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Old 02-03-2024, 03:02 PM   #12
Sprintey
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Location: Catland
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Default Re: Re-Driven's Used Territory homage

Quote:
Originally Posted by whynot View Post
I had two Territory on company user-chooses vehicles. An SY AWD and an SZ RWD diesel. Despite issues with the front ball joints, I think that the SY AWD was the nicer car to drive. I was not a fan of the move from hydraulic steering to EPAS, which was a backward step for driver engagement and feel. As for the engines, there was a lot of clamour at the time for the diesel for towing duties. But, I could never see the financial payback given the longer term cost and complexity. (My fleet manager made me get the diesel to meet company green policy.) I disliked the engine. Especially the turbo lag from a dead stop. I think the pick of the litter is the SY Series II AWD.

But, to be honest, when it came time to buy one for myself, I got a CX-5 instead. I was looking for a new car at the end of 2017 and chased around to find one of the last remaining 'new' Territory still in stock. It was petrol RWD. I took it for a drive and felt there was something funny/different about the steering from memory - but I couldn't pick out exactly what (different tyres, wheel alignment out, shrug). I also had a peek under the rear door seal, and there were tiny spots of rust under the door seal on a 'new' car that had been sitting in the yard for 12 months. Sigh, that killed it. For around the same price, I could get a CX-5 AWD Maxx 2.5L with dealer fitted mags and navigation. More safety kit on the CX-5 and it was far easier for the Missus to drive. Looking at the two cars from 2016, one would have to say that the CX-5 has held up far better than the Territory every would.

Occasionally, I get the itch to hunt down a Territory SY Series II Turbo AWD. And spend some money on getting the consumables (bushings, etc) back to spec. Series II Turbos are as rare as rocking horse droppings these days. And then I wake up and stop day dreaming.
Tend to agree that SYII is the pick. Interesting the comments on the EPAS steering, and on the CX5 which is still available in the same generation body plan. Company green policy with diesel that kills humans may be exactly what green policy aims might strive towards... (sinister music).

Excitedly booked test drive of new diesel AWD in 2011 (or early 2012) and left the test drive deciding to keep AWD SY, really didn't like the diesel and the lag on takeoff.

If there's one thing I can suggest from long, long term ownership it's 'don't change the rubber supension bushings for the hard nolathane ones'. It gives the car a different drive and it's not as nice. Even if you have to replace the rubber ones again, just do that, the car is much better with new rubber bushings. Have also been advised the harder bushings transmit shocks which may affect parts like the transmission, this was suprising but the source knew what he was talking about.
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