Ford Territory Problems

I DON'T know how Ford can say it covers only the front end for 3000km. I wouldn't take that.

MANY Territory owners have responded to our call for information about their cars. It seems there could be a problem with rustproofing on the locally built crossover wagon. No doubt there will be questions about the effect of living near the sea when you approach Ford, so do your homework and be prepared to answer them.

WE HAVE received several reports of rusty Territories since we published the first letter and it seems some are being repaired and others not. Let us know how you get on.

KITS are available from the main LPG suppliers. I have driven a Tartarini injection system from Global Autogas Supplies. It drove well with no apparent problems. Other firms have similar systems available. There is one issue: the LPG tank usually goes inside the car, reducing interior room and eliminating the third seat.

THERE will still be a station wagon and a ute in the next Falcon range, but the Territory was always planned as a family four-wheel-drive and not a workhorse. So, sorry, there will be no Territory ute. And the Crewman lost money for GM Holden and has been discontinued, leaving the four-door ute field to the Japanese imports.

HAVE you checked the engine to see if it is coming from there? It sounds awfully like the engine itself, perhaps a faulty valve lifter, because it goes away when the engine warms up. An engine noise might sound like it's coming from under the dash.

THANKS for the tip. Yours is the first report we've had of suspension and drive-shaft problems with the Territory. Perhaps other readers could let us know of their experiences with the car.

YOURS is a common experience. It's one thing to have problems with a car, but it's something else to have the company argue about fixing them. Maintain the rage. Keep up the pressure to have the car brought up to the condition you expect.

IF YOU have someone other than a Ford dealer work on your car you will have to pay. As you've consistently reported the problem, and presumably have documentation to support your claim, you could persist with Ford and try to get them to cover the repairs. You might have some success, but I don't like your chances.

THE front diff seals are a regular issue with the Territory, but I haven't heard of a problem with the oil pan seal. It is odd that it can't be fixed with a new seal, so it's worth looking at other possibilities. I would doubt that it's a pinhole in the block. The only thing you can do is to pressure Ford until they do something about it.