Datatek
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 44,056
- Location
- Near Poitiers SW France
Buying P38
- Thread starter hxsw
- Start date
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Karl702123
New Member
- Posts
- 46
- Location
- Chippenham, Wiltshire
Hello,
No Range Rover (Or ANY Landrover for that matter) will be completly without problems. I own a 4.6 P38 because I love it and nothing else seems to hit the spot for style and comfort.
Things to look out for when you buy one:
Suspension air bags - are they worn? (typically last about 70k before they are worn out).
Engine problems - large oil leaks, water leaks, etc. Check all oils incl. gearbox oil.
Rust - especially the chassis. Get a good look under the Rangey.
Exhausts are not that great unless there is a stainless steel system fitted.
Wheel hubs are expensive to replace (£300-ish) when they go (typically around 100k I understand - I'm not up to that mileage yet...)
Aircon system - does it work? Check for a "book" symbol in the aircon control display - this indicates a problem.
Check ALL the electrics - windows, sunroof, etc. Heated seats often give up working...
Then check all the usual things you would look for anyway when buying a car.
Check for service history - fuller the better (especially if done by main or reputable LR dealers).
Having said all that - they are REALLY great to drive! I will not part with mine now!
This is a great site for help and advice if you get a P38. I have a P38 simply because I've always loved them - and I like V8s! I know it can be a (sometimes expensive) labour of love - but it's well worth it!
I hope you decide to buy one in the future - just look around for a good, well cared for example and you will not be disappointed!
Karl.
No Range Rover (Or ANY Landrover for that matter) will be completly without problems. I own a 4.6 P38 because I love it and nothing else seems to hit the spot for style and comfort.
Things to look out for when you buy one:
Suspension air bags - are they worn? (typically last about 70k before they are worn out).
Engine problems - large oil leaks, water leaks, etc. Check all oils incl. gearbox oil.
Rust - especially the chassis. Get a good look under the Rangey.
Exhausts are not that great unless there is a stainless steel system fitted.
Wheel hubs are expensive to replace (£300-ish) when they go (typically around 100k I understand - I'm not up to that mileage yet...)
Aircon system - does it work? Check for a "book" symbol in the aircon control display - this indicates a problem.
Check ALL the electrics - windows, sunroof, etc. Heated seats often give up working...
Then check all the usual things you would look for anyway when buying a car.
Check for service history - fuller the better (especially if done by main or reputable LR dealers).
Having said all that - they are REALLY great to drive! I will not part with mine now!
This is a great site for help and advice if you get a P38. I have a P38 simply because I've always loved them - and I like V8s! I know it can be a (sometimes expensive) labour of love - but it's well worth it!I hope you decide to buy one in the future - just look around for a good, well cared for example and you will not be disappointed!
Karl.
- Posts
- 724
- Location
- Lincolnshire
No it will not charge through the cigarette lighter socket. On my P38, there is an accessory socket in the boot. I re-wired this with a wire direct to the battery (fused at the battery) so that it is always live. I leave the solar panel on the rear parcel shelf plugged into the accessory socket via a charge regulator.
Hi Datatek,
Sorry for the late / off topic input, but I use a 4W solar 'briefcase' (off eBay with Maplin make on box) plugged into the front cig lighter and it seems to keep the battery topped very well - I only drive at weekends and its cranks and fires very quickly, slower if I have not had the solar panel connected.
Oh well, if it ain't broke, I shouldn't worry I guess...
Datatek
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 44,056
- Location
- Near Poitiers SW France
Hi Datatek,
Sorry for the late / off topic input, but I use a 4W solar 'briefcase' (off eBay with Maplin make on box) plugged into the front cig lighter and it seems to keep the battery topped very well - I only drive at weekends and its cranks and fires very quickly, slower if I have not had the solar panel connected.
Obviously your P38 has different wiring to the cig lighter than my 2. On mine the cig lighter is dead with the ignition off.
discomalc
New Member
- Posts
- 304
- Location
- Hastings east Sussex
I was suffering from the old battery drain problem and thought i would try a solar charger, but with all windows heavilytinted the only place for it was in the windscreen. This means i only have room for a small 1.5 watt unit which is permanently wired into the battery. I was suprised that a unit this small seems to have had such an effect, been on for a couple of months now and not had a flat battery yet (touch wood) yet to see how good it is in the winter with less sunlight , but impressed so far
I'm looking at a 95 P38SE on thurs, I've run a HPI check and all ok except for one issue.
It states (V5) the vehicle is grey, yet advert and pics clearly show its black?? I spoke to the HPI company who have in turn spoken to the DVLA and no recorded changes of colour have been made. Its had 4 previous owners so surely one of them would of picked up on this?? I know its not unheard of for the DVLA to make Colour/Model/VIN mistakes on the V5, did RR come in a charcoal black/grey colour?? Or is this something I need to be concerned about (cut/shut??) I'll obviously check the history to see if its had a paint job, just wondering if there's any other advice or if anyone else has experienced this??
Cheers
It states (V5) the vehicle is grey, yet advert and pics clearly show its black?? I spoke to the HPI company who have in turn spoken to the DVLA and no recorded changes of colour have been made. Its had 4 previous owners so surely one of them would of picked up on this?? I know its not unheard of for the DVLA to make Colour/Model/VIN mistakes on the V5, did RR come in a charcoal black/grey colour?? Or is this something I need to be concerned about (cut/shut??) I'll obviously check the history to see if its had a paint job, just wondering if there's any other advice or if anyone else has experienced this??
Cheers
