Hello all, new here and buying a P38 soon

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silverbackmike

New Member
Posts
16
Hello folks,
I'm after some hands on advice. Due to a move to middle of nowhere I'm after a 4x4 specifically a P38.

I've read some horror stories, but also some good ones.

I suppose the first question is whether to to for the 2.5 diesel or an LPG 4.0/4.6

I'm not too bothered about driving around with my hair on fire and the car would potter about on a 20 mile about commute daily, rural to town driving.

My budget is about 3k, it doesn't have to be a garage queen as it will be a dog carrier to a rather large german shepherd, but mechanically I would need it to have a good service history and mechanically sound.

Advice gratefully accepted, and if anyone is selling their example then I'll be interested to hear.

Mike.

PS I would like a darker colour and leather, ideal example, dark green and cream interior! I'm in Tickenham, North Somerset.
 
The diesel is less likely to give you trouble than the V8 and is more economical. Either way they are not known for reliability, most jobs are DIY doable at reasonable cost if you have the ability, otherwise be prepared for a severe pain in the wallet.
Do a site search, a long list of things to look for were posted recently.
Basically test everything, and only buy if it all works.
 
As Datatek has said - Diesels are the better option for reliability.....

If you truly are in the middle of nowhere - I love Range Rovers, have had them now for nigh on 15 years, on Rangie number 6, I live breathe and dream of Rangies......but they are really unreliable.....

If you are handy with the spanners and are prepared to get a decent Diagnostic device (Nanocom, Faultmate Extreme or Hawkeye) then a Range Rover will be the best car you will ever own....
 
i picked up a very nice 96 2.5 diesel for 2 grand and load of extras, you can get a lot of p38 for your money if your patient, be patient and look around, dealer prices seem to be steep-look on ebay and around for private ads and find an owner whos owned it a while/years and looked after it properly if you can, patience and looking at a lot is the key with these

engine wise found it to be bomb proof reliable, but still they are a car that always needs something doing/tinkering with,can be a nightmare when broken, but fantastic when all good, i love mine ! just had a bit of a nightmare with a new clutch job, but shes done now, now needs a cple of track rods and a steering damper and 2 new tyres...thers always something !
 
nicer to drive aswell i think

people on here said auto better for diesel when buying a disco, i got an auto never tested a manual, but then i test drove an auto p38 diesel, before then buying my manual p38, and find the manual much better !

I prefer to drive auto when towing, but like you i prefer a manuel, especially around Bends!
 
Really have to echo what Polsta said - be patient and look around.

I've owned two and rushed in a bit on the first one as it seemed cheap. It wasn't and I'm well out of it!

P38 valuations seem to be very much on a 'are you buying or selling?' ethos. It you're buying they're all fortunes, if you're selling, they're worth jack!!!

Patience and you'll get a good one. (Well resonable one anyway!)
 
It must be pointed out that although you say you don't drive around with your hair on fire. P38 diesels are slooooooooow unless you tune em. And then in the case of the auto the transmission will be operating on its limits. Drive one and see how you like it because, although you might be expecting a lack of performance - snail's pace may come as a surprise!

The diesel will more likely be reliable, but it will cost more so you'll get an older and/or scruffier car for the same money. Good luck with your hunting.
 
It must be pointed out that although you say you don't drive around with your hair on fire. P38 diesels are slooooooooow unless you tune em. And then in the case of the auto the transmission will be operating on its limits. Drive one and see how you like it because, although you might be expecting a lack of performance - snail's pace may come as a surprise!

The diesel will more likely be reliable, but it will cost more so you'll get an older and/or scruffier car for the same money. Good luck with your hunting.


The diesel is not that slow, it just has strange throttle response with a long travel pedal, boot it and it goes well enough, I'm usually first away at the lights:D
 
The diesel is not that slow, it just has strange throttle response with a long travel pedal, boot it and it goes well enough, I'm usually first away at the lights:D

Not surprised there slow really
How many horses is the 2.5dse ? As im sure thats well underpowered for the weight of the car ??

Even the 3.0 td6 engine is slightly underpowered for the L322 !
 
I prefer to drive auto when towing, but like you i prefer a manuel, especially around Bends!

i never tow so wouldnt know but can see why an auto would benefit in that respect, when comparing the 2- i thought the manual felt a bit more "nimble" sounds silly i know, but the manual felt a bit more cumbersome when driving, if thats the way to explain it

The diesel is not that slow, it just has strange throttle response with a long travel pedal, boot it and it goes well enough, I'm usually first away at the lights

mines got a rimmer bros power box (never removed it to test the drive to compare) but it can shift, especialy 2nd and 3rd, suprisingly so, i rarly do that but in an emergency/avoid an idiot on the road sort of senario, it does move some for a 2 ton truck !

ive drove along a 20 mile strech of empty motorway in the early hours alond side a mate in a 2.5 300tdi, and the p38 is much faster and more superior, you can toy with a disco in that respect, but way i see it- i rarly even do 70mph on motorway or accelerate fast anywhere...you dont have 4x4 range rover diesel for speed !
 
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Really have to echo what Polsta said - be patient and look around.

I've owned two and rushed in a bit on the first one as it seemed cheap. It wasn't and I'm well out of it!

P38 valuations seem to be very much on a 'are you buying or selling?' ethos. It you're buying they're all fortunes, if you're selling, they're worth jack!!!

Patience and you'll get a good one. (Well resonable one anyway!)

i went to see a few- i go se ALL that are local to get a feel and bench marks, (best advice i can give) even if way under or a bit above your budget- just to see them and not travel far, people big them up-especialy dealers, dealers list no faults or condition in descriptions, just spec and fact like milage mot tax etc, and over price them, i walked away from some, didnt feel right or could tell been abused, also i went with a mate to look at a couple, inc a later 2000 model for 4 grand odd (double what i paid) and my 96 was nicer and all round better and milage not much more, lower milage means nothing its its had a harder abused life and much more worn interior etc, than a higher very well looked after car

my one i bought- was a 20 min drive away, on ebay with poor pictures, description not detailed, sounded on and the right color- always remember experts/real sellers will big it right up, someone whos not too cumputer/selling friendly, will not be - and thats where you get a bargain !! so i went to see it, and it was lovely, a nice owner and i got a great deal on it really, so take them sort of chances and go see all local ones just to see...
 
i went to see a few- i go se ALL that are local to get a feel and bench marks, (best advice i can give) even if way under or a bit above your budget- just to see them and not travel far, people big them up-especialy dealers, dealers list no faults or condition in descriptions, just spec and fact like milage mot tax etc, and over price them, i walked away from some, didnt feel right or could tell been abused, also i went with a mate to look at a couple, inc a later 2000 model for 4 grand odd (double what i paid) and my 96 was nicer and all round better and milage not much more, lower milage means nothing its its had a harder abused life and much more worn interior etc, than a higher very well looked after car

my one i bought- was a 20 min drive away, on ebay with poor pictures, description not detailed, sounded on and the right color- always remember experts/real sellers will big it right up, someone whos not too cumputer/selling friendly, will not be - and thats where you get a bargain !! so i went to see it, and it was lovely, a nice owner and i got a great deal on it really, so take them sort of chances and go see all local ones just to see...
Sorry mate check your post what way round??? Look
i never tow so wouldnt know but can see why an auto would benefit in that respect, when comparing the 2- i thought the manual felt a bit more "nimble" sounds silly i know, but the manual felt a bit more cumbersome when driving, if thats the way to explain it
 
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