Buy now or wait?

[TJS]

G'day all Territory Fans and owners. I have just joined the forum, and have enjoyed reading the different threads on the Territory. I have been seriously considering purchasing a Terri since their release. After much consideration on the AWD vs RWD front, I think the RWD will fit the bill, as much as anything to maximise fuel efficiency, which seems to be the one real chink in the Territory's armour (I have read the threads on RWD and fuel efficiency). In addition it seems from all I have read the road clearance at 178mm is a limiting factor and perhaps to some extent limits the AWD option for reasonable off road exploring.

So I am looking at a TX RWD with some selected options (tint, 3rd row seat, cruise, curtain airbags and fogs primarily). From what I am picking up Ford seems to considering a Turbo diesel option, and/or a 6-speed auto (again a point most reviews make viz a viz the existing 4 speed box). Does anyone have any idea of when these options might be available and what impact on price they may have. Any technical information available on either? Cheers

[davester]

Hi there TJS, welcome to the forum.
You should find plenty of chat and speculation on new models, and read the word "speculation" as just that.
Naturally new models should feature new technologies, though price points are critical to a brand such as Ford. Ford also have Volvo and Land Rover/Range Rover to push the expensive technologies into.
Dont expect new engines/transmissions until they are also spoken about with more specifics for the mechanically identical Falcon range...this is where most of the volume is.
I bought a used AWD Ghia with loads of options for the price of a TS RWD. Not only did I save heaps, friends think I'm driving a brand new car, and by minimising resale depreciation, I can jump straight into a new model update with no real pain if I want.
BTW, AWD traction in the wet is awesome, don't know if I could ever go back to RWD.

[paulvdb]

The magazine "speculation" is that only the premium models will get the 6-speed - ie the Ghia Terri & Falcon, the XR's, Fairmont/LTD

The 6-speed is said to cost big bickies which is why they may be reluctant to put it into fleet cars like the XT and TX

[Territory]

The magazine "speculation" is that only the premium models will get the 6-speed - ie the Ghia Terri & Falcon, the XR's, Fairmont/LTD

The 6-speed is said to cost big bickies which is why they may be reluctant to put it into fleet cars like the XT and TX
Ouch! I wouldnt call the TX a fleet car!! It's got plenty of goodies and is designed to be a versatile family vehicle.

[Paxton]

Ouch! I wouldnt call the TX a fleet car!! It's got plenty of goodies and is designed to be a versatile family vehicle.

As much as I say I would like to agree with you, my work has 4 of them (TX Territories) as fleet cars, instead of Falcon wagons. Admittedly they are RWDs, and therefore the bottom of the line, but are a very capable car. I do hope that Ford re-birth the TX model line TX3, TX5 (Laser, Telstar) and introduce a TX6 for the Territory. The bottom of the line of everything will be called the fleet or povvo packs. That is a fact of life. Hopefully I break the tranny in my Territory, and get a 6 Speed replacement.


Hey, A Guy can dream can't he? :P

[Territory]

But did they buy them because they'd rather have that for the family on weekends or because it was a more appropriate fleet car during the week...?

[TJS]

Hi Davester, Thanks for the reply. Were you always going to buy an AWD, or did the used Ghia AWD present itself as good buying? Other than the better traction in the wet what else appeals about the AWD and what other off road activities do you have planned, if any? Were you always targeting the Ghia model. What other options did you score? Cheers

[b2tf]

Hi TJS and welcome to the forums.

First up - your mentioning of a turbo diesel option, I think yuo may have got your wires crossed with that one. As far as I am aware there is definately the provision for an FPV enhanced Territory on the way, and it's more than likely it will be turboed, however the diesel option is one that is wanted by owners and as yet not considered by Ford (as far as we all know anyway). If either of these options do become reality I highly doubt you'll find both of them available on the same vehicle.

My parents were (still are but has been put off for a while now) interested in buying a Territory and from our test drives and info about them, the TS is the model to buy if you can stretch the budget for it. TS is basically your middle of the range model - its not the base (has more than the TX) but it's not as luxurious as Ghia model, which you'd only really buy if you like dead cow to sit on enough to fork out for it.
RWD should be fine unless you do serious offroading or live on a frozen lake.

Re the 6spd auto, it is very likely but not yet confirmed for Territory. If it does make it in, expect to see it in the Ghia and possibly a further cost option in the TS, although maybe not given that it is apparently a pricey bit of gear (but worth it). If you like the models as they are now I'd say go ahead and buy one, because the next major update will be around late 2006/07 and will most likely include engine changes as well as transmission changes, because thats when Australia's emissions laws will be tightened up again and Ford will need to make changes to beat them. However, these changes will most likely raise the price of your average Terri.

[gz1]

Hi TJS.
I have the AWD Ghia and yes i really wanted an AWD model. Initially I looked at the adventra but did not want a V8. (So holden did me a favour by being so slack). Main reasons for the AWD is last time I went to the snow I had to fit snow chains on the commodore, and swore never to take a 2WD to the snow again ;-). Also towing a boat up some ramps gets very marginal witha 2WD. Nearly got stuck a few times in the old car, never a problem in the terri. As for off road goes, I never realy planned to take it off road, but after one trip (see thread http://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=6856 ) it was so much fun so will probably be doing more of that. This car is just so versatile and having the AWD option only adds to that. I got the ghia with 7 seats, tow pack, roof bars, mud splats alarm and a few other things the dealer threw in. I was leasing anyhow and by the time I would ahve added some extra options to the TS like reversing sensors, etc the price difference per month was very small between a ghia and a TS.
And now, that all the nigglies have been fixed, I can honestly say it's one of the best cars I have owned.

[davester]

Hi Davester, Thanks for the reply. Were you always going to buy an AWD, or did the used Ghia AWD present itself as good buying? Other than the better traction in the wet what else appeals about the AWD and what other off road activities do you have planned, if any? Were you always targeting the Ghia model. What other options did you score? Cheers

After driving an XR8 for the past few years, thought I'd try the AWD for wet traction, and Dynamic SC. Was always looking at the Ghia for the leather, prem sound and climate, plus I prefer the look of matching bumpers.
This car came with 7 seats (got 4 kids), Sat nav (awesome and easy to use), tow bar and had only low kms.

I've done the offroad thing in the past and dont intend on going offroad this time (would have bought a Prado, but glad I didn't).

I've absolutely no regrets, in fact its heaps better and more refined than what I noticed on the short test. Engine and trans are silky smooth, and it rides better than higher priced SUV's.

04 terri AWD Ghia's appear to be great used buying at around mid 40s plus stamp duty...depends on options, but from my experience options dont affect prices, they just shift cars quicker.
My mates have been impressed with the value compared to their new fleet cars. I love new cars, but can't cop the rapid resale loss, so I buy 1yo, and change over more often. Plus, not being a fleet car, they should hold value a little better, fingers crossed.
Take one of these for a drive in the wet, doubt you'll look back.

[paulvdb]

Ouch! I wouldnt call the TX a fleet car!! It's got plenty of goodies and is designed to be a versatile family vehicle.
You know what I mean Territory :-) When I refer to "fleet" I am suggesting the cheapest model that people buy on the basis of price sensitivity rather than judging on it's fitments. The TX will be seen by would-be falcon wagon owners as a an good basic family hack alternative. I've also seen some tradies use it the same way. It does have plenty of goodies as you say but with it's price point is targetting very specific people (wagon -> Terri, small 4wd -> Terri, large sedan -> Terri).

Hence, my valid argument that if the TX and TS are rather price-sensitive models then they may not necessarily get the 6 speed immediately. However Territory you could say that your margins are much higher on the Terri and you can therefore put it in all Terris :-)

BTW Is there going to be any way to retrofit??

[johnydep]

.............6 speed immediately. However Territory you could say that your margins are much higher on the Terri and you can therefore put it in all Terris :-)

BTW Is there going to be any way to retrofit??

Anything is possible, if your willing to spend upwards of 10 grand.

First you need a new 6 speed box, I'd hazard a conservitave gues at $5000.00
Fitting & modifications $1000.00
Wiring & computer mods $1000.00

[Peter B]

G'day all Territory Fans and owners. I have just joined the forum, and have enjoyed reading the different threads on the Territory. I have been seriously considering purchasing a Terri since their release. After much consideration on the AWD vs RWD front, I think the RWD will fit the bill, as much as anything to maximise fuel efficiency,
So I am looking at a TX RWD with some selected options (tint, 3rd row seat, cruise, curtain airbags and fogs primarily). Cheers

Have a good look at the Ford Company demos at your dealer, where you could get a good deal. We just bought a Ford demo Ghia RWD with 12000kms , 10 months old, with free 3 year extra warranty. Has 3rd row seats but not leather trim. It is immaculate and the only signs of use are the speedo reading, some marks on the cargo carpet, and some scratches around the cargo cover install areas (which I'm sure we will add to!). Expect low to mid $40's. We are getting mid 12's on fuel but we live in an outer metro/semi rural area.Ghia has much better dash and worthwhile features over TX, and a demo would be better value than an optioned up TX, which will still be just a TX at trade-in time.

[bfiipursuit]

Yeh Go the TS if your going to option it up with wheels / cruise control etc.

Youll see the benefit when it comes to Trade in time, plus its nicer to have a few creature comforts like the Dual Zone Climate Control. My dad has one in the Ghia, if I ever bought one the only thing I'd do is ordered a GHIA without Leather, It is ok but taking a while to get use to, plus its a bit noisy.

[philby]

Hi TJS - I was in the same boat, liked them when they first came out but I NEVER buy the first version of anything!!!!! - waited for a while read a few forums for problems, compared it against the Kuger. And basically did a bit of research B4 I went ahead. I mean after all $50K is $50K!!!!!!!!!

Then went ahead, for me I like comfort but I have 2 kids aged 2 & 3, so while I like leather I was a bit concerned about the kids destroying the seats. Maybe leather is fine but I was just being cautious!!!!!.

Anyway went ahead got the AWD TS, was thinking about getting the RWD TS but like GZ1 - if I go skiing want to avoid the hassel of chains, and if I'm gonna spend $47K whats an extra 3K between friends!!!!

Don't intend to do any real 4WD stuff, but it's nice to think that I could if needed.....Fitted 3rd row seats, Tinted windows, Tow bar, Roof rack, fog lamps (make the front look so much better!!!), paint protection, 3M scotch guard on seats.

Thought about the reversing sensers, internal DVD system & Sat Nav, but the budget was getting a tad streched.

Overall I think the car has surpassed my expectations - Yes there are some minor issues but all cars have problems that tend to (*&*& some people off. But personally I believe I would buy the same car again...........however I would add the reversing senser!!!!!!

Overall, great sound system - very quiet - great to drive, nice seats which on long trips are comfortable (I know did Sunshine coast - Sydney in a day!!! - I'm 184cm).

Overall based on the re-sale info that I've found, and while there is not a lot of that as the car is new they seem to be holding there value pretty well. I guess time will tell on that but from what I've found I think I'll be quite pleased.

Overall, I think I would still go for the AWD, simply for the extra DSC and grip + AWD will always get more the RWD when it's time for an upgrade.