Ford Territory SX and SY buying guide
2004 to 2011. An SX or SY Territory suits a family that wants a roomy, comfortable 4.0 wagon and checks the suspension and tailgate.
Workshop jobs
- Front ball joints. Front ball joints are well known for wearing early, some by 30,000 km.
- Rear suspension bushes. Rear suspension bushes can wear early, causing squeaks or a rear that feels too soft. Ford changed the bush material during production.
- Tailgate rust. Moisture gets trapped inside the tailgate and it rusts, sometimes on cars under a year old.
- Rear diff whine. High km early cars can develop diff whine, more so if they have towed.
Small jobs
- Front brake shudder. Warped front discs are common, more so on city cars.
- Front brake hose recall (2009). Ford recalled Territorys built 1 February 2004 to 31 December 2008 for a possible front brake hose leak; turbo models were not affected.
Questions for the seller
- Is it the 4.0 non turbo or turbo, and RWD or AWD?
- Has the front brake hose recall label been fitted?
- Have the front ball joints or rear bushes been replaced?
- Is it a 5 or 7 seater?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.