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The P38 is a beautiful car to drive, but they can be quite expensive to maintain.
The air suspension is made up largely of rubber components that wear out over time not kilometres. Late 90's models by now will either have been overhauled in part or will soon need to be overhauled.
If you are handy, and enjoy a challenge, this can be inexpensive. If you get everything done at a workshop, this will likely be expensive.
There are several areas of the P38 like this, so you should find out if they have been done already or budget accordingly to get them done.
Eg Air suspension (air springs, valve block, compressor)
Hevac Aircon system (blend motors, recirc flappers, heater core orings)
Radiator (must be in good shape or get a new one)
Brakes (accumulator)
Just to name a few.
In other words - if you buy one for 15K, your budget should be 20K
Hope this helps
Dave
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I'd echo adm333's remarks. I picked up my 1995 P38A 4.6L HSE 5 years ago for $30k and spent on average $10-15k each year in running costs, fuel, repairs and upgrades.
They are not a cheap car to keep on the road by any means. However, they do drive beautifully when they are running and are a PITA when they're not.
I wish you well and hope you get a good one. If you don't get a good one, you might as well bite the bullet and lease a 2 year old L322 Vogue for 5 years with a 20%-30% residual. Do the sums, you might be surprised.
cheers
Paul.
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I'm just sorting out my key fob problem and mine is on the market inside your budget.
'97 4.6HSE, advertised on CarSales.com. 173k, Beluga Black, in Perth.
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Mines on the market too :) well inside your budget. When I got mine, it cost me $500 to get if shipped to my driveway (out in the hills behind the Gold Coast) from sydney. So as long as you can get someone to check it out, buying a car interstate isn't that big a deal. Opens up your options a little.
