FORD TERRITORY

Not sure if you've looked here but it might be of some help!

http://www.fordforums.com.au/forumdisplay.php?f=85

When the Territory first came out, they got excellent reviews about their towing ability. They only downside was their poor fuel economy, but I'm guessing it wouldn't be much different to your 02 Fairmont, as they're basically the same motor. I've had a few Fords over the years and they certainly make good tow vehicles with their strong motors.

Mark.

Go for an SY Territory if you can, this is the model that picked up all the running changes that were made when the BF Falcon was introduced. So you'll get the ZF 6 speed auto as opposed to the poxy 4 speed, better fuel economy, more trim options etc. These are brilliant road cars, they have the driving dynamics of a sedan but with the driving position and storage space of an SUV. Max towing capacity is the same as your Fairmont. Not as good off road as a proper 4x4 however. Horses for courses.

Things to look out for: front lower ball joints are a problem on these up until the SYII was released, the original ones were prone to snapping off. Ford is running a campaign to replace them free of charge if the vehicle has done less than 150,000klm. Check for rust around the bottom of the tailgate and in the engine bay. Make sure it has service history, and that the coolant is GREEN and that the ZF trans has been serviced regularly if its done a few k's.

If you're prepared to wait until say, April/May, there is a facelifted model due out with the option of a 2.7 V6 turbo diesel.

We have an AWD six speed auto in the fleet at work. No problems with it. It is the vehicle the drivers most often request. Fuel economy varies with driving style. Driven sensibly (not thrashed) it returns between 11 and 12 litres per 100k. Much the same as the Falcon sedans we once had.

We are soon to replace the one at work and unfortunately will be forced to accept some imported heap that gets a higher "green" score. If it was our choice it would be another Territory.

The Territory should make a good replacement for your Fairmont.

Flynnie

G'Day Gunner,
My sister and her hubby bought one new about 3 years ago. It now has about 80,000kms on the clock.

In that time, they've had repairs/recalls for lower ball joints, driver's side door latch/striker fail to latch, 3 power window motors fail, the rear liftgate opening window solenoid fail, 1 transmission oil leak and 2 engine oil leaks (not sure of the root cause), climate control computer fail, engine overheating and some of the exterior mouldings coming loose (never been through a car wash).

Theirs is a Ghia but only the 2WD version and around town with a fair bit of stop start, they get 17 litres per 100kms. On the highway, they're getting 12.5 litres per 100kms.

They're devoted blue oval fans and so none of the above fazes them. Their only annoyance is from the third row seats which are either all up or all down and cannot be split to accomodate 6 people and a bit of luggage like say a Holden Captiva.

Having said all that, they'll buy Ford again...but in their words...NEVER another Territory.

Fab.

We've owned an AWD Ghia for over 5 years now. One of the best cars I've ever had. (I've owned about 80).

As has already been said driving dynamics of a sedan with the space and vision of a 4WD. Only problem we've had is a multifunction digital clock in the overhead console. (fixed under warranty)

You'd have to spend at least twice to three times as much to get any better, thing BMW, MB, Audi, VW.

Whilst not using it to tow myself, I've spoken to quite a few people who do.
Interestingly they fall into two camps. Sedan or SW moving to SUV style and Toynisswoo 4WD moving because they don't need or want to pay for off road capability. All declared themselves happy with the package.

Hi there, I just had to join as a visitor to put in my 2 cents about my experience with this car! I bought a March 05 territory ghia in March 07 and loved it. Until recently the only issues (other than the recognized ball joint problem) were the driver's side window "falling down" (needed new clips) and the stereo ate my CDs and had to be replaced - of course, this happened within months of the 3 year warranty expiring!
Everything went ok for a while, but in the last 6 months I've had the battery die, bonnet release cable snap, the driver's window motor replaced (it was putting the window down constantly by itself & making the most annoying sound EVER!), rear door making a horrible grinding sound when I unlatch it (will fail soon if I don't get it fixed!) and tonight, the driver's side door latch failed and we couldn't shut the door!!

Needless to say, I'll be trading this car in asap and getting something else, with 2 young kids I can't afford for it to have any more problems!

As Road Warrior says, the diesel model is coming. What amazes me is why it took Ford so long to recognise something that was so bleeding obvious! With their corporate links to so many sources of modern turbo-diesels this should have happened a few years ago.
With so many imports now needing premium unleaded petrol, with it's price penalty, a modern diesel is an obvious choice, especially as the price of premium fuels now regularly exceeds diesel.
This new version deserves to be a run away success, especially if they retain the six speed auto.( This comes from a dedicated Patrol fan )
Happy Travels...Dazza

Wait til the new model arrives if you can as it should push the price of the old models down.