Used car review: Ford Territory Turbo 2006-10
Clever and swift family transport, but watch out for shuddering when you brake.
If spending money on fuel is not the end of the world, then the Territory Turbo has a bit going for it as second-hand family wheels.
Any version of the big soft-roader makes for a terrific family car, with a truly intelligent interior with dozens of cubby holes and stash spaces, including an under-floor wet-storage area, perfect for wetsuits and beach towels.
The five standard seats are plenty big enough for most Aussie families but if your family is bigger than average, you could look for an example with the optional seven-seat package, though with all seats deployed, luggage space will be at a premium.
Even with the turbocharged version of the Ford six-cylinder engine, the all-wheel-drive Territory Turbo was not a hoon magnet but you need to check any prospect carefully.
The engine oil should not be black or thick and the engine should not drop oil on the ground.
Water leaks from the back of the water pump are a signature of this engine but the big thing to watch when it comes to coolant leaks is the radiator itself. It will usually start as a small leak and sometimes the first hint is a faint whiff of hot coolant after a decent drive.
By the time the Territory Turbo arrived in 2006, Ford was offering the six-speed automatic transmission and, therefore, made it the only fitment on the turbocharged soft-roader.
It's a great gearbox and works beautifully with the engine but we have heard of a few transmissions giving up the ghost. Watch for slurred shifts, shuddering and any shift harshness, especially if the vehicle has a big tow bar fitted.
The Territory Turbo made a great tow vehicle but if it has been used to tow frequent heavy loads, the mechanicals - the gearbox, in particular - might have suffered.
Perhaps the most common cause of Territory grief is in the braking department. The brakes were underdone for a vehicle of this mass and performance potential.
The first sign of trouble is a shuddering through the vehicle or a pulsing through the pedal when braking. This suggests warped brake rotors.
It is also a good idea to check the suspension bushes, as they are known to wear quickly and are not cheap to replace.
The same weight issues might also explain why some Territories have wear problems in their front ball joints.
A failed front ball joint can result in a loss of steering control.
While you're at it, determine whether the car has been treated to the recall to replace front brake lines, which, in some cases, could develop leaks.
Need to know
■ Brake shudder is a sign of worn components. Replacement is the best option.
■ Oil and water leaks not unknown.
■ One recall for brake-line replacement needs to have been done.
■ Have the transmission checked professionally.
■ The Territory can be hard on suspension components. Check everything underneath.
Model Year New Now
Turbo 2006 $53,990 $26,600
Turbo 2007 $53,990 $29,900
Turbo 2008 $53,990 $33,100
Turbo 2009 $53,990 $37,000
Turbo 2010 $53,990 $40,500
Ghia Turbo 2006 $65,490 $27,500
Ghia Turbo 2007 $65,490 $31,300
Ghia Turbo 2008 $65,920 $35,300
Ghia Turbo 2009 $66,420 $39,600
Ghia Turbo 2010 $66,820 $44,500
Source: Glass's Guide
The competitors
Holden Adventra
In essence, a Commodore wagon with all-wheel-drive and a jacked-up ride. Smaller inside than the Territory and nowhere near as good to drive.
Toyota Kluger
Good engine but sloppy dynamics. Choice of two- or four-wheel-drive might save it for some.
Volkswagen Caravelle
Choice of two- or four-wheel-drive, petrol or diesel, so suits most needs. Works well as family transport.