Thread: What are P38As really worth

Originally Posted by BigJon

Almost literally peanuts . Just ask Scouse what he paid for his... .

They're even cheaper now !!
A mate of mine just bought a '98 P38 for $2000.

There's a catch though but it will only cost him around $1500 or so to fix (and he's a LR tech).

Hmm. I might have to keep an eye out for one myself...

As nice these P38's are, I hope you realise what you are taking on. They are not for the faint hearted. I had people come here in tears after getting a quote for 2 ECU's,New air bags and and finding sliped liners when the hoses kept blowing off etc. May be Ok if you source your own. Neveeeeer through a dealer or so called specialist. I'n not saying they are any more prone to dramas. But if they have them. Know what to expect.

Originally Posted by 4X4V8

I spent a long time re-reading the numerous threads on P38A and discovered two things:

1. Like lots of forums, there is lots of 'talk' of problems people have heard, but this is like Chinese whispers. Someone says 'I took my dog for a walk' and the 10th person down the line eventually hears "his dog bit a bloke". I get the feeling that, yes, the P38A has problems, but not all P38As bite.

2. So the P38A is 'notorious' for its problems, but I bet none of you can tell me with a straight face that a Freelander (especially) is the best of British. As for the cost of repairs, I'll be educating myself (thanks to the great resources available) on how to keep up maintenance myself. It seems over time there have been various fixes and short-cuts to repair the P38A.

I admit I must be slightly mad for wanting to buy one, but I have always liked them since first driving them in 1995. Sometimes you just have to go with what you like, and not be 'sensible'. I got 'sensible' by selling my D2 a year ago and regretted it ever since. In my case, I'll only do 4-5000km a year anyway, and only fire trails off-road.

I want the youngest, lowest kays model I can find and if it's a 4.0-litre, I am guessing I won't lose much ultimate performance, I'll get slightly better economy and a slightly better chance a liner won't slip than with a 4.6.

From all the posts I have read the difference is considerable,, with better fuel consumption to boot,,

dont fool yourself about the liners---

overheat a 4L V8 at your own peril!!

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

From all the posts I have read the difference is considerable,, with better fuel consumption to boot,,

dont fool yourself about the liners---

overheat a 4L V8 at your own peril!!

Yes, all so true Stick with the later low kays with good history and it will be fine. The Rule is More gizmo's = more trouble

Might be worth investigating the 99 ignition change to Bosche. I've owned a Classic, a D2 and now a P38. My 4.0 P38 with Bosche ignition is the best on fuel by a long shot. My uncle owns a 98 P38 (pre bosche) and it does not get the economy I do. He might just have a lead foot but look into it, this was a pleasant surprise for me.

PS. Loved the Classic, liked the D2 but after 10 years of driving V8 LR's the P38 is my favourite so far.

Cheers Steve.

I have a 00 D2 and am looking at a P38. Save two @ Ritters...
2002 67,000kms...$44k
2000 110,000kms...$32k...
My problem is I don't have time to fix problems...don't mind paying a bit more IF i am getting a better unit...hmmmm....would I by one from auction/wholesaler...I bought my D2 like that 4 years ago with 60,000kms on clock for $10k less then a dealer...

Originally Posted by meggsie

I have a 00 D2 and am looking at a P38. Save two @ Ritters...
2002 67,000kms...$44k
2000 110,000kms...$32k...
My problem is I don't have time to fix problems...don't mind paying a bit more IF i am getting a better unit...hmmmm....would I by one from auction/wholesaler...I bought my D2 like that 4 years ago with 60,000kms on clock for $10k less then a dealer...

See Post #2 above.