New boy, P 38

T

tigtaf

New Member

Posts

3

Location

Folkestone

• Sep 30, 2010

• #1

Hello everyone.

I have been offered a 1997 2.5DSE 1997, it's immaculate, and all seems to work OK.

However having read various forums the P38 seems to have a very bad reputation.

Are they really that bad or is it just bad publicity.

There must be some good stories?

Cheers

 

Datatek

Well-Known Member

Posts

45,015

Location

Near Poitiers SW France

• Sep 30, 2010

• #2

They are high maintenance, but great if you are able to DIY. My DHSE has never let me down in 18 months and I have 2 mates with the same who have had no trouble. However maintenance has included air suspension bags replaced (8 years 80K miles seems to be the max life), a height sensor, aircon condensor replaced and a window regulator. Heater matrix "O" rings need doing. None of that lot amounted to any great expense as I did all the work myself.
Not bad for a 10 year old and it's the most comfortable car I have owned.

 

Last edited: Sep 30, 2010

j the range

New Member

Posts

3,927

Location

liverpool

• Sep 30, 2010

• #3

the problem with p38s, are people trying to fix them on the cheep. try and take some body with you that knows p38s. good luck..

 

F

fortgrange

Active Member

Posts

544

Location

Rickmansworth

• Sep 30, 2010

• #4

They are as reliable/un-reliable as anything else out there!! Just a bit more complex and some parts are quite expensive. Read all the forums download Rave and learn how to look after it yourself. Cheaper and not so stressfull in the long run. Take it to anything but a Rangie specialist/enthusiast and mention EAS or stray signals flattening your battery and they won't have a clue what you're on about.

Go for it, and as has been said you won't find a motor the wrong side of ten years old so comfy and enjoyable.

 

T

tigtaf

New Member

Posts

3

Location

Folkestone

• Sep 30, 2010

• #5

Thanks for the quick replys, I think I'll go for it.
What is 'rave'?

Cheers

 

T

tigtaf

New Member

Posts

3

Location

Folkestone

• Sep 30, 2010

• #6

OK

Workshop manual, found it.

Cheers

 

S

sillyboy

New Member

Posts

10

Location

I live in East london UK.

• Sep 30, 2010

• #7

hi RAVE is a lot more that a workshop manual make sure that you have RAVE the manual is rubbish.

 

lil4399

Active Member

Posts

681

Location

Gueret France

• Sep 30, 2010

• #8

Can we open a book on how long before it goes wrong? lol

when I bought mine it took 30 mins and overheated (Head f...ed)

Good luck!

 

TAKdriver

Active Member

Posts

621

Location

Beside a field in Midlothian

• Sep 30, 2010

• #9

tigtaf said:

Hello everyone.

I have been offered a 1997 2.5DSE 1997, it's immaculate, and all seems to work OK.

However having read various forums the P38 seems to have a very bad reputation.

Are they really that bad or is it just bad publicity.

There must be some good stories?

Cheers

Click to expand...

Welcome.
I have exactly the same car : I got it just under a year ago when it had some problems : I am no genius and I fixed them myself with a lot of anxiety and help from Landyzone.
Best car I have ever owned.
If you get it post your location so people know where you are. You'd be surprised how much help is on offer.
Good luck and if I can return any of the help I got I'll be happy to contribute.