Australian Ford Forums - What options do you recommend??

Louy

10-04-05, 05:49 PM

Hi there - I'm a newbie! Just discovered this forum this afternoon.

I own a 5 day old TS AWD Lightning Strike with a couple of extras (running boards, body bumpers, fog lights and a towbar) and was wondering what you guys recommend as some post factory options.

Is it worth getting the dust reflector? We live off a gravel road and I am amazed how much stuff accumulates on the back window.

So far I am head over heels in love with my Terri, having been a Holden owner before I am stunned at how good this car is!!!

Cheers,
Louy

Ouzo

11-04-05, 08:04 AM

Welcome Louy, you're not on your own - there's quite a few of us now who should form the "former Holden owners who love their Territory" Club. When it runs in you'll love it even more.

There's been quite a few posts on the Dust deflector. Haven't got one myself but all who have seem to swear by it.

Paxton

11-04-05, 10:29 AM

I had to get Mud Spats and Carpet Mats. My work requires me to have Tinted windows and Air-Con, but the latter is standard in the Ghia. I wanted running boards, but I saw no practical reason for them. I also got the Phone Presenter, but my model of phone can not use that, bloody nokia...

johnydep

11-04-05, 11:37 AM

A sump gaurd is a must, saved my Terri's underside after a trip to the Flinders Ranges.
I've got kids, and the Carpet Mats are excellent & a must have.
Factory tow bar, the bumper is profesionaly cut before installation, so looks better.
They do build up lots of dust on the rear, but I don't have a dust deflector so can't comment.
A metalised window tint (SunSmart), the Ghia does not have a Factory Tint.

ferris42

11-04-05, 11:56 AM

Middle & rear window shades are great, as is the polen filter option.

johnydep

11-04-05, 01:09 PM

Middle & rear window shades are great, as is the polen filter option.
Yeah, pollen filter is a must.

burnsi

11-04-05, 10:07 PM

Dash mats are good.
Roof bars are great.
Cargo liner is great.
Alloy scuff plates are nice.
Get fog light covers!
Shades are great.
Forget the console cooler bag.
Bike rack is good, but difficult to put a heavy bike on - running boards would help here.

grahill

11-04-05, 10:27 PM

The dust deflector is a must in my book, see previous thread:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=2068&highlight=Dust+deflector

Window tinting is also a must as it will improve airconditioning efficiency up to 12%, (go for maximum tinting by law). I also recommend, floor mats, cargo liner, bonnet protector and if you have children, the cargo barrier (although the cargo blind won't fit, but it is useless when an Engle fridge is fitted, as we have).

good luck

.

grahill

11-04-05, 10:29 PM

Hey Burnsi, a new Avatar? Lookin' good!

Mechan1k

12-04-05, 04:23 PM

Heavy duty towing pack (also get electric brakes fitted).
Front protection pack (stones are nasty).
fog lights are good to cover that dark patch in front of the car.
tinted windows is well worth the investment.
I put a nudge bar on the front of mine as well ... just a bit more protection.
I also added cruise on my TX (although that's a factory thing ... along with extra row of seats).
I got the reverse parking sensors (they kinda do come in handy ... although annoying)
Also got the water-proof seat covers as well
And car fridge kit too.

There are more options ... but can't remember them.

Louy

12-04-05, 08:48 PM

davester

13-04-05, 01:20 AM

Just picked-up a secondhand (ex-factory) AWD Ghia, with Sat Nav, Tow, 3rd row, carry bars, and 5 window nets.
GPS is a hoot, so simple to use.
Third row wasn't essential but is getting good use already with kids.
Window nets perfect for the 2 bubs in the middle row, and privacy out back.
Thought about running boards for the kids, but they cope just fine without.

Mechan1k

16-04-05, 04:18 AM

Thanks everyone. I'm keen for the dust deflector and some tinting - I forgot what a difference not having it makes!

Mechan1k - re the nudge bars, where did you get them? Are they the Ford ones or something else. If you don't mind, can you tell me what it cost?

I've got my running boards to reduce stone deflections from our gravel road more than any other reason. So far so good. if i could just get something to deflect the bugs... :nutsycuck

I got mine from Tru-Racks in Penrith ... they fit all the Hayman Reese stuff for Sinclair Ford in Penrith ... I got an ECB (East Coast Bars) nudge bar on mine ... I also fitted Lightforce 240 driving lights to the top ... but took them off ... cos it kinda looks silly (mind you it lit the road up for 2km like it was daytime though).

I got the low-rise nudge bar ... it follows the lines up the front bumper on the angles and the bar comes across just a bit above the numberplate ... I need to get some pics and post them up on the forum sometime.

I think it was approx $650 inc. fitting ... it's chrome ... and pretty damn thick as well.

Mechan1k

16-04-05, 04:19 AM

Here's a pics off the ECB site ... it's the 76mm nudge bar.
They got pics of pissy lights on there ... mine were about 5 times larger than that ... just go to the Lightforce website and check out the 240s.
http://www.ecb.com.au/model/Ford%20Territory%20RTV/Ford%20Territory%2076MM%20NBar.JPG

Louy

16-04-05, 02:34 PM

Thanks for that. It looks great - just what we're after. Might see if there's anyone in Canberra who can do it for us. Does it have an impact on the airbag sensors or is that something I thought I heard someone to tell be to be careful of...

jrisles

31-07-05, 12:08 PM

Is tinting a "factory fitted" option or does need to be done by a 3rd party?? Also what are the "shades" used for??

cheers
Jeff

Mark^^

31-07-05, 12:37 PM

Tinting is post factory, done at the dealers or you can have it done yourself post purchase.

The shades are for shade LOL. I have tinited windows, done post delivery by the dealer, and now have the shades on the back doors and the 3 rear cargo windows. Make is nice and dark, keep out the heat and make it look like a mobsters car. LOL

Mark

jthommo

31-07-05, 05:32 PM

Same as Louy's question re the Air bags. I have always been told that a nudge bar or light bar for that matter interferes with the airbags... Is this True ????

Maybe I could have put better lights on my car so I could have seen more of a night...Rather than the pissy one pictued in my Avatar...

PS... Since that smash, my lights have been worse...

Territory

31-07-05, 10:02 PM

Same as Louy's question re the Air bags. I have always been told that a nudge bar or light bar for that matter interferes with the airbags... Is this True ????
Its very difficult to reliably get bullbars (or nudge bars to a lesser extent) compatible with the airbag system. The attachment of a bullbar is simple. Really understanding the extra bullbar structure, it's deformation in a crash and how this will flow on to affect the way the sensors detect and estimate the type and severity of an impact is the critical part. The process is complex and iterative, involving many super computer simulations and eventual real world crash tests. That's the reason Territory bullbar was not available at launch - ongoing effort to get it truely compatible. I wonder if these aftermarket bars have been tested to even a fraction of this level.

T

Mechan1k

02-08-05, 09:11 AM

I was told the ECB bars ahve been tested ... but as "Territory" said ... it depends on the level of testing they have undergone though.

bdcsafety

02-08-05, 05:10 PM

Ouzo

02-08-05, 05:23 PM

My was done by the dealer - good quality but quite light - go the after market option

gz1

02-08-05, 05:28 PM

One option I was sorry that I did not get is window tinting. Sure I can get it after market, But on the Teritory you need to remove the trim to get the tint on properly and I am very nervous about having a non-dealer person do that sort of thing in case future rattles develop. The upgraded alarm is another good one, -cheper insurance for a start.

jrisles

02-08-05, 07:44 PM

I have noticed that no one has mentioned Cruise Control?? This is not standard on a Ghia is it?? I was wondering about this. Cruise Control is excellent when travelling on long journeys. I think i may have to order one.

cheers
Jeff

Ouzo

02-08-05, 07:49 PM

Standard on my Ghia and it works very well - works heaps better than my old Commodore.

NC 5ltr

02-08-05, 07:53 PM

Jackedin

02-08-05, 08:08 PM

dcoz

02-08-05, 08:24 PM

Guys, did you all get your windows tinted by the factory/dealer when you bought the car or after market? I am wondering if the Ford standard tint is any good. Its just that I would like to get a nice dark good quality tint for my Ghia.

Thanks
Brett

One thing to watch with the tinting and even a dealer fit tow bar is that if they are bundled into the purchase price they will attract stamp duty and, depending on the model you chose, could push you into the next stamp duty bracket. When I got my RWD Ghia, I was able to stay out of the higher bracket by having the tinting done 'outside' of the sale. The dealer was great, even though in theory it wasnt his issue, he arranged dealer price tinting for $240 (3M tint).

Icon territory

02-08-05, 10:24 PM

Carpet mats as everyone has mentioned are a must. I believe they are about $150 from the dealer but you can get custom made ones specifcally for the Terror from Autobarn for $105. I believe they come in grey. For those that want fog lights I had aquote from McGrath ford in CBA for $421 fitted. Think I will buy them and give someone a couple of cartons of beer instead. I also bought a piece of rubber from Clarks Rubber and cut it out for the "boot" area. Cost me $25 and saves all the wear and tear on the carpet especially when my GS dog jumps in. Apparently the Territory rubber mat stinks. Had cruise control fitted inmy TX and love it.

dcoz

02-08-05, 10:50 PM

I have the Ford rubber cargo mat and it's the best option I got. It smells a bit of rubber but not that bad. I dont notice it at all when driving. I've carted all sorts of stuff around and the mat does a great job of protecting the carpet. It's a bit of a pain when the 3rd row is up as it gets squashed into the remaining boot space but otherwise an excellent investment.

bdcsafety

02-08-05, 11:03 PM

Thanks DCOZ...I didnt realize the stamp duty goes up, but now I think about it. I might limit my order to the basics, then buy outside of the deal too!!

thanks for that.

Peter B

02-08-05, 11:09 PM

Standard on my Ghia and it works very well - works heaps better than my old Commodore.
Excellent cruise control. Works from 40kmh, from memory. Also the coast/resume is sensible, whereas on the Prado you had to be within a few k's of the set speed for it to resume-hopeless.

jthommo

03-08-05, 12:08 AM

Not sure but while getting quotes off one of the dealers he mentioned he'd keep it under $57k so as not to attract higher taxes... ???!!!!

dcoz

03-08-05, 01:00 AM

That's the Federal Luxury car tax which is 25% tax on the value of the car that EXCEEDS the threshold of around $57K.

In Victoria, the percentage you pay in State stamp duty increases from 4% to 5% of the TOTAL purchase price if your car is more than $45K! So if you can keep your purchase price under $45K you will limit your stamp duty to $1800 vs $2250 and up if you are 1 cent over $45K.

Stamp Duty calculations vary by state. There's more info on it here:

http://www.privatefleet.com.au/index.php?itemID=225&branch=7

Mechan1k

03-08-05, 09:23 AM

Excellent cruise control. Works from 40kmh, from memory. Also the coast/resume is sensible, whereas on the Prado you had to be within a few k's of the set speed for it to resume-hopeless.

I found the Territory cruise gets away from you on downhill runs ... going way over the set speed ... also taking a little while to catch up and then going way over again on uphills.

I found the TJ Magna cruise control to be the best ever cruise control I have ever used (auto-downshift on downhills to hold your speed you have set).

But I'll give the Territory the thumbs up for ease of use ... and people how use HDC as well can use it to set thier speed too .... cool function IMHO

Mechan1k

03-08-05, 09:25 AM

Carpet mats as everyone has mentioned are a must.

I have found the rubber floors mats to be better than the carpet ones ... much easier to clean as well ... especially when you are out on property in ad weather ... with crap on the bottom of your shoes.

Plus the rubber ones last longer ... and still look good.

They are black with Orange Territory writing in them ... they match the waterproof seat-covers I have got all through the car now ... hee hee

Mark^^

03-08-05, 07:00 PM

I have the following long list of options:

At Delivery:
• Prestige paint
• Body Colour Pack
• Black Sports Steering Wheel and Cruise Control
• Head lamp guards
• Bonnet protector
• Mud spats - Front and Rear
• Scuff Plate Inserts
• Glass tint

Post delivery:
• Dash Mat
• Fridge & cord
• Cargo liner
• Seat covers (front)
• Fog lamp kit
• Fog lamp Guards
• Floor Mats
• Cargo Net
• Weather shields (L & R)
• Running Boards
• CD wallet and Console Insul-bag
• Pollen Filter
• Dust Deflector
• Sump Guard Kit
• Window Shades

Non Ford options:
• Stonegard (called an invisable car-bra)
• Taka seat and cargo covers

johnydep

03-08-05, 08:37 PM

I have the following long list of options:

At Delivery:
....

Post delivery:
•....
• Weather shields (L & R)
•...

Non Ford options:
•....

What are the weather shields like? Do they work well?

Roamin

03-08-05, 08:48 PM

Mechan1k, interesting what u say about the cruise control. The BAII work falcon I drive I find less "intuitive" than my (dare I say) VY Commodore in cruise. BUT, the new model Explorer I drove in US was good, I'm sure that the 5 speed auto tranny knocked back a cog on a downhill run when cruise was set. It had the fly-by-wire throttle setup, same as Territory/Falcon.
Waiting - hoping, for news of the Territory II or 6 speeder b4 the lease runs out on the Commodore in a few months time....

Mark^^, that is one hellofa list of options - you must wear the shorts in your household ....

Mark^^

03-08-05, 08:51 PM

What are the weather shields like? Do they work well?

JDep they are great, have the wide ones and can drive well in the rain with the windows down a bit, and no blowing when driving with them open.

Well worth the cost, and also put them on myself.

Mark

Mark^^

03-08-05, 08:53 PM

Mark^^, that is one hellofa list of options - you must wear the shorts in your household ....

Have to wear the pants as I am one poof who hates drag, no dresses for me LOL

Mark

Ouzo

03-08-05, 09:27 PM

The BAII work falcon I drive I find less "intuitive" than my (dare I say) VY Commodore in cruise.
Can only comment on my previous VT Commodore. It used to drop right away on any hill and then kick down and roar as it tried to pick up speed. Was quite dangerous in some situations. The Terri holds speed very nicely (superior motor helps) and when it does drop away on a hill accelerates in a much less frantic way. Ease of use is light years ahead of the VT.
I take the earlier point on the inability of the Terri to hold speed when it goes down hills. The kick down feature would be a nice addition and you would think on AWD's (especially with HDC) it ought not be too hard to add a program to apply the brakes to hold your speed.

Roamin

03-08-05, 10:06 PM

Agree on your comments on the VT Ouzo, had a work version of that one years ago to. However, the BCM upgrade (I believe) that occured with the later models, and the myriad of software changes means the later model = different beast. Apples & Oranges.

Mind u, the kickdown in the Falcon (& I take it the Territory?) is more refined than the other offering & the 2OHC barra is the duks nuts, lets hope the potential 5/6 speeder is the next step up!

As for appling brakes while on cruise - I wanna stay away from that one! Would need some serious RnD and Bosch money there I reckon. Mercedes Benz has had a play with brake-by-wire but IMO thats a different league.

Mark^^ - stuck my foot in that one mate.