The £1k P38 Range Rover 4.6 HSE
Discussion
So, what does a 25 year old youngster need when he has a grand to spend on any car. A 20 year old V8 
It all started with a Gumtree search, as these things usually do. Followed by a quick day trip to West Wales for a viewing and a test drive. The seller had only had it for a couple of months (which rang alarm bells) but wanted to "free up some space". Whatever. I knew I had to take the car on merit.
Test drive went well. If somewhat unorthodox in that I had to take the seller with me to the local garage to get a bottle of Vodka
. Engine and box were sweet. Air suspension worked in all positions and the chassis seemed solid. Upon exiting the vehicle, was surprised that my foot nearly went entirely through the side runners as they were so rusty. The seller was "going to mention that", though. 
We agreed a price and I would return a few days later to collect. And that I did.
It's a 1997 4.6 HSE V8, converted to LPG. It has had 2 previous (proper) owners, the last of which owned it since 2004.
It has a service history as thick as me, with receipts for repair work including full brake overhaul (calipers, brake pump, lines etc.), new air suspension pump and bags, reconditioned engine fitted by Land Rover, new heater system including blend motors and various other bits of trim, latches and whatnot.
The 2 hour drive home wasn't without fault. Specifically in the form of a knackered wheel bearing from the rear right. Hateful sound. But nothing too major.
The main things I noticed on the drive home:
- It stank of dogs and vodka
- Radio doesn't work. Clarion unit with the LCD display knackered and it needed a code (which is in the manual)
- Think the blend motor or vent flap motor is knackered. Service Book icon on the Climate Control (HEVAC) display, coupled with the fact that it didn't want to blow in any other direction that at my feet and screen. Balls. But liveable.
- Aforementioned wheel bearing needs sorting (hoping it's not the hub)
- Rear view mirror had fallen off and cracked the autodim liquidy stuff inside it.
- Needs alignment
- LPG system worked well, except where I planted my foot and hit high revs where it woul cut out and beep at me. After an engine on-and-off-again it would be fine
- It stank of dogs and vodka
- Sunroof is not seated properly so doesn't open. Not an issue. What is an issue is the dash display beeping at me telling me it's open. When it's not. Bloody thing.
- As far as I can tell, the buttons on the steering wheel are purely for show and do not appeared to be connected to anything. Despite me mashing the as hard as possible.
- The above then links to the cruise control not being operational.
Upon my arrival home, I inspected the bodywork in a bit more details:
- Side runners are completely shot. I mean, so rusty, I don't even know how they made the journey home. They are, for now, just an ornament.
- Slide lacquer peel on the roof
- Dents above driver's side A Pillar where it looks like someone tried to pry the door open
- The wheels aren't original 18" hurricanes. Sitting on 16" Disco wheels. Bleurgh.
Interior:
- Leather is in really good condition, but would benefit from a bit of treatment. Autoglym Leather Treatment purchased.
- Carpets are mint condition thanks to genuine rubber mats being fitted for most, if not all, of it’s life.
- Dash and trim are also in good nick. Apart from the holes from a mobile phone holder on the dash. Can always replace that bit of trim in the future.
- All electric seats work. Including heated seats.
- There’s not enough Walnut for my liking. Need MOAARRR!
- The clock works.
- It smells of Dog and Vodka.
Anyway, my plans are to keep it standard. I will get round to fixing most of the items listed above and maybe opt for some OEM+ items such as more Walnut trim, possible Sat Nav unit and some Autobiography trim level items. I’ve already purchased 3 (yes 3) Hurrican 18” wheels with tyres for the princely sum of £30. Result. So will keep an eye out for a fourth and get them refurbed and fitted.
I’ll let the pictures do some of the talking now. :thumbsup:
Test Drive
Pitstop at the services - looking grubby!
After a quick £7 super duper deluxe European wash.
Picked up the new wheels. Fit like a glove
Not bad condition. This is the worst out of the 3.
After a good scrub inside. Scrubbed up really well for an old bird
Watch this space
Cheers
Mike :thumbsup:
It all started with a Gumtree search, as these things usually do. Followed by a quick day trip to West Wales for a viewing and a test drive. The seller had only had it for a couple of months (which rang alarm bells) but wanted to "free up some space". Whatever. I knew I had to take the car on merit.
Test drive went well. If somewhat unorthodox in that I had to take the seller with me to the local garage to get a bottle of Vodka
. Engine and box were sweet. Air suspension worked in all positions and the chassis seemed solid. Upon exiting the vehicle, was surprised that my foot nearly went entirely through the side runners as they were so rusty. The seller was "going to mention that", though. We agreed a price and I would return a few days later to collect. And that I did.
It's a 1997 4.6 HSE V8, converted to LPG. It has had 2 previous (proper) owners, the last of which owned it since 2004.
It has a service history as thick as me, with receipts for repair work including full brake overhaul (calipers, brake pump, lines etc.), new air suspension pump and bags, reconditioned engine fitted by Land Rover, new heater system including blend motors and various other bits of trim, latches and whatnot.
The 2 hour drive home wasn't without fault. Specifically in the form of a knackered wheel bearing from the rear right. Hateful sound. But nothing too major.
The main things I noticed on the drive home:
- It stank of dogs and vodka
- Radio doesn't work. Clarion unit with the LCD display knackered and it needed a code (which is in the manual)
- Think the blend motor or vent flap motor is knackered. Service Book icon on the Climate Control (HEVAC) display, coupled with the fact that it didn't want to blow in any other direction that at my feet and screen. Balls. But liveable.
- Aforementioned wheel bearing needs sorting (hoping it's not the hub)
- Rear view mirror had fallen off and cracked the autodim liquidy stuff inside it.
- Needs alignment
- LPG system worked well, except where I planted my foot and hit high revs where it woul cut out and beep at me. After an engine on-and-off-again it would be fine
- It stank of dogs and vodka
- Sunroof is not seated properly so doesn't open. Not an issue. What is an issue is the dash display beeping at me telling me it's open. When it's not. Bloody thing.
- As far as I can tell, the buttons on the steering wheel are purely for show and do not appeared to be connected to anything. Despite me mashing the as hard as possible.
- The above then links to the cruise control not being operational.
Upon my arrival home, I inspected the bodywork in a bit more details:
- Side runners are completely shot. I mean, so rusty, I don't even know how they made the journey home. They are, for now, just an ornament.
- Slide lacquer peel on the roof
- Dents above driver's side A Pillar where it looks like someone tried to pry the door open
- The wheels aren't original 18" hurricanes. Sitting on 16" Disco wheels. Bleurgh.
Interior:
- Leather is in really good condition, but would benefit from a bit of treatment. Autoglym Leather Treatment purchased.
- Carpets are mint condition thanks to genuine rubber mats being fitted for most, if not all, of it’s life.
- Dash and trim are also in good nick. Apart from the holes from a mobile phone holder on the dash. Can always replace that bit of trim in the future.
- All electric seats work. Including heated seats.
- There’s not enough Walnut for my liking. Need MOAARRR!
- The clock works.
- It smells of Dog and Vodka.
Anyway, my plans are to keep it standard. I will get round to fixing most of the items listed above and maybe opt for some OEM+ items such as more Walnut trim, possible Sat Nav unit and some Autobiography trim level items. I’ve already purchased 3 (yes 3) Hurrican 18” wheels with tyres for the princely sum of £30
. Result. So will keep an eye out for a fourth and get them refurbed and fitted. I’ll let the pictures do some of the talking now. :thumbsup:
Test Drive
Pitstop at the services - looking grubby!
After a quick £7 super duper deluxe European wash.
Picked up the new wheels. Fit like a glove
Not bad condition. This is the worst out of the 3.
After a good scrub inside. Scrubbed up really well for an old bird
Watch this space
Cheers
Mike :thumbsup:
Thanks Chaps.
Although, it appears this thread is a curse!!!
Rudely awoken to the alarm going off in fits and spurts at 7am this morning. Fob unlocked the car. Alarm still going off. Key in ignition to point 2. Alarm still sounds. Start engine. Alarm still sounds. Lock car. Alarm still sounds. Feck.
Neighbours start peeking through curtains at this point. And I’m still tired. Locate the siren and can’t unplug the retched thing. So out comes the steak knife (kitchen is closer than shed) and I cut the wire to the sired. Sparks fly. Blissful silence.
However, now there are an array of issues to follow suit:
- “SLOW: max 35mph” warning which I have figured is linked to the EAS. EAS warning light is on the dash and cannot be adjusted. There is still air in the bags and seems to be running at “Motorway” height (which is where I parked it).
- Various “Window not set” warning. Which go away when windows are put all the way down and all the way up again.
- All doors, with the exception of Driver’s door, randomly lock and unlock.
Apart from that, it’s perfect!
I think first port of call is to check fuses and relays as this may be playing havoc. If that fails, then it’ll be a trip to get it plugged in to read the fault codes.
The joys of P38 ownership, one week in
Although, it appears this thread is a curse!!!
Rudely awoken to the alarm going off in fits and spurts at 7am this morning. Fob unlocked the car. Alarm still going off. Key in ignition to point 2. Alarm still sounds. Start engine. Alarm still sounds. Lock car. Alarm still sounds. Feck.
Neighbours start peeking through curtains at this point. And I’m still tired. Locate the siren and can’t unplug the retched thing. So out comes the steak knife (kitchen is closer than shed) and I cut the wire to the sired. Sparks fly. Blissful silence.
However, now there are an array of issues to follow suit:
- “SLOW: max 35mph” warning which I have figured is linked to the EAS. EAS warning light is on the dash and cannot be adjusted. There is still air in the bags and seems to be running at “Motorway” height (which is where I parked it).
- Various “Window not set” warning. Which go away when windows are put all the way down and all the way up again.
- All doors, with the exception of Driver’s door, randomly lock and unlock.
Apart from that, it’s perfect!
I think first port of call is to check fuses and relays as this may be playing havoc. If that fails, then it’ll be a trip to get it plugged in to read the fault codes.
The joys of P38 ownership, one week in
eliot said:
I've had the dashboard out on two of the three P38's I've owned, IMO easier than cutting holes in it to get access to the matrix and blend motors.
Contrary to what the official guide say, you dont need to remove the steering column and you can get it out in a few hours.
I found that the heater box itself was warped, causing the motors to jam or burn out. I've documented all of it here, where you can find plenty of other information if you follow the menu (4x4|p38 guide)
http://www.mez.co.uk/p38-heater-orings-1.html
The main thing you should do before spending any time or money on it is to monitor coolant level and usage - you will probably find it uses some coolant, but as long as it's slow and not massively pressurised you should be ok.
Thanks eiot. Contrary to what the official guide say, you dont need to remove the steering column and you can get it out in a few hours.
I found that the heater box itself was warped, causing the motors to jam or burn out. I've documented all of it here, where you can find plenty of other information if you follow the menu (4x4|p38 guide)
http://www.mez.co.uk/p38-heater-orings-1.html
The main thing you should do before spending any time or money on it is to monitor coolant level and usage - you will probably find it uses some coolant, but as long as it's slow and not massively pressurised you should be ok.
I did actually get pointed to your website from another thread here on PH. Found it very useful and read the Buyers Guide on the train when going to collect it!
Don't suppose you have any tips for my latest woes, do you?
eliot said:
You probably have a flat or very low batery, which will throw up loads of errors including gearbox fault.
Flat battery as noted above will be caused by remote receiver picking up stray signals from things like wireless boiler thermostats.
You can either replace the receiver (£150) or simply unplug the aerial (blue wire) going into the receiver which is found under the offside parcel shelf support at the rear.
Give the battery a long slow charge and see if all the errrors clear - the windows will need resetting.
Thanks. Flat battery as noted above will be caused by remote receiver picking up stray signals from things like wireless boiler thermostats.
You can either replace the receiver (£150) or simply unplug the aerial (blue wire) going into the receiver which is found under the offside parcel shelf support at the rear.
Give the battery a long slow charge and see if all the errrors clear - the windows will need resetting.
The battery didn't seem low. It wasn't sluggish turning over and started first time.
I will check over the relays and fuses and go from there
Update time. Pics to follow.
Air suspension Fixed!
Turned out to be a very long winded and complex fix which involved the precarious removal of a 10amp fuse, followed by the nerve racking replacement. Problem solved
Doors locking and unlocking - Problem identified!
Still occurring, but I think I've linked it to the dodgy sunroof. The car thinks the sunroof is always open and the message "Sunroof Not Set" always appears. Whenever I try and open the sunroof, the door locks go a bit mental. They're fine (if not a bit less mental) when I don't touch it. I'll have to remove the glass and check the little plastic bracket that so often fails on these. Job for a dry day in case it goes tits up
Alarm going off - blissfully ignored!
Since I chopped the cable after a rude, early morning awakening - the alarm hasn't sounded. So it can stay that way for now.
Radio - Fix identified!
Quote from Clarion to fix the radio display for £95 quid. It was down on my list of priorities. But after nearly a month of driving it without any music, it's slowly creeping its way up
Climate Control - Ignored!
The Service Book icon is still appearing and I'm pretty sure it's either the blend motor or the vent flap motor to blame. Either way, it blows hot and cold, the air con works and the screens de-mist. so in the interest of shedding, it works perfic :P
I'm going to book it in for the wheel bearing/hub to be replaced next week as the rumbling is turning into a thudding
...
There are various other things that need sorting, but all in all I am thoroughly enjoying wafting around in the beast
Air suspension Fixed!
Turned out to be a very long winded and complex fix which involved the precarious removal of a 10amp fuse, followed by the nerve racking replacement. Problem solved
Doors locking and unlocking - Problem identified!
Still occurring, but I think I've linked it to the dodgy sunroof. The car thinks the sunroof is always open and the message "Sunroof Not Set" always appears. Whenever I try and open the sunroof, the door locks go a bit mental. They're fine (if not a bit less mental) when I don't touch it. I'll have to remove the glass and check the little plastic bracket that so often fails on these. Job for a dry day in case it goes tits up
Alarm going off - blissfully ignored!
Since I chopped the cable after a rude, early morning awakening - the alarm hasn't sounded. So it can stay that way for now.
Radio - Fix identified!
Quote from Clarion to fix the radio display for £95 quid. It was down on my list of priorities. But after nearly a month of driving it without any music, it's slowly creeping its way up
Climate Control - Ignored!
The Service Book icon is still appearing and I'm pretty sure it's either the blend motor or the vent flap motor to blame. Either way, it blows hot and cold, the air con works and the screens de-mist. so in the interest of shedding, it works perfic :P
I'm going to book it in for the wheel bearing/hub to be replaced next week as the rumbling is turning into a thudding
... There are various other things that need sorting, but all in all I am thoroughly enjoying wafting around in the beast
Slow said:
Phone is playing up so won't let me email a picture so just gonna put it here. Don't think it's ever been on a car, just dirty from sitting outside. Got 2 more in the same condition, got 3 range rovers in my house all came with one in the boot yet it's smaller than the wheels on them so utterly useless.
Looks ideal. Sent you a PM, think we can sort something out. 
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