Used Ford Territory review: 2009-2011

Jenny Cerroti is looking to buy a second hand car to replace the one that was recently written off. She needs a biggish car, as she drives long distances with teenagers and their surfboards, and often tows a trailer. She likes the high driving position of a four-wheel drive, but it doesn’t have to be four-wheel drive.

NEW

The Territory was to be Ford’s salvation in Australia, the company was going to ride the wave of SUV popularity and turn its fortunes around. Sadly it hasn’t happened, but the Territory remains a sound option for anyone like Jenny Cerroti who is looking for an SUV. Ford’s idea was to use the well-proven Falcon running gear in a high-riding wagon that would appeal to SUV buyers.

The company offered the Territory in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive forms, and it’s the latter that would seem to fit Jenny Cerroti’s needs best. Not everyone needed, or wanted all-wheel drive, but there were lots of people who liked the high driving position that came with off-roaders. Ford tapped into that demand and delivered its rear-wheel drive Territory variants.

The engine, transmission and rear axle were lifted from the Falcon; they were a solid package of components that had been well tested over the years and promised reliable motoring. The 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine developed 190 kW and 383 Nm, more than enough to give the four-door wagon performance and drivability.

A four-speed auto with sports shifting was the sole transmission offered. With the promise of 11-12 L/100 km the Territory was reasonably economical, particularly given the weight of an SUV.

Inside, there was generous accommodation for five, and there was the option of seven seats in the TS and Ghia variants. The seating was comfortable, the space sufficient, and the layout was flexible.

With front and side airbags, ABS braking, traction control and dynamic stability control the Territory was well equipped when it came to safety. It’s rated to tow up to 2300 kg, so the Territory should be more than able to handle Jenny Cerroti’s needs to tow a trailer.

NOW

The Territory was blighted with a number of issues when first launched, the most concerning being the high wear rate and sometimes failure of the front suspension lower ball joints, but most, including the ball joints, were fixed in the Series II model launched in 2009.

It’s still worthwhile having any prospective purchase put up on a hoist and inspected, not just for ball joint wear, but also for any suspension bushes that might be worn and any oil leaks that might be visible.

Regular servicing is the key to a long and reliable life for any car, including the Territory, so ask for a service record that shows the servicing was carried out as per Ford’s recommendations, and that the work was done by a competent mechanic. Also inspect the body for bumps and scrapes, the Territory has often been used by families and seen in action on the school and shopping runs where body contact is a regular risk.

Family use can also lead to wear and tear on the interior trim and hardware, so take the time to thoroughly check the cabin for use or abuse. While checking the cabin run through all the accessories to ensure they’re working correctly.

It’s also recommended that you take a test drive to see that the engine is running smoothly and is performing well, and the automatic transmission is shifting gears without hesitation and with no bumps or slipping.