A new P38A owner? I hope so...

4X4V8 · 30th November 2011, 06:45 PM

Hi all, it is time I need a good 4WD and tow vehicle, and I always seem to come back to Land Rover products when I need my own 4WD. Who knows why

I have been away from Aulro for three years, after selling my last D2. It was a very good example, but still cost me $3k in maintenance in 6mths... I simply couldn't afford the luxury at the time. Now I am looking at buying my dream Land Rover, and perhaps, finally, at a price I can afford.

Now I am looking at a P38A. I'm far more willing to have a go on the spanners than 3yrs ago, with plenty of time working on an old Holden in the last 2 years to re-familliarise myself,and there is a big difference in investment here. I spent $13k buying my last Disco, the P38A I am looking at would be much, much cheaper, and I am more happy getting stuck into it myself - I can't afford $100 p/hour labour. I'll rebuild the engine myself, if needed, and air suspension and blend motors... a piece of cake, albeit hours of 'learning' labour...

I am really pleased by the advances in the commonsense, cheaper alternatives to owning this luxury 4WD in just 3 years. I have always wanted one, and finally it seems I will, without going broke. There appears ways around the on-board computers now that make it possible to own one of these great vehicles without being at the mercy of your local Land Rover dealer should that damned warning symbol appear.

I have always wondered why the P38A has hung in there in resale values compared with the Classic on the used market, given its so-so reputation. Well, finally prices seem to be getting realistic for the older, more tired P38As, at least.

I shall keep you posted, but one way or another (P38A or Classic), it's a Rangie for me.

Thanks for such a great, informative and friendly forum!

**Grumbles** · 30th November 2011, 07:11 PM

You are just going to fit [or is that re-rit?] in here so well 4x4V8

I'm not sure I follow you with the 'holding' value bit though. But what I have seen of P38s and Classics for sale and I am a keen 'watcher' of used car web sites is that there seem to be some pretty optimistic sellers out there.

Good luck in your hunt. Is the hunt more exciting than the prize itself- sometimes yes....hehe.

Cheers
Grumbles.

4X4V8 · 30th November 2011, 09:51 PM

Ah, you are a cruel man, Grumbles, but so right! But I hope that whatever the hunt finds, this time it's a keeper. I have wanted a P38A for a long, long time after many, many short taste tests. As a great campaign once stated, 'It's time'.

**Grumbles** · 1st December 2011, 06:28 AM

Here's a tempter. Did you see that $5000 Rangie Classic for sale in Redfern?[Car Sales]. It looks and sounds really great and has been advertised for a while with no takers. Not a P38 but.........

Perhaps it's been waiting just for you...........

**PeterAllen** · 1st December 2011, 10:13 AM

have a look at the P38 on car sales 4.6l 230kms in S.A for $6000 ONO.
has stainless steel exhaust, looks a good buy and with full service books.
Think it was dark blue from memory.

**redandy3575** · 1st December 2011, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

have a look at the P38 on car sales 4.6l 230kms in S.A for $6000 ONO.
has stainless steel exhaust, looks a good buy and with full service books.
Think it was dark blue from memory.

Yeah i saw that also, though would want to be 100% sure about the vehicle before shelling out your hard earned. I'm a bit sceptical about buying cars in SA as their roadworthy laws are quiet slack compared to Victoria and particularly NSW. NSW vehicles has always been my pick in the second hand game as the mandatory annual roadworthy keeps the P38s in better shape underneath and mechanically.

4X4V8 · 1st December 2011, 05:19 PM

I just saw the P38 I was hoping to buy today, but it was more of a project than I'd be willing to take on. I couldn't even get to start it (battery completely dead, car been sitting for months; a battery pack revived the electrics, but not enough juice to kick the engine over). Among the dozens of smaller issues it had, the coolant reservoir was bone dry. It all became too hard. It would have been cheap, but also was pretty nasty.

I'll keep looking but basically I think I'll have to settle for a good Classic rather than a bad P38. Oh well

**wayneg** · 1st December 2011, 07:50 PM

I think you would do very well to steer clear of any cars needing major TLC for your first purchase of a p38 as you appear to have done. Did you have a look at the one on carsales mentioned in the previous posts. $6k for a car which supposedly has a sevice history with recent big ticket items replaced, inc tyres. Also has a front bar. Looks like a car worth investigating.

http://http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/land%20rover-range%20rover-1996-11641993'vertical=Car&cr=8&eapi=2&__N=1216%201282% 204294965541%204294965478&distance=25&silo=Stock&R ange=Price:5000,7500~1&sort=default

**ytt105** · 1st December 2011, 08:04 PM

Give me a week or two and my 96 4.6 HSE, dual fuel, will be for sale.

I've just bought a 1999 HSE.

Its been a great unit and I've done all the usual repairs, ie. air bags, valve block and compressor rebuild, plus heaps more.

Will advertise here first as soon as I'm ready.

**Keithy P38** · 1st December 2011, 10:16 PM

There's also a red P38 on carsales for $12k that appears to be a looker! Rebuilt motor, 3 new bags, new compressor and some other stuff, with good looking leather too :-)

That'd be my pick over the very tempting classics out there! There are two that are going cheap but appear to be quite well maintained and optioned!

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