Tell me Im MAD or STUPID!!!

[LandyAndy]

This is the first time Ive ever visited this area in AULRO:eek::eek::eek::eek:.
The Mrs is up for a Rangie upgrade,L322 would be nice but too many $$$$.
I have read that plenty of early P38as had issues,how are the last of them,ie 2001/2002????
I think this is what we may be looking for in the lower KM range.
Seem to be about $20000.Alot more vehicle than a D2 obviously.
Any pitfalls to be looking for????
Thanks
Andrew

[taff]

Andy your mad or stupid :D

[PaulP38a]

Neither mad nor stupid.... if you are, then you are in good company here.

The P38A is wonderful vehicle for the price. For less than $20k, there are not too many vehicles (if any) that offer the same amount of on-road refinement, utility, presence, and off-road ability as a P38A.

The 99-on models have a better reputation for finish and electrical reliability, and the Thor/Motronic Engine Management is better regarded than the earlier GEMS system.

ALL P38A's should have Electonic Air Suspension (EAS). If not, it's a castrated P38A and one of the best features is missing. EAS is not as bad as it's reputation, from those who can't be bothered. If you can't be bothered, buy a Disco 2 instead and accept the compromise.

Go for the 4.6 HSE over the 4.0 S/SE if your missus wants to be spoilt by leather, memory seats, factory subwoofer and a sunroof.

Go for 18" rims and low profile tyres over 16" rims if you want to look cool in the parking lot rather than hit the mud.

Whatever model you get, invest in a diagnostics tool such as a FaultMate MSV2 to save yourself thousands on diagnostics by mechanics and clearing fault codes.

Other than that, just the usual Landie foibles... Rover V8's don't take well to overheathing, and if it ain't leaking fluids from somewhere there must be something wrong ;)

Cheers, Paul.

[PeterH]

Hi Andrew, after 7 years of owning a Rangie classic, I just got myself a 2001 HSE 4.6 P38
They are just awesome to drive, be warned, once you drive one, you are gone!
Paul is spot on with the year to go for, post 99 update, look for the clear front indicator lenses which came in 2000.
The HSE has all the extras, leather memory seats, sunroof etc.
As with any Rangie, a service history will let you know what has been done, some people suggest a new radiator is a good thing after purchase, as you don't want to overheat them.
I am very happy with mine, makes driving a pleasure I can tell you.
Cheers, Pete.

[Fusion]

" Tell me Im MAD or STUPID!!! "

Your mad or Stupid ! [biggrin][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf]





OK . My work here is done :D;)

[willem]

This is the first time Ive ever visited this area in AULRO:eek::eek::eek::eek:.
The Mrs is up for a Rangie upgrade,L322 would be nice but too many $$$$.
I have read that plenty of early P38as had issues,how are the last of them,ie 2001/2002????
I think this is what we may be looking for in the lower KM range.
Seem to be about $20000.Alot more vehicle than a D2 obviously.
Any pitfalls to be looking for????
Thanks
Andrew

G'day Andy,

You'd be mad or stupid if you didn't look at a P38! As they say in the classics, you get a lot of bang for your buck with a P38. As Paul says, once you drive one you're hooked.

I have had mine - a 99 4.0 pov pack model - 12 months and 25 000 kms with no major problems at all. Some niggly bits with the EAS, which is getting pretty well sorted now, an oil leak which is now fixed, heater O rings replacement and a few more relatively minor things.

The car runs like a clock. I love driving it. I have put an LPG gas injection conversion on which runs faultlessly. I don't know what will happen in the future, but to date its been great. It has given me much less problems than the 95 VW Kombi Caravelle I had as a previous family car.

This is the best car I have ever owned. By a long shot.

Willem

[walker]

Andy, you must be reading my mind.

I have just started looking at exactly the same thing for the wife. I would like an Ls22 but cant afford one as a 2nd car.

Thanks everyone for the info you have given so far.

Another question I had. I was told that they tend to overheat very quickly once the ambient temp goes over 30deg. Is this just exageration (I plan to tow with mine) and if not what causes the overheating and how can you fix it. ie. if it is radiator problems can you get a bigger one or is it gallery problems in the motor???

[willem]

Andy, you must be reading my mind.

I have just started looking at exactly the same thing for the wife. I would like an Ls22 but cant afford one as a 2nd car.

Thanks everyone for the info you have given so far.

Another question I had. I was told that they tend to overheat very quickly once the ambient temp goes over 30deg. Is this just exageration (I plan to tow with mine) and if not what causes the overheating and how can you fix it. ie. if it is radiator problems can you get a bigger one or is it gallery problems in the motor???

I drove mine to Sydney and back in 40 degree plus heat and had no problems at all (Thanks Ron for fixing the aircon by replacing the relay. It made the return trip much more pleasant!). Coming out of Sydney on the way home to Geelong the radio was saying that it was 42C. I wasn't towing anything, tho I did have a roof box on the roof.

Willem

[LandyAndy]

Was trolling the net today.
Saw a 1998 HSE with 200000k in Perth,$12000.Burgundy met,looks neat as.Too many ks for me to look at I think.The mrs likes the price and the pics.Going to try and hold out for a 01/02 Vouge.They were $130000new:eek::eek::eek:,$20000 should be good buying as long as its no lemon.
Andrew

[walker]

I figured I have already rebuilt 2 4.6's for my classic Rangie, so whats another one matter. If I can get a high milage P38 cheap enough then I can spend $4-5k rebuilding the motor and tranny and everything should be good.

[HangOver]

don't know too much about them,(but i do like them) other than to relocate the computery bits away from under the seat to somewhere higher.

I was told a 2001 was the year to go for but for the life of me I can't remember why.

I do recall something about wheel bearings are a PITA and VERY expensive to replace but last about 100K.

Hope this helps good luck.

[whitakerb]

I was told a 2001 was the year to go for but for the life of me I can't remember why.



I do because I was next to you when you were told :)

2001 onwards had 4 wheel traction control


Ben

[HangOver]

I do because I was next to you when you were told :)

2001 onwards had 4 wheel traction control


Ben

oh yer, erm *cough* thats what I said didn't I ?? ;)

[Hoges]

Actually, 4 wheel traction control was fitted in mid 1999 from VIN XA 410482 made possible by the Wabco "D" ABS modulator which was part of a significant upgrade which included the Bosch (Motronic 5.2.1) EFI (previously LUCAS GEMS). A 4 pinion front diff. was also added

good luck... !

PS moving the electricals from under the driver's and passenger's seats is problematic. You may find that the lengths of some of the harnesses are critical in terms of voltage drops, pulse timing etc... If you want to play in the real wet... best buy a toy fit for purpose...

[whitakerb]

^^^ What he said

I stand corrected

Ben

[LandyAndy]

Hey Hoges
Does this mean they lost the CDL like the D2????
Not that I think it will ever need one.She hasnt found alot of use for the front and rear airlockers in her current Rangie:D:D:D:D
Andrew

[HBWC]

na andy your mad and stupid (in a good way)
got to ride in one of these today and i didn't want to get out

[PaulP38a]

Actually, 4 wheel traction control was fitted in mid 1999 from VIN XA 410482 made possible by the Wabco "D" ABS modulator which was part of a significant upgrade which included the Bosch (Motronic 5.2.1) EFI (previously LUCAS GEMS). A 4 pinion front diff. was also added


must be MY99 as opposed to CY99... mine is Feb-1999 build and has 4 wheel TC, Bosch EFI. Dunno about the diff. Also has always had the clear lamps AFAIK, until I replaced them with the silly smoked ones :p.

[willem]

must be MY99 as opposed to CY99... mine is Feb-1999 build and has 4 wheel TC, Bosch EFI. Dunno about the diff. Also has always had the clear lamps AFAIK, until I replaced them with the silly smoked ones :p.

So what are you going to do with the clear ones?

Willem

[buzz66]

So yes you are Mad and maybe a little Stupid.

Buy a really nice second hand BMW car..... NOT A 4WD.

[Grumbles]

Who cares if you're mad or stupid for wanting a P38 - I reckon it's all about me because I'm just so jealous you're going to get one. :twisted: But make it a post 2000 HSE model though.

[PaulP38a]

So what are you going to do with the clear ones?

Willem

keep them for if/when I get defected for the smoked ones :)


Who cares if you're mad or stupid for wanting a P38 - I reckon it's all about me because I'm just so jealous you're going to get one. :twisted: But make it a post 2000 HSE model though.

What's the difference between a post 2000 HSE and the MY1999 HSE? (serious question, not the lead-in to a joke)...

cheers
Paul.

[Coasting]

This is the first time Ive ever visited this area in AULRO:eek::eek::eek::eek:.
The Mrs is up for a Rangie upgrade,L322 would be nice but too many $$$$.
I have read that plenty of early P38as had issues,how are the last of them,ie 2001/2002????
I think this is what we may be looking for in the lower KM range.
Seem to be about $20000.Alot more vehicle than a D2 obviously.
Any pitfalls to be looking for????
Thanks
Andrew

Hi Andrew

Well mate I have a 2002 model HSE 4.5 bought it a couple months ago done 73000K's and it's very nice here's some pics....http://www.aulro.com/afvb/p38a-range-rover/90787-new-purchase-2.html

I had some lambs wool seats specially made even got the seat crease lines to match sure makes it nice to put your butt on ..lol the wife and I sold up and bought a 27ft van it tows beautiful so far got 22 Ltrs per 100 on the first run and seeing we won't be doing much towing mainly going to Narooma in NSW and there we'll stay I reckon, so cost won't be a problem. Around town I get 16 Ltr's per 100 varies a little but not too bad.

Great Vehicle the P38, I've had 3 rangies from 76 to 88 and this one is the best so far. Anyway hope you get to join the P38 club very soon let's know how you go.

Regards
Coasting

[Hoges]

G'day coasting,
your note re the new lambswool seat covers prompts me to ask whether they cover the whole of the squab or are essentially an insert...the reason being that the front seats have airbags in the sides of the squabs... if they're constrained by well sewn seat covers, it may cause added angst in the event of the unthinkable!!!:eek:


Quote: "What's the difference between a post 2000 HSE and the MY1999 HSE? (serious question, not the lead-in to a joke)..."

Hi Paul, you're correct re. MY99 vs CY99...the model is referred to as a "mid year" upgrade...so it is probably the "mid MY" !
I haven't seen a post 2000 in detail to make a comparo: I suspect it was a few little things like a power plug in the rear, maybe some minor differences in instrument panel /HEVAC set up etc

[Grumbles]

Hello Paul. This is the way I see it.

It was the modified Lucas system on the 1999 HSE which I would avoid. And maybe this is just for USA P38s and not Aussie P38s???? see below. I'm happy to be corrected on this if I'm wrong.

The other thing is that my personal preference is for the second year run of any major model update, ergo the 2000 year model over the 1999 year. Some or most of the manufacturing 'anomolies' for want of a better word may have been ironed out after a year of production and owner warranty repairs.

1999 (http://www.rangerovers.net/modelspecs/1999.html): Engines receive new intake manifold and Bosch engine controls for more low and midrange torque. Electronic Traction Control extended to all four wheels; larger subwoofer installed. Callaway 4.6 HSE limited edition appears with 240 hp engine and body color bumpers. The engine has a modified Lucas EFI system instead of the Bosch system on regular models.

2000 (http://www.rangerovers.net/modelspecs/2000.html): Addition of air injection reactor (smog pump) on the engine, further complicating repair work. "Round effect headlights" introduced. Several new model designations, each with minor cosmetic trim variations.

Cheers Grumbles.

[Hoges]

G'day Grumbles

No Callaway available in Oz unless private import...

Air injection not required here so wasn't fitted...

Fom "DIY data" and other sources there appears to no significant increase in TSBs, recalls etc re. MY99 (post VIN XA 410482 ) vs MY2000 models...

cheers

[Coasting]

G'day coasting,
your note re the new lambswool seat covers prompts me to ask whether they cover the whole of the squab or are essentially an insert...the reason being that the front seats have airbags in the sides of the squabs... if they're constrained by well sewn seat covers, it may cause added angst in the event of the unthinkable!!!:eek:


Quote: "What's the difference between a post 2000 HSE and the MY1999 HSE? (serious question, not the lead-in to a joke)..."

Hi Paul, you're correct re. MY99 vs CY99...the model is referred to as a "mid year" upgrade...so it is probably the "mid MY" !
I haven't seen a post 2000 in detail to make a comparo: I suspect it was a few little things like a power plug in the rear, maybe some minor differences in instrument panel /HEVAC set up etc

Hi Hoges

I am fully aware of the side air bag situation and so was the guy that made them, they are specially made to accomodate those, also the arm rests and the back map pockets. He made them to suit my seats and did a very nice job... $650 later but when you consider the alternatives well worth it.

Regards
Coasting

[PaulP38a]

I am fully aware of the side air bag situation and so was the guy that made them, they are specially made to accomodate those, also the arm rests and the back map pockets. He made them to suit my seats and did a very nice job... $650 later but when you consider the alternatives well worth it.


I'd pay $650 for a good set of side-airbag-friendly lambswool seat covers to cover the tatty cloth seats in my 1999 "Pov Pack"... I don't think the black leather interior I've been hanging out for is going to become available any time soon :eek:

Coasting - can your upholsterer do them in black and will he post to Canberra?

Cheers, Paul.

[Coasting]

I'd pay $650 for a good set of side-airbag-friendly lambswool seat covers to cover the tatty cloth seats in my 1999 "Pov Pack"... I don't think the black leather interior I've been hanging out for is going to become available any time soon :eek:

Coasting - can your upholsterer do them in black and will he post to Canberra?

Cheers, Paul.

Hi Paul

Well I will ask him and get a price to post to Canberra, if he can't and you have patience .:eek: I am coming to Narooma in April and can say get them for you and bring them with me. I'll get back to you tomorrow and let you know what he said.

Regards
Coasting

[Coasting]

Hi Paul

I asked the guy and he said he can do that most likely the postage would be $20 with a Max. of $30 The Total cost would be a Max of $680 for the two front seats, including head rest. He fits around the arm rests and allows for the side air bags, he folds the back into the map pockets.

He would take my measurements off my seats and that should be fine for yours seeing we both have a P38. You may have noticed that you can't get between the back rest and the seats, he gets around this by putting velcro under the bottom of the seats at the back, and Velcro in the crease where the seat meets the back where you sit, mine came out very well so I can't see any reason why yours wouldn't be the same.

If you want to go ahead or maybe ring the guy for more info here's his contact details....
03 53361060 True Blue Sheepskins

I can be your go between if you want, he's a very nice guy to deal with.
My mobile is ... 0407872821 (Russell)

Regards
Coasting

[PaulP38a]

If you want to go ahead or maybe ring the guy for more info here's his contact details....
03 53361060 True Blue Sheepskins

I can be your go between if you want, he's a very nice guy to deal with.
My mobile is ... 0407872821 (Russell)


Thanks Coasting - I shall give him a call tomorrow and let you know how I go.

Sorry for hijacking the thread LandyAndy... go on, buy a P38A and you too can get excited about unnecessary but comfy accessories at 3 times the price of an off-the-shelf item for a "normal" 4WD :D

Cheers, Paul.

[DT-P38]

Hey Landy Andy,

In response to the original part of this thread, I reckon YES you are both mad and stupid! However, be happy because you will never suffer an identity crisis when you are this easily categorised!!!

You can also be assured that you will never have a lack of pleasure or pain in your life with one of these in the shed either... just listen to the rattlings of all the P38 nuts bouncing around in this forum! Oh, and if you do listen, I bet you will be guided to the best possible variant for your budget. I would also bet that if a drama ever does occur, these sages and their pages can provide guidance on nearly every problem a P38 has ever had andhow to deal with it! Personal Handy hint if repair bills (or the occasional head f%*#'s) ever start getting too much: take yourself off road and shame a few LC or Patrol drivers! And if thats not immediately possible, stay on road, punch the Sport button and embarrass those and just about all other 4WD/family sedan drivers in the price bracket!!!

But truly, in my experience, I would just say don't make a half hearted commitment to the type... I reckon you need to look at any P38 purchase as being for the mid to long term. The bonus is that then you can more easily justify any unforeseen extra $'s that could need to be spent!

Oh yeah, and even though I generally take my close to standard '95 HSE just about anywhere, don't go thinking you can set one up for FULL ON off roading cheaply. A lot of stuff you would buy "off the shelf" for most others just aint available (cheaply anyway)... e.g. we still don't have a proper set of togg's (snorkel) for swimming one, and any sort of bar/plate/protective stuff is either rare or pricey (or both)!

NOTE: None of the above is intended to bag or bash the breed, I just reckon people should keep in mind what they were bred for. And in saying that, there are good examples around of how to push the boundaries if you have the bucks!!!

ENJOY!

[Hoges]

x2! Indeed, am patiently putting mine through what my son refers to as a "T check" ;) in preparation for a recce to the Cape next year. I seriously lusted after a Defender... including because it is a "big box" which lends itself to serious travelling mods. However, with the P38's rear seats removed and a false floor" on runners (...a la Dodge Nitro) the interior begins to offer promise.. and the chassis etc is built like the proverbial brick ablution block... after all... why travel economy when business first is available :twisted: Ha! if only a 3L diesel were available for retrofit...