Saying Hi

[Fish78]

Hi Boys,

First post for me here, ive been reading posts for awhile and decided it was time i should join.

RRs have always caught my attention and soon i hope to be joining you as a LR/RR owner.

Ok.., quick history and a few Qs.

Ive owned a few 4WDs, currently have an inherited Bravo Dual cab, which is ok for what it is but lacks in most things im looking for, namely some lux and a bit of power with real off-roading ability. A mix that is rare unless you have $100k plus.

Im a Mt Isa boy,(Qld mining town) now NSW refugee, former mine worker, my company car there was a Kowari, purpose built underground 4x4, 4cyl 3.9l Cummings, tough as nails etc.

Wouldn't call myself an expert off road, but that job required some interesting driving techniques lol, 1km underground, pitch darkness, 45c 200% Humidity (if thats possible lol) and usualy at least 1m of water to drive around in, also did a bit with an off road club and some very silly things in my old GQ Patrol.:p

Now, i know a bit about P38s and the tendency for them to need atttention, so its either a Jeep Grand or a RR...and im not really a Jeep kind of guy;)

Decisions, 1 i spend up to $20k on a reasonable 99-2000 with lowish Ks and hope/wait for it to break.

2. Spend 10ish, get what i can, put another 10ish into it, hope that after done its desire for attention wares off?, im handy enough with a spanner, Father in law is a grease monkey so might be possible?

Will be used as a daily driver and will be taken on some decent trips.

couple of other small things;

Dual battery?
Lockers?
Second/larger tank?

Id appreciate anyone's input and opinion.

Thanks.
Craig.

[Landy Smurf]

welcome

[Junosi]

Dual battery?
Lockers?
Second/larger tank?

Hi Craig and welcome. History and maintenance are both pretty big important things when buying a P38 - if its ever been overheated steer clear or be prepared to rebuild the engine. If you go the $20k route make sure you know everything you can about it. For myself I'd be going for a cheaper initial purchase price with the best engine and tidiest body I could find - then spend the extra on common problems - cooling system, airbags etc.

Dual battery - fitting is same as any other vehicle - there's room by the main crank battery if you replace it with a smaller sized one. Alternatively there's room in the spare tyre well once you remove the largely useless standard tool holder thingo.

Lockers - not as necessary as a lot of other 4wds as P38's have quite a capable traction control system already - rear wheel only on early ones and all four on later models. I'd say see how you go first then decide on the lockers.

Haven't seen any mods for larger/second tank. I've gone lpg myself so have 80 litres lpg onboard as well as the 100litres of petrol.

[DT-P38]

Let me see your choices come down to RR or Jeep GC? You do belong in this "wallet abusing", "mental health denying" nut house!!! :p:D:p
Welcome aboard!

Yeah, agree with all Junosi said, but I would be trying for a later version with known history... therein lies the problem though. How do you trust a history that you didn't see?

Not sure of exact particulars of it, but there is a nice clean one that "Aussie" on here might be saying fair well to soon. He has already done a lot of stuff to get it up to a good standard.

And besides, he won't let me pinch the fresh and pretty bits off it so someone may as well get the benefit. Try PM'ing Aussie if you interestred.

Dave & the pig

[Aussie]

Gday Fish

I know a bloke who's selling a fantastic P38 with heaps of work done too it,99 model too..lol

[Fish78]

Thanks boys,

Aussie, feel free to send me some details mate if you are wanting to sell.

DT...yeah mate lol....RR and Jeep are prob not the wisest choices lol, i used to own a GQ, was great in the bush but bit rough everywhere else, that was before wife and 2 kids came along.

The biggest thing i guess, is it possible to make a P38 reliable?

I mean, say the majic fairy came in and said you boys here can go on a trip to the Cape or the Simpson TOMORROW, all exp paid, fuel food etc, could you take your RR with confidence?

I know that's sort of a hard/stupid question but...with the basics already done and servicing on schedule etc..

Im willing to spend the time and some money..lol? to get it right.

[PaulP38a]

Hi Fish - welcome aboard mate.

Would I take mine to the Cape tomorrow? Nope... but I'd like to once I finish doing all the bits and pieces to it that I want.

The key to making the P38a reliable IMHO is regular servicing like Junosi said, and being prepared for the unexpected. Take the time to get to know the Rangie well, and don't be afraid to try stuff yourself. A copy of RAVE (CD Workshop Manul) is a must-have and a diagnostics tool to read and clear faults in the various ECU's.

Lots of good info here and over at RangeRovers.net about P38a's.

Cheers, Paul.