Thread: I found a P38, but do I want it?

Conversations like this make me scared to purchase a p38. They are relatively cheap for what you get but it seems like a bloody money trap. I'm not keen on spending the buying price again on a vehicle because it can't keep itself together for 200,000 k's. Seems like the radiator hoses don't last more than 150,000 k's.

Brian.

Originally Posted by goanna_shire

Seems like the radiator hoses don't last more than 150,000 k's.

I don't think I would trust any radiator hoses, P38 or not, at 150000km.

Originally Posted by goanna_shire

Conversations like this make me scared to purchase a p38. They are relatively cheap for what you get but it seems like a bloody money trap. I'm not keen on spending the buying price again on a vehicle because it can't keep itself together for 200,000 k's. Seems like the radiator hoses don't last more than 150,000 k's.

Brian.

I would rebuild the engine myself if it happened to me. I have never rebuilt one, mind, but there is one way to learn...

At least the P38 engine can be re-built. If the D3 TDV6 goes, it's $25k for a new one. Jeep Gr Cherokees also seem to blow the 4.7V8 fairly regularly, don't know why.

HI

I came across an insteresting artcile today ...

"The arrival in May 1995 of the first new Range Rover in 25 years left many underwhelmed after the long wait delivered a more conservative design. Yet bling-loaded, porkier replacements have since highlighted its timeless and restrained appointments and looks, fine balance between size and function and the authentic Land Rover offroad heritage before BMW or Ford were involved."

Buyer's Guide: 1995-02 Range Rover P38 S/SE/HSE-News & Reviews-Unique Cars

Steve

I call chicken ;-)

People only seem to read bad reviews on P38's. Most are due to poor service history, others are because people only seem to speak up when something goes wrong.

Hands up how many people here have been stranded out bush/away from home in their P38??

Mine has always got me home - except last year when my crank pos sensor died 500m from home. A sensor that after 14 years of service had finally given up the ghost!

Some things are worth waiting for, if you dwell on niggly things you may well miss the best opportunity you'll ever find.

If you are worried, get a pro to check it out!

Don't let a bargain slip though...

Cheers
Keithy

The other big decider for me would be if you are ok to repair and maintain yourself or if you will be dependent on others.

There are too many 'combat indicaters' going on here. Engine warm when you arrived. Warning lights/indicators that appear and disappear. EAS that won't play the game. Smoke from the rear of the engine.
I'd say you already have made up your mind you are just looking for reasons not to let a bargain slip away! But is it really a bargain?
And lastly, and only in my opinion. Learning to build your first engine in your "new" car is a recipe for disappointment.
Walk away, there are a market full of P38s

Cheers, and good luck.

HI

I waited for six months looking for what I wanted and so far it's been a good investment.

I expected that it was going to cost a few thousand and take a year or two to really go through the vehicle.

It really depends what you want from a P38

Steve