POSITIVE TERRITORY
Our 2012 Ford Territory’s done 255,000km and still goes like a dream. We’re curious what other mileage Territory owners have achieved? We don’t want to part with it, so what’s availability like for replacement motors and gearboxes should we need to?
Tony Strachan, email
There’s great affection for the Aussie-built Territory, with some suggesting it was a high point of local design and manufacture. Spare parts aren’t a problem: more than 178,000 were sold between 2004 and 2016, so wreckers have a healthy supply. Transmission problems are well documented. Used gearboxes are advertised from $500 to $2000, but you must also consider labour cost involved. Failing airconditioning is expensive, so having yours serviced would be wise. There are preloved Territorys for sale with more than 300,000km showing and one with 350,000km. Can anyone beat it?
UNFORTUNATE SCORE
Our 2013 Hyundai i30, owned since new, has developed a ticking noise. A Hyundai dealer discovered severe scoring on two cylinder walls and advised it would likely need a new motor. It’s only done 53,000kms and been regularly serviced. It may be eight years old but such low kilometres would indicate it’s not fit for purpose.
Carmel and Roger Martin, email
That is an early failure and Hyundai Australia has told me as a goodwill gesture they’ll cover the cost of all parts if you pay labour. A decent outcome for you considering it’s three years out of warranty. You’ll still have a reasonable bill at the end I’m afraid, but I’ve seen other brands offer nothing in such circumstances.
SERVICE PLAN
I’m concerned about my 2019 Ford Ranger. Due to Covid it’s only done 26,000km and had just one service. The dealer says every 12 months, but this seems a long time. Shane Lawry, email
The diesel Ranger requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, so you shouldn’t be worried. You’d only need to service more often if there were “adverse operating conditions” such as towing or driving in very hot or dusty conditions. Covid restrictions have ensured your Ranger’s seen little use. Try giving it a short run at least once a week rather than hibernating it.
FUEL MISER
Re: Isuzu MU-X vs Jeep Grand Cherokee towing, I can tell you after 46 years of towing caravans, you can’t beat cubic capacity. I own a Grand Cherokee and you can’t trump that lovely power on hand from a V6 diesel. I believe the MU-X, Toyota Prado and Ford Everest are all good vehicles but can struggle on hills in this world of bigger and bigger rigs (caravans) without the cubic capacity. I average 12-14L/100km towing my 3000kg caravan. Old Holden 253s, Ford 302s and Valiant 318s did a fantastic job towing – just don’t stress those new four-cylinder turbos you new boys!
Peter Barrett, email
Towing tales at caravan park happy hours are legendary. It’s not hard to find many who’ll agree with you: there’s no replacement for displacement and all that. If lugging three tonnes like you do, I won’t argue with your learnings across years of towing.
JEEP FAN CLUB
Re: Jeep fuel economy, I have a 2016 Grand Cherokee getting 8L/100km out of town. My average consumption towing a 2500kg van is 15-16L/100km at 90km/h. It’s never been worse than 19L/100km. These are real measurements worked out by fuel purchased and distance driven laid out on a spreadsheet. What other vehicles can beat that?
John Kuchel, email
Re Jeep fuel economy, our 2014 Grand Cherokee tows a 2250kg van and returns 15-16L/100km. More than competitive with any vehicle that size with a 3500kg towing capacity.
Mal Heywood, email There are a number of factors that affect fuel economy, including your caravan’s aerodynamics, the use of a wind deflector, tyre types, weather conditions, how well the car has been serviced and what speed you maintain. Your returns look impressive, but they are a lot higher than Peter’s (above) towing a heavier van.
SELLER’S MARKET
With second-hand cars selling at a premium, what price should we expect for our 55,000km 2013 Subaru Forester which is in very clean condition? Should I sell privately or is something like Cars24 a good option? Janice Barletta, email
Such low kilometres could mean you’d be able to sell your Forester privately for between $20,000$25,000, depending on the model grade. The likes of Cars24 and Carsales Select get stock from licensed dealers, auctions and wholesalers, so there are overheads – and profit margins – involved. That ultimately means a lower sale price for you.
THE GOOD LIFE
Re battery life, my 2014 Porsche Macan has done 110,000km. It’s still on its original battery and a test showed it’s still sound. Tim Lawrance, email
Original Porsche parts aren’t cheap, but they do seem to last. Surely there’s someone out there with a 1980s Toyota Corolla still running its original battery? Those cars would survive a nuclear holocaust.