First drive

[33chinacars]

Hi Guys just had my first drive in a 96 HSE 4.6 P38 Range rover as I'm in the market for one even with all its faults. Have another one , a 99 HSE, to test drive in a few days time, when dealer fixes bottomed out suspension. The 96 appeared to float and wallow along even in a straight line. Is this normal as the owner said "They all wallow" , He has owned 6 or 7. Or is just the nature of the beast. Your input appreciated. Hopefully a new covert to P38's

[PaulP38a]

A stock P38A does not wallow but it does float.
The ride in a P38A is like riding on a cushion of air (which it is) so bumps are absorbed better than coils. If dips and wanes cause discomfort or affect steering then chances are the shocks are on the way out or the air suspension is set too high.
Check the 5 (nope, there are only 4) air suspension indicator lights on the dash...

1. If the bottom light is on, the car is in "access" mode and sitting on is bump stops. You will feel every bump on the road. You can't/shouldn't drive in this mode.
2. If the second light is on, the car is in "low" mode. The ride should be quite firm with little body roll around coners. In EAS auto mode, this height is automatically selected above 80Km/h (after 30secs).
3. If the third light is on, the car is in "normal" mode. The ride should be comfortable but with a bit more body roll around corners. Automatically selected below 55Km/h (after 30secs), but can be used above if the EAS inhibit switch is depressed.
4. If the fourth/top light is on, the car is in "high" mode. It will wallow a fair bit as ride is soft due to the air bags being quite extended. Should always revert to "normal" mode when speed goes above 55Km/h.
5. If the top light is on, the car is in "extended" mode. This is bad as it is not manually selectable and indicates there is an obstruction under the car. (there is no top/fifth light to indicate extended mode - my mistake)

You should also notice a fair amount of difference in power/handling/safety/comfort between the '96 and '99 models. The '99 model uses the updated "Thor" engine management system, 4 wheel traction control, side airbags and nicer interior trim.

Cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Thanks Paul. All very helpful although 99 model I'm looking at is 01/99 from what I have read changes didn't happen till 5th month. Is this correct
Regards Gary

[big guy]

When I was in the market for a P38, I drove 5, they all were different.
The 4l was actually pretty quick, it was the base model and motor was very good, interior did let it down, 98 model, the 96 HSE I drove scared the pants off me.
Car was loose, switches hung off the dash, strange noises and I had no confidence in car at all.
The 01 Hse was totally different, had very low K's, some exhaust work and the guy changed the cam and did some aftermarket injection system from the states that rocked.

There was a premium on that vehicle at over $30k but I would say it be worth it.

Which ever way you go, get it checked out by a Landy mech that really knows these cars as they are very tricky.
I chose another RRC only because of its simplicity.
The ride was tremendous in the Barge(P38).
Go for as late a car as you can afford, I suggest a '99 onwards.

[PaulP38a]

Thanks Paul. All very helpful although 99 model I'm looking at is 01/99 from what I have read changes didn't happen till 5th month. Is this correct
Regards Gary

I'm not sure Gary... Mine is a 03/99 and it has the updates.

Please see the changes to my previous post - I gave you misinformation about the 5th light for the EAS.

Cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Thanks for the update Paul
Also thanks to Big Guy, very useful info
Anyone know of a good Rangie Mechanic in South West Victoria , prefered, or even Mt Gambier area's

Gary

[33chinacars]

Hi Guys

Finally got to drive the second P38 I was looking at . A 1999 4.6 HSE, full service history with 192000kms. Unfortunatly the dealer did a very quick repair on EAS and only put in 2 air valves instead of 4. They looped 2 together. Stupid they were told how to plumb. So EAS still doesn't work but at least it was drivable with EAS Fault slow to 50 on dash

My only concern may have been the auto. Harsh shifts in low range, a bit like a stage 3 or 4 shift kit would be. No problems with high range shifts just low range. Is this normal or is there a problem. Any suggestions

Thanks for advice in anticipation

[M.Allison]

hrmm in low range mine does it...i was always under the impression a "strong" gear change was good as there is no "slip" as apposed to a smooth one?

but yeah low range on mine is fairly hard...doesnt make a clunk sound just incase yours does.

mike

[PaulP38a]

similar in mine... low range shifts (by hand or auto) are much harsher than high range, especially downshifts. 2 to 1 is an absolute doosey going down a steep slope.

BTW: that EAS setup has to be illegal. They need to fix it or give you another $1500 off the asking price.

cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Thanks Mike and Paul.
From what you say all seems normal.
And yes Paul they have knocked $1500 off price. Will probably buy & fix it myself. PROPERLY

Gary