Buying P38

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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!:D

Karl.
 
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.:D

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. :confused::rolleyes: Oh well, if it ain't broke, I shouldn't worry I guess...
 
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. :confused::rolleyes: Oh well, if it ain't broke, I shouldn't worry I guess...

Obviously your P38 has different wiring to the cig lighter than my 2. On mine the cig lighter is dead with the ignition off.
 
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
 
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