Thread: To buy, P38 or Discovery 1?

Originally Posted by feraldisco

cheap doesn't always equate to good value...it's not cheap if you end up with $5K in repairs in the first year. $7K buys a great V8 D1; $12K would buy an unbelievable one...

Very true, very true. I'd want to keep the budget to $5k for the Disco as i'm much less likely to want to use it for anything other than as an off road toy.

Will see if i can get more info on the warranty cover being offered with the P38 as it could potentially mitigate any nasty surprises - although i've never been too impressed with the cover offered by 3rd party warranty companies.

My head is telling me to stick to looking for the best Disco i can find for the $5k even if it takes a while. The other bit of me that is currently winning despite the rational to the contrary is to go for the P38, just something about the RR driving experience that makes me want it over the Disco.

sadly, it should be quite easy to find a decent S1 V8 for $5K

also, not sure if you've driven one, but S1 Discos are far from a down-market driving experience - more than acceptable for around town use... they're not Defenders

G'day Al,
My choice would be Disco1. Given you already have a nice Rangie for luxury cruising then the Disco 1 will be easiest to modify for a very capable offroader. Simple but capable.
Have a hunt around the site and you'll see some fine examples. Personally I like the diesel (300tdi) but you have indicated your prefence for petrol so I reckon you'd pick a good example for $5 to $7K perhaps even cheaper given no one (except you ) is keen on the v8 due to fuel prices.

OH, Hymie is selling a V8 disco for around that price

Since you were originally shopping around for an off road toy then stick with the Disco1.

Aridell - I am in the same position, although stacking up a Disco 2 with toys over a P38a in great condition.

The head is saying Disco - terrific offroader, all the tricks, sets of wheels etc - I just won't use it offroad enough.

The rangie just has the class and comfort and fuel economy, it's easy to overlook the fact that it's a problematic beast of the thing.

If you're bashing the offroad, then the disco 1. If you're likely to spend more than 60% of your life in it on the road, then the rangie and hang the budget.

EAS stuff can be fixed with springs or the Airbagman rescue system - it's not the major chore it used to be.

Thanks for all the replies guys, my decision just got that bit easier as i've just had an sms to say the P38 i was looking at has been sold.... In the absence of there being any other P38s for ~$7k that i can see i guess that's that idea out the window as i really don't want to spend any more than that.

Are the for sale listings on these forums available to everyone or do i have to be over a certain number of posts to view like on some other forums? Had a quick look but couldn't see them listed for me.

Definatly a v8 man all the way, although i will probably get lynched for saying it fuel over here is dirt cheap. Being used to paying ~$3 per litre in the UK until last year the $1.70 over here still doesn't feel that bad. I know there is a whole difference in the cost of living, but for that lovely deep grumble of a Rover V8 i think it's well worth the money.

Having said that if i find a good Disco with lpg that would be a bonus, but i wont discount any just because they don't have it.

So, Disco 1 it is unless anyone wants to tempt me with their P38 for ~$7k

Now just to find the right one.

Al,
You should have access to Markets section - up the top.
I reckon you could get a p38 for $7K - they are just not selling that well. More about peoples perception than the "worth" of the vehicle. Either way you go I think you have the upper hand and will get a bargain if you're patient.

(I'd still buy a disco 1 though )
Also have a look on ebay and Car information, new car prices, used car values, used car reviews, new car reviews - MSN Autos to get a "feel" for the market.

Where are you located ? (If you put your location in the profile it makes it easier for us to help)