Wannabe Rangie driver in need of help.

Hello to all on this site. I am seriously considering buying a P38 Range Rover but i don't know a lot about them.

I have loved the look of these awesome machines for some time now and my recent dabble in the off road scene is fuelling my passion.

I am looking to buy one between a 94 and a 98 if possible but i don't know wether to buy a 4.6 petrol or 2.5 diesel. I do about 400 miles a month in my current car including frequent trips from Taunton to Newquay (about once a month).

I have heard some horror stories about both engines and the P38 itself but i've never worried too much about that sort of thing.

Does anybody have any advice which could help me with my decision?

Try this link, if you have any further specific questions about the horror stories you've heard come back and we'll try to answer them best we can.

Buying a P38A Range Rover

For what it's worth matey, I have just bought a '99 4.6HSE with 78k. I've had it 2 weeks, and although I live in constant fear of the next dashboard illumination, it is a fabulous machine. I totally recommend it. Although the 4.6 is punchier, I would've bought a 4.0 if a good one had come along. I personally would not go for the diesel unless the economy really is important to you. If you are doing cruise trips as you say, you can expect to get a comfortable 20-22mpg if its well serviced and not knackered.

I would try and get a low miler (sub 90k) and as much of a service history as you can - poorly serviced examples will be much more likely to suffer faults. Obviously as late a model as possible as they progressively ironed out many of the annoying faults as the years passed. Post 99's are the best.

The kit on the HSE is superb. Electric everything, the mirrors dip when you reverse, and even the rearview dips automatically when it detects headlights behind you - nice touch.

I filled the 4.6 last weekend and it too £70.32 to fill. I've done 85 miles so far and the needle is just off 3/4 - alot better than I expected, but I have been driving like an old lady (apart from two major burn-offs to test the sports mode).

Take your time, find a good example and go for it!

JC