Thread: Comments re P38 Rangie

Originally Posted by Carsales.com.au

Great Rangie that drives like a dream and has all the extras.

How's that if it is an SE?

The only thing I know about P38s is that I'd love one but would never buy one.
Too scared from what I've read here.

I love driving mine but I don't know that I'd recommend one to anyone. It's a much nicer car to drive than a Disco 1, County, Defender, Rangie Classic, etc. Being more rigid, it is a lot quieter than all previous RRs and Discos, especially around the doors.

I'm torn between spending big money to do some repairs to keep it and just doing enough to get rid of it.

If he wants to use one for 4WDing be aware that there are virtually no accessories available for it. The Kaymar rear step bars and wheel carriers are no longer made, bull bars are bespoke from HardRange Australia, cargo barriers aren't available, long range tanks may be available (Brown Davis used to make them). Roof racks were/are available from Hannibal in South Africa.

Fuel wise, they are more economical than an RRC.

What to look out for? Where to start? I would really recommend that a Land Rover specialist look it over. 4 litre engines aren't so prone to slipped liner problems (which means a major engine rebuild or replacement. I replaced my engine), the EAS system can be troublesome (mine hasn't been) if not maintained. Air leaks must be fixed quickly to avoid problems. The heater O-rings are known to leak and require replacement (bugger of a job - I've done mine three times), the HEVAC system blend flap servo motors wear out and start giving HEVAC faults. They aren't cheap and are a mongrel to replace (I've done mine). The heater core, when it starts to leak will cost an absolute fortune to replace ($600 for the part and $1000 or more for labour - it's a bitch of a job - mine has to be done soon).

The roof lining sags (like all Rangies) - mine needs repair. The auto trans flex plate is known to break requiring the removal of the engine or gearbox to replace. I've done mine already and it looks like it's broken again.

Ron

Absolutely love my 2001 4.6 but the older they get the more will go wrong. I have had mine for a little over a year now and have had to replace an airbag. (did all 4 with arnott gen III's). Put bigger tyres on that rub a little so major mods are needed if you want to go over 32". Had EAS hard fault on my way to service a month ago. Tailgate is electronically operated and is currently only working 75% of the time I actually want to use it.

Ron has had his for a while so would know best. He has mentioned the main things. Once you own it you will love it unless it is a real mule, then you will love it and want to get rid of it but may not be able to because it looks and rides so well.

Level 5 water restrictions came in last week in Brisbane so I gave it a clean and whenever I do I can't stop looking at it and thinking, " Gee that's a nice looking car.". Even compared to more modern 4wd's I reckon.

Charlie

Originally Posted by charliebrisbane

Level 5 water restrictions came in last week in Brisbane so I gave it a clean and whenever I do I can't stop looking at it and thinking, " Gee that's a nice looking car.". Even compared to more modern 4wd's I reckon.

Absolutely.

When mine is clean and polished I look out at it and say the same as Charlie.

To replace it with almost anything would cost more than maintaining it. The difference is that I probably wouldn't have the worry of what is going to fail next.

BTW, I've owned mine for 5 years this month.

Ron

I love my 95 HSE even though its getting on a bit at nearly 280K. Everything works perfectly and the only failure I've had in the last 90K is a water pump.

Yes, I'd like a new vehicle as I use it offroad and remote a lot and sooner or later I guess something will let me down miles from anywhere. I have seriously considered updating but there is not an equivalent offroad vehicle on the Market today, period. There is nothing else out there which will give so much comfort and capability for so little $$$. I just can't see any point in throwing money at a new RR or RRS as I don't believe either will stand the test of time the way the P38 has.

The P38 was a complex and little understoood vehicle in its day but it's pretty simple now when compared with current models. It is still not an ordinary vehicle though and strange behaviour must be investigated promptly.

Unfortunately most P38's for sale do seem to have a few issues caused by lack of knowledge so before buying you do need to take along someone who has actually owned one and knows what they are looking at.

I looked for about 3 months before I purchased my P38. It's a 2000 model and had 120K on the clock. In the six months I've had it I've done 11000K's. I wouldnt have any other vehicle. It has met every challenge I've thrown at it, including Hilines "easy" track at toolangi. Ron did make a good point that accessories are extremly hard to find. I guess its all about what your mate wants from a vehicle. For me I wanted the best of both worlds, I wanted something very comfortable on road (the mrs loves it so that wins points) plus I wanted something that I could do some offroad in (not a hard core driver).

I also knew about the issues that P38's have before I purchased mine, so I decided to educate myself in an effort to lessen the repair costs and at least be able to get myself out of trouble in the bush. Theres heaps of websites dedicated to the P38, lots of tips and tricks plus parts have come down alot in price.

My advice to your mate: Take your time, get it inspected and buy the HSE not the SE.

I reckon they're pretty good.
It's just that after 12 years there's still a distinct lack of acceptance in general - although that is beginning to change now they're becoming cheaper.

XA series on (1999<) are the way to go - BOSCH electronics and the ECU program logic revisons made a huge difference.
An HSE version is definately worth considering over a lesser spec - all that tasty fruit for much the same price, except heated seats won't help you climb a hill any better than a base model.

Rovacom diagnostics can go a long way for not just on-going maintenance concerns but may also allow you to pick up a problematic example quite cheap and then resurrect it to A1 operational condition. Or turn an SE into an HSE by resetting a few options.

I think the worst aspect is that a diesel version is not available here although there's a bit of info out there on 2.5 DSE / 2.9 BMW conversions. A bit exxy though - perhaps better off going the LPG route.

And I have seen a Milford Cargo Barrier from a VN (? I think, can find out) Commordore installed with minimal modifications.

If you want an awesome bush basher (that's still luxurious heading home) then I can certainly help out with tips 'n' tricks etc.

Can even supply a pre-dinged version if you can't be bothered finding your own tree....

Hardy

Originally Posted by Hardy

And I have seen a Milford Cargo Barrier from a VN (? I think, can find out) Commordore installed with minimal modifications.

Yes, please, Hardy!

Ron