Thread: Seriously considering getting a P38A

You're a loonie!

Originally Posted by Ranga

...

Anyway, due to recent threads here about the good value to be had in P38A models, I've been dong a bit of looking and thinking, and it does seem you can get a lot of car for the money.

... nor do I have any mechanical skills worth mentioning. Similarly, I don't have the biggest budget in the world.

...
Ultimately, the biggest concern is reliability and repair costs... I'm lucky to live 5 minutes from MR, so am comfortable with the quality of repairs, I just don't know about the costs.

....

You are indeed mad mate. All I can say is that you are very well placed being so close to MR.

If you would like a great drive, and a hell of a lot less to go wrong and a more resolved vehicle, go and buy a V8 Disco II, with leather interior.

P38A's are, as a general rule, for those who are happy to spend the dosh on running them (repairs - contunuing niggles usually) because they love them (the look, feel and poshness say) and those who are mechanically minded and its not their primary drive car.

Cheers

Cheers

hmmm... glad I asked here first!

Think I'll just keep looking for a diesel Disco

Reliability has not ever been an issue in 10 years for my P38.
The only time it has stopped/didnt go was when the Mrs left the lights on and killed the battery.
Yes things do wear out and you must stay on top of it or things get out of hand.
Parts are expensive for sure.
Fuel economy if you can get an early P38 under 20L/100km round town tell me how PLS.
Country driving they are good at 12.5-13.5L/100km for me no matter what im doing with it.
If you cant afford to spend at least $1000 a year on it maintenance wise stay away from them.
But if you have one you will love it i assure you.
I bought a TD5 with leather ACE and all the fruit and i sold it after 3 months and kept the P38.
I do like the new diesel RR and the TDV6 though and will possibly move onto one of these soon.

Reliability is not an issue, maintenance is. Unless you can afford for someone else to do the work or DIY look elsewhere. Parts are reasonably cheap from the UK for any PLANNED jobs. Buy one that has not been looked after and you will regret it unless you plan for the overdue repair bills
12 to 13 litres per 100k is only achievable on a run, look more at 15 to 16

My next car, another P38.
Best leave them to the enthusiasts unless you want to become one

I'm with the P38 lads (being one myself)! I've been a very satisfied P38 owner for nearly 2yrs now. I even lend mine to the old's when i'm out at work! I have a faultmate and when purchased I cleared my fault codes and have had none since.

Change the oil, plugs, filters and give it a wash like any other car - it's just the same! I have not come across any job that i'm not willing to tackle so far (except auto tranny fluid change - I hate doing them). I've flushed the radiator twice, replaced a water pump and got a nice set of muddies - exact same as any other car on the road! No extra expense!

I hope you get one, they are really great to drive and very capable off road in standard form. Mine's currently getting decked out to do Cape York, and i've done heaps of long remote trips in mine so far! Don't believe the comments about poor reliability, keep it serviced and you'll be rewarded.

Cheers
Keithy

P38s seem to be like old Jaguars. They are one of the most abused cars on the road (by people that dont/cant be bothered maintaining them).
Sure stuff goes wrong around the car but when you look at how complex they are and the level of spec you would expect stuff to go wrong with them window motors, sunroof, EAS, blend motors, central locking etc. None of these things will stop it though.
Yes i agree off road they seem pretty good i have only been bogged one time in 10yrs.
Hey Keithy i see you are in Townsville a trip to the cape is a walk up the rd for you.
I drove up to Cooktown ish in June from Sydney via Emergen crk and home 10 days not a bad run and the P38 lapped it up.

That's a good drive - mine recently did melbourne to townsville in 5 days also!! I didnt have the codes for my faultmate on me so i winged it and the only drama I had was alternator brushes died in Canberra (could have happened to anyone, just happened to me)!!