P38A Vs Disco 11

It's my 4th post here, and the 1st in the RR section.
I've been looking at P38s (bosch motronic ones post '99) since 2002.
In 2004 I bought my 2nd D2 (1st one was a TD5 which I sold in 2006), that time a v8 5 speed. The other candidate was a P38.

In 2007 I tested another P38 to buy it, it was a late 2000-2001 model, somewhat neglected (had a hose closae to blowing up and air springs did need renewing, could not select low range as lever was seized to lack of use and the owner asked silly money for it) so I turned my back and walked away, and still regret that.

I went for a D3 instead, a V8 as well, but I loved the way the P38 drove and handled, I loved the driving position over my D2 and my D3.
My D2 feels heavier and less agile than the P38, just for the shorter wheelbase and longer rear overhang. The P38 4.6 just seemed lighter and sportier than the D2, even my other RRClassic tdi feels more agile in bends than my D2 (even it's a V8 with ACE)

That P38 I tested 4 years ago is again for sale, and another very nice 30th anniversary P38 has come up for sale as well.

I've been studying the P38 workshop manual for years, have my faultmates both in my d2 and d3, would buy as well the MSV for the P38. know the o-ring issue, the HEVAC issue and how to rebuild compressors and valve blocks, have rebuilt my Santana brakes at the side of the road, rebuilt my Santana alternator, changed myself all bushes in my Santana and D2, but still do not know if the P38 is the car for me, I mean, if it could be a long-term sensible purchase.

And as the months and years go by, cars age and the chance to find a good looked after P38 vanishes as time goes by. Would like to do something before it's too late. But is it the right thing?
Notice that I've only driven Land Rovers my whole life, I have never, ever, owned a "normal " car, state, saloon, or off roaders., since 1992, that is when I got my driving licence

BEst regards

Robert

Hmmm.....half a page to tell us you have talked yourself in to buying a P38. Now all you have to do is go out and buy one. :D

But save yourself some potential stress and wallet grief. Buy the 'right' P38 ie a well maintained P38 which has been well serviced by Landy people. Patience is the key to buying well here as there are many on the market but few worth buying. And it is a buyers market - never forget this.

Oh yeah - welcome to the world of RR ownership.

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Originally Posted by Grumbles

Hmmm.....half a page to tell us you have talked yourself in to buying a P38. Now all you have to do is go out and buy one. :D

But save yourself some potential stress and wallet grief. Buy the 'right' P38 ie a well maintained P38 which has been well serviced by Landy people. Patience is the key to buying well here as there are many on the market but few worth buying. And it is a buyers market - never forget this.

Oh yeah - welcome to the world of RR ownership.

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You are completely right, but if it has to be a Bosch engine (easier to find spares and ECUS in the near future), non-SAI equipped, green or blue, with gray interior, or a 30th anniversary, they are becoming rare as hen's teeth.

That particular 30th had benefitted from a new engine 2 years ago (cracked block, you know).

At present I'm stuck with my D2 and RRC rolling restorations, don't know if I will keep my D2, D3, or both, but should I sell them, a P38 is the only choice. So far.

Best regards
Robert

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Originally Posted by anthmc

I have a 96 p38 and I love it
Put a set of 265 75 r16 on and she gets through the softest sand.

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What make and type?

As above, i'd like to know if you have issues with scrubbing! I decided to get 255/70's on mine because of apparent scrubbing issues with 265/75's!

Hi all,
I PMed "anthmc" the same question earlier and here is his response below

They are Kumho Ecsta X3
I was going with the same profile and brand but in a more aggressive tread but they ran out and offered them at the same price.
My mate went with the top of the range Coppers on his Disco 2.
Once you let them down to 15 psi up at Lancelin on the dunes and beach she is fine.
Robs Disco is about the same but with the tires fully inflated his will dig better.
It all depends on how often you will use them.
I would Still get the Kumho’s for beach but possibly the KL78’s
If you want side wall strength go the Coopers
The higher profile also makes the P38 rock a bit more from side to side, so stay with the 255 65 r16’s if you want to avoid that.
Also when the Rangie is still lowed to highway mode the fronts will rub the guards as you turn into a driveway, manually raise it before hand.

A couple of candidates for you, neither is real cheap, but there isn't much around at the moment that is any good.

RANGE ROVER RANGE ROVER HSE - Braybrook - VIC - $ 15,990.00


RANGE ROVER RANGE ROVER - Broadbeach - QLD - $ 17,990.00

I viewed the Silver one in Braybrook when purchasing mine in December. It will need new airbags among other things suspension wise. It has also seen off-road time judging by the undercarriage.

The one in Broadbeach however, I have not viewed.

Cheers
Keith

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Originally Posted by Keithy P38

I viewed the Silver one in Braybrook when purchasing mine in December. It will need new airbags among other things suspension wise. It has also seen off-road time judging by the undercarriage.


Keith

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I knew there was something they weren't telling. Just seemed too cheap for this model especially from a dealer.

It's still a good car with low k's and runs great! For me, the price was too high considering the use it's had. If they were to replace the bags with Gen III's and replace all of the bushes and driveline fluids, i'd buy it at that price.

Make sure (to all) if you are looking at a schmick rangie, to check the undercarriage (not just the bags) so you know if someone has simply detailed it very well! The car yards seem to think that you can detail a 4x4 without doing the undercarriage, becasue its a rangie it should have never seen off-road time :-p