japanese 4wd.
They must improve the numbers. It should be the 3litre.
Yay finally I can update my 1990 Nissan Patrol with a Diesel SUV which can actually go around corners.
Very Interesting, test drove a Ford Territory and came away thinking it was easily the best in its class. But in the end I settled on a diesel Captiva, as I wanted a diesel this time round. Any word on price yet? im hoping its expensive otherwise il be kicking myself.
Looks like an ordinary Territory to me. Could be a Territory Turbo with a repositioned intercooler too. “Glaring differences” my arse.
Marblebar,
By comparison the Hilux 3.0L Diesel is down around 20kw and a massive 100+nm!!!! on this specced 2.7L unit
I say give this donk a chance. On paper its looking pretty sweet.
Much better donk than the 3.0L’s on the market
It’s about time I guess…due to present economic crisis, diesel cars would prove useful and cost effective and not to mention fuel economy. Kudos to you Ford!
Its a good idea and I reckon they should certainly go with it but 2.7L sounds a bit small. I’m not a believer in relying on the Turbos too much. In my belief Turbos should just be there to assist the engine not provide much of the actual power. A single-turbo 3.0L i6 diesel might of been better. Perhaps if this diesel sells well they could consider a i6 version to complement nicely with the petrol motor.
They better update the styling for real when this comes out, or there will be a few unhappy customers. I look for the day when Ford Oz goes back to selling the territory in huge numbers like in the old days. In 2004, I remember people saying that longed for a Territory. You wouldn’t hear that today.
While the 2.7L V6TD is a good unit. The 3.0L V6TD is in another league. 202kW/600Nm with slightly improved economy.
But the brand new 3.0L V6TD would be far more expensive i’d imagine. Thus making the pricing numbers and therefore business case ugly.
If it wasn’t for Tom Gorman, we’d have the TD Terri by now. Blame him, not Ford Aus. Thankfully with Burela on board, things are beginning to take off!
Why isn’t Ford going with the latest 3.0 V6TD just released in the Jaguars and Discovery 4. The 2.7 V6TD is old technology released more than 4 years in Peugeots/Ford joint venture.
Now that Ford has sold off Jaguar and Land Rover to TATA, there is no conflict of interest with engines, and and we should demand the best.
This car has the potential to be the best buy for an SUV under $80k. They only need to fix the styling, fit and finish, interior plastics & materials and Fords lousy customer service……Mission Impossible perhaps?
Are there people here who think that is the new body? Well its not!! I dont think Ford want to show the totally new body just yet….and we are only guessing about the engine because they test more than one. Lets hope that it gets better economy than the Daewoo Captiva which is a real fuel guzzler. Territory is currently outselling so called newer models and I think is 1 or 2 on the sales list in its class…….shows how good it still is.
Good article CA and usual much more entertaining user comments. I do like the format on this website. Waiting for the Forester Diesel out next year but am tempted by this Territory Diesel. Hope to drive both and see what the differences are. I hope ford quality on this new model will be better. Ford PLEASE give me a good reason to buy an Australian made car….
Does Ford export the Tezza to any other markets? Very few SUV’s can match it’s ability on road and on top of that it’s got good offroad cred as well.
I agree with you Hagar….
Here’s hoping we’ll have a diesel under the Falcon’s bonnet as well. I’ve never once considered owning an Australian made car. Yet these new Falcons look great. They’ve finally transformed that taxi turd into something that looks genuinely desirable, and a muscular diesel would seal the deal for me. The lease on my diesel Passat ends in 18 months and for the first time I’m looking forward to buying Australian. Come on Ford!
Love the way the current Terri handles and have been keeping an eye out for the diesel but not sure an outgoing engine was what I wanted to hear…..with diesel development moving so quickly, was hoping for closer to 500NM. All comes down to cost I guess.
Mal – you might be unpleasantly surprised by the build quliaty difference between a Passat and a Territory. The latter still not a patch on VW.
John of Perth, you’d be equally unpleasantly surprised to find out how much spare parts will cost on a Passat compared to a Territory. Many people seem to buy European thinking they’ve bought something of rock-solid quality – like my brother’s Golf that had never-ending electric windows problems – but the servicing charges on cars like VWs verges on criminal.
Phillip,
Good point.
Too many people once again forget about the ongoing expense once they purchase a new vehicle.
We are lucky to have the territory on sale at all when you look at the economy os scale Ford Oz has to work with, it still surprises me how they get RHD sales volume sums to add up!
Ford Oz budgets hard.
We have a Passat in the family. The build quality is not good. Electric window problems are common as is the squeak/rattle from the rear parcel shelf and high tyre wear. Add to this the use of oil that VW says is normal (1/2 to 3/4 litre/1000kms). There is a hatch in the boot designed to fit a 1 litre bottle that VW sells for $45! You have to use their oil to maintain the warranty. I have had Falcons and Commodores in the past that use nothing for 15’000kms so it was a shock to find we have to check the oil every couple of weeks. The comment on the servicing is true as well. The average is $500 with some services nudging $1’000.
I only hope Ford can cure the ball joint, rust and brake issues with the Territory. It is a good car other than that.
Mad Max,
Interesting, up keep costs higher than i originally thought.
In the US VW is considered average to below average quality.
Also, Citroen, Pegueot and Renault have a reputation for average quality in Europe.
Again perception doesn’t match reality.
I’d say the Japenese brands are the only auto makers who have a consistent reputation for reliability globally.
Ha, Volkswagen and quality shouldnt go in the same sentence. My old VW Toureg which costs over $75k was rattling and falling apart at the seams after 30,000km, and worse of all it left us stranded a couple of times with electrical problems, plus it cost a fortune to service and maintain, I had three services in a row which cost over $1000 each. Funnily enough my current Calais V sportwagon has been the most reliable and best built of any car ive ever owned. Looking at this diesel Territory, It would be hard to find any decent SUV which could match this Ford for the money.
VW reliability? OMG! Just ask me about my Golf and if I find the space……..
Orson, your reliable Calais experience would be exactly opposite to Wheels Magazine’s long term test Calais then. Let the fascinating battle of the car reliability anecdotes continue!
Anecdotal Warrior, I dont own the car Wheels have tested, so I fail to see how that would change the fact that my Calais is the most reliable car ive owned. This is my first Australian built car and its doing better than my previous VW, Audi and Honda.
Mad Max……I have never seen rust on a Territory. Just what are you talking about?
I’ve read that Wheels long term Calais test and the items were quite minor – nothing like letting them down on a trip……………
Max,
The “ball joint issue” has already been addressed with the current Mk11.
The faulty supplier brake components have been addressed.
Any rust issues are limited to a very small number of vehicles, and most have been identified as ungaraged in coastal areas.
I’ve died and gone to rep mobile heaven.
Thank you to Aussie tax payer funded Ford Australia!
The Realist.Well done,after 80 odd replies you have the first not worth reading.
About time Ford! They might be able to regain lost sales from Toyota and others. Hope the marketing is done well so the public knows it exists.
If this donk is borrowed from the Discovery3 as per the article then it is actually a Peugeot motor which is in the current 407 and also then shared with Jaguar and Landrover.
Not topic related but I have to say that after 60,000 k’s there is still a happy Passat owner here…
LPG, you took offence to my comments? Happy days! You are the type of idiot I was referring to. While you, and perhaps a few soccer mums might like your petrol Territory put on LPG so you can believe you are doing the environment and your bank balance a favour, there are many others which live outside cities where LPG doesn’t exist. They want a vehicle that is efficient, has great mileage and can haul a large load. LPG in a territory only appeals to jerks that think they are green.
Salesman, thanks for pointing out you can get LPG in a diesel. Whilst this is true, it is not mainstream and most people which go down the LPG path are doing so with petrols. I’m not even sure the government rebates are on offer for diesel LPG use as it’s not a conversion. It utilises both fuels simultaneously.
Simon, what cities or town do not have LPG? I live 400km from a capital city and there is ample LPG here. I dont have LPG on my car, but why wouldnt you like it? Fuel costs for a LPG Terrtiory are less than what the fuel costs are for a Toyota Prius (NRMA study). Plus LPG is abundent in Australia and dosnt have to be imported, and LPG emits less emissions than the petrol engine equivalent. In the end I think LPG owners have the last laugh Simon, as they are travelling around only paying $30 a tank and getting a $2000 rebate from the government. Whilst you and me are the real suckers paying for unleaded or diesel.
TDi bloke Says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:28 pm
“….it is actually a Peugeot motor ….”
Actually it is a joint Ford/PSA engine, so yes Ford and yes Peugeot.
Simon,
Firstly LPG is widely available in Australia, get out of the city and look. Ford drove a LPG Falcon all around the country with no LPG shortage issues.
Secondly, LPG conversion rebate IS applicable to diesel engines.
Your understanding of LPG availability, rebates etc is pretty small isn’t it?
Simon Says “LPG in a territory only appeals to jerks that think they are green.”
It would also appeal to fair minded people who have the foresight to note that it is a fuel Australia has plenty of, is cheaper than petrol and much cheaper than diesel and can perform much like a petrol car not a truck.
Methinks Simon is a little simple……………..
[quote]While the Land Rover Discovery3 weighs a hefty 2.4-tonne, Ford’s Territory is a slimmer 1.9-tonne with diesel fitted. The loss of weight, along with the 140kW/445Nm Land Rover Discovery3 engine will mean the Territory will be one slick moving machine.[quote]
What rubbish!!!
My current petrol turbo Territory weighs around 2.1t. How does a TD V6 lose 200kgs over the I6T??
Matt, its all in the rounding of numbers and 2wd vs awd.
2WD territory: 1950kg
AWD territory: 2075kg
Differnce: 125kg
You can also add some for luxury spec items.
And BTW Disco3 is actually 2500kg.
Either way this engine/gearbox combo in the Territory will work well.
I highly doubt Ford will release the TD in RWD, especially if it’s mated to the ZF. You can’t option the ZF with the current RWD petrol version, only AWD.
I agree with Rick on this one. LPG would be ideal for those urban folks where LPG Is readily accessible. However, it may cause probs with the engine because its too clean and the fuel efficiency has to be improved further so it can compete other fuels.
Matt,
You may be right, however the current 4 speed auto in 2WD is linked to a supply contract – that won’t last longer term, and I don’t know about the torque capability of the newer 5 sp auto.
So many people still don’t get it. If you wanted a cheap and efficient vehicle, you would never start with a Territory. Period. There are still many, many many, rural areas that have no access to LPG. Even if it is available in some country areas, there are lots of folks which need to drive in excess of the 450KM range that LPG drivers boast. Fact is, for many people it doesn’t cut it. Put a big load on a Territory and that range drops dramatically.
Enter diesel. It provides the perfect solution to all these problems, hence why people that want a diesel territory by and large, are not interested in LPG.
Go ahead Ford, make a Territory diesel. Especially with that Disco3 engine! You know how good that engine is! Captiva is taking over the market. You will probably know what happens IF Toyota put diesel in their Rav4 & Kluger….
Design Engineer, you are totaly wrong. The rust issue with Territory is not, I repeat not related to a small number of cars and not all are in coastal areas. Read the Herald Sun newspaper here in Melbourne and most of the complaints are not from coastal areas. In our fleet of company cars, we have a few Territories. ALL have rust around door hinges, in the base of the tailgates, in the lower section of the firewalls and in behind the rear of the front gaurds. In addition to this, two have undercoat showing through the paint on the roof just above the rear doors. All bar one are out of warranty. All have had ball joints replaced, 3 cars have had them done twice. One was done out of warranty at a cost of $695. All have had the brake hoses replaced with good quality (non-Ford) parts. None of the cars are with 30kms of any coastal area. The problem I have is repairing the painwork and bodywork at my cost. I was also told by a Ford dealer that the ball joints need replacing on average every 40’000kms. For some of my people that is $700 every year. Would I ever buy one again? Maybe if this problems are fixed but unlikely.
Also the comments about the Commodore Sportswagon ring true. We have 3 in the fleet. All now are up around 30’000 kms. Not one rattle, squeak, in fact no complaints at all. Fuel economy runs at 11.2/100 so they are a lot more reliable and economical than the Territories.
Max, nice anti-Ford rant. Pity it wasn’t entirely factual and honest.
Ford don’t make brake hoses, their suppliers do. The same suppliers that made your “good quality (non-Ford) parts” same manufacturer, different label on the box.
The ball joints have been redesigned already, and less than 3% of Territorys over 100,000km have needed replacements (sorry every 30,000 as you claim is just biased BS).
Why is it that not one Territory that I have inspected, or owner I have talked to has had any rust problems? Because mianly it is a beatup by the anti-ford brigade, of an isolated issue. If it’s really that bad talk to Ford, they have repainted customers cars that were a problem.
Max you must be the most unluckiest barstard ever to have every dodgy Territory ever built – either that or you’re full of it.
2004 Territory Ghia. Knocks rattles squeaks, ball joints gone, suspension just plain dangerous at times (back to the dealer several times before they even admitted to a problem), sway bar ends replaced, cracked exhaust manifold, repeated electrial faults, brake recall, door handles stop working and let the doors fly open on roundabouts.
What a piece of junk.
Mine from new, never thrashed or off-roaded, full service history at the local Ford dealer (Maughan Thiem in Mt Barker, SA) who have flags all over the place claining they are the best for customer satisfaction in the state. When I raise the unreliability issue with them, a direct quote: “not our problem – we just sell them then fix them when they break. If you’ve got a problem with the quality, contact Ford.” Thanks a lot mate, you’re one customer down for life. I won’t be touching another one, diesel or petrol.
Holden is the same poorly built garbage, “premium” Euros are poor value here, especially compared to the prices they sell for in Europe. Back to Subaru, Toyota or Mazda next time thanks.
To Blueman,,
I agree to a degree with you but to “Not happy John” and the Ford basher.
Problems are one thing, experienced mechanics are another. Just because they have a Ford badge on their overalls doesn’t mean they know how to fix a problem.
I have a BF RTV ute that went back to Ford for a knocking noise. Ford said that it was the steering rack. They said they had to lubricate the mounting points.
Got the car back still noisy.
Took it to my regular mech. Fixed the problem no charge. Just couple of loose bolts.
A good mech is hard to find these days. Experience is hard to obtain and takes a while to learn. Alot of the mechanics that work in the dealers are young and only do what the manual tells them to do. They rarely look outside the box.
An old dog has many tricks already under his hat. thats why it’s hard to teach them new ones
My own and very painful experience with ny brand new TS AWD, taligate leaks, door trims falling off, door locks failing, and every panel join under the bonnet rusted.
All were fixed over a three year period by my dealer but at the end of the warranty the car had to go.
Despite all of these faults, and many of them recurring, I thoruoughly enjoyed the Territory experience.
I covered 100,000 in 36 months in a very smooth and refined enviroment and am seriously considering the 2010 model when it finally appears.
Footnote, I purchased a Subaru Tribeca straight after this and you know what, it just works beautifully.
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What is your motivation I wonder, Ford have already redesigned the ball joint – so whats your point?
Malcom X was not a coward, you are. This is plagiarism, and mud slinging at it’s worst.
You obviously work for Toyota, and are feebly trying to hit back after endless worldwide recalls.
Actually this topic was on yahoo news yesterday and also on Today Tonight program
this is a design flaw that Ford need to seriously address.
Nothing short of a recall nationally and internationally involving Territorys sold in New Zealand and South Africa.
The model in question is dangerous, also did a quick Google search on the problem and there a a few web pages of owners who are very unhappy with Ford and may launch a class action against the company.
I don’t have anything against Ford but this problem had not been addressed properly, sure they changed the design but what of current owners in older models who will fix their cars now ?
I don’t care what car company makes a car but the wheels falling off along with the front suspension !!! Come on thats just not on and shouldn’t of happened in the first place.
Oh and these ball joint problems along with front suspension falling off were still happening late last year, do a Google search on it and read what the owners are actualy saying even now !
What a great idea by Ford Australia. The 2011 Ford Territory Diesel’s are going to sell like hotcakes. Makes you feel glad you work for the blue oval! Well done Ford!
I traded in our Beautiful SR AWD Territory ages ago (own a GU6 Diesel Patrol now)for two reasons 1/ Terrible fuel economy but the main reason 2/ I got bogged in 2 inches in my own property! I knew it was wet so I drove VERY slowly at the point my wheels were straight, I felt the front end go soft, immediately stopped, hopped out and saw the front end was down about 2 inches the back ok, hopped back in put it in reverse and very slowly applied the accelerator, nothing happened seemed like ages then whoosh, I hopped out to see the front end down well into the mag area – back still the same!!! I had to get a mates bomby old Jackaroo (thanks Dusty) to pull me out backwards. As I drove up to the house I heard squeeling coming from the front end, I unbolted the calipers, hosed everything clean and reassembled, thats when I noticed the mags were scratched. I still would buy a Diesel Territory, apart from the above drama it was fantastic to drive and the SR seats are better than the perforated leather of our ST-L Patrol. I would dpchip it, but definately would NOT go off any roads though!!!