Thread: Ok.Convince Me....P38 or another Disco.

Originally Posted by Stephen Price

Call me ignorant, go on! But I thought a P38 was a leyland from the 70's with a boot you can play football in! Or in the words of Pauline Hanson "Please explain"

Steve

Your thinking P76

Originally Posted by Stephen Price

Call me ignorant, go on! But I thought a P38 was a leyland from the 70's with a boot you can play football in! Or in the words of Pauline Hanson "Please explain"

Steve

I think you are thinking P76


A P38 looks like this



SLIGHT difference

Originally Posted by dirtdodger

"lusting over a P38. A 2001 Dse, 100,000 Ks, asking price low 20s."

Goodaye "Dirtdodger",
Be careful, not sure if it was a typo or not but Australia never got the Dse, We only ever had V8 engines, 4.0Ltr & 4.6Ltr, HSE, SE & S, from 95-02my's.
We never received from the factory or Australian orders for a Dse (diesel).
Factory fitment was the BMW 3.0ltr 6Cyl diesel, which had lots of head problems but this was only for Europe/UK. I have seen a few imports & a nice machine, but parts (specialised) would be a problem to get.

The P38a is a nice vehicle, it does have its gremlins, but is very capable & comfortable offroad, the later ones i have seen (bosch injection) have more power & seem to be more reliable. The EAS has its finical faults, but if u are electrically trained fault finding is easier for some, This is the common fault EAS sits on its bump stops & u end up with a harsh ride-with no kidney belt.
But this only equates to the petrol engined vehicles in Aus.

Good luck hunting..All the best

You are right I was thinking P76 but a bloke in Cowra bought one when they were brand new and was later heard in the Ford dealership saying "what do you think of my P38" When the dealer said "isn't that P76" the owner replied "No It's only half a F#####g car"! True story, my farther was there to buy a Fairlane. For some reason the P38 bit seems to have stuck!
At least now I know what a P38 is when mentioned in Land Rover circles.
Steve.

I love my P38. But it doesn't love me.

The whole bosch/GEMS debate is bit of hoo har to me, as I haven't seen the engine management electronics fail yet, its all the other gizmo's which got the updates. If anything, the cooling fans on the bosch management computers fail. No fans on the Gems.

The liner issue is a big concern, there's a few getting about now with top hat liners to permanently solve the issue.

I have seen a DSE here, sounded like a damn tractor! The dealer said it was not an overly nice car to drive power wise, never driven one myself.

Electrical gremlins galore! Allthough ask P38 Ron he has great luck with his

If you really are intent on doing all your own servicing you might want to take into account the occasional need for expensive diagnostics gear ($1500 plus) or have a good relationship with a garage who allready has the goods!

Also if driving around in something like this doesnt scare you - go for it

Originally Posted by dirtdodger

My first post........Been lurking for too long, so it's time to leap in.

I have a problem. I acquired a mint condition Disco recently to use as my daily driver, tow the boat, and go bush. But...........The little lady took to it like
the proverbial duck to water.

Yeah. My Disco is now a shopping trolley, and it's time to replace my old Patrol for something younger.
I have looked at a few DIIs that have potential, but have ben lusting over a
P38. A 2001 Dse, 100,000 Ks, asking price low 20s.

I believe the P38 has similar electrical gremlins that the DII has.
However, does a P38 make a "good used 4wd", electrickery aside?

I do all my own maintenance, including the electrics, and I am not dependent on the stealers, but would a P38 still bankrupt me?

I dont know anyone who owns a P38, so a little first hand knowledge would be appreciated, and never seen a P38 in the bush to see how they perform.

Or should I just "have a lie down" until the feeling goes away and go buy another disco?

I have searched various forums including Aulro but there is not a lot of info out there. Maybe you guys can guide me with some pearls of wisdom.
Thanks in advance and thanks for a site that has lotsa good techo information.

welcome, you could do far worse than have a chat to ron(p38arover i think). i found him honest and knowledgeable re p38s. ron loves them, but he wont pull any punches. good luck.

thanks rob.

Speak to Ron, he will give you the most honest answer. I personally would get one and have come close to a couple so far, I have been told if I get one get a post 2000 model as the others are a bit problematic. Mind you I think they look great, they are great to drive and would by one in a flash next time I get a chance, simply said if you want one you will get it and suck it up if there is problems

If you like technology,, the P38 will feed it to you by the shovel.

I think everyone should own one,,
at least once