P38 Rangie - joy or pain?
Discussion
I’m thinking about buying a P38 Rangie as a general purpose/junk/dog truck. I know of the horror stories surrounding this model in general, but seeing as it won’t be my main car, I won’t be reliant on it daily.
I’ve seen a 4.6 Vogue with 86k and FSH at a keen-enough price, and I’m tempted. It’s got the Thor engine not the Gems version.
So, is this an acceptable second vehicle which will offer a lot of bang for buck, or should I run for the hills? And will I ever be able to sell it again?
I’ve seen a 4.6 Vogue with 86k and FSH at a keen-enough price, and I’m tempted. It’s got the Thor engine not the Gems version.
So, is this an acceptable second vehicle which will offer a lot of bang for buck, or should I run for the hills? And will I ever be able to sell it again?
Love mine, which is my everyday car (running on LPG).
You do need to be a bit handy with a spanner, most of the cars foibles are well understood and documented these days but if you need to resort of a dealer / indy for every little glitch then something with "less" character might suit you better.
If you actually NEED a full size 4x4 (I tow a 2.2 tonne boat) then I don't know of anything I'd rather have at this price point.
I was asked on the weekend if I had to sell one, which car would go first, and reluctantly decided on the M3, limited range of abilities, compared to the P38.
HTH
David
You do need to be a bit handy with a spanner, most of the cars foibles are well understood and documented these days but if you need to resort of a dealer / indy for every little glitch then something with "less" character might suit you better.
If you actually NEED a full size 4x4 (I tow a 2.2 tonne boat) then I don't know of anything I'd rather have at this price point.
I was asked on the weekend if I had to sell one, which car would go first, and reluctantly decided on the M3, limited range of abilities, compared to the P38.
HTH
David
I had one Mark. For me it was JOY. Cost nothing for the 9 months I had it (including fuel) as I bought and sold at the right time.
Literally the day after I got it I drove to the Highlands from Sussex and back, faultless, comfortable AND will go anywhere.
Town around 13mpg, 70mph 21mpg.
The air suspension is also a joy. Forget what the internet says, a good one of these is 10x better than a 3.9 classic.
Literally the day after I got it I drove to the Highlands from Sussex and back, faultless, comfortable AND will go anywhere.
Town around 13mpg, 70mph 21mpg.
The air suspension is also a joy. Forget what the internet says, a good one of these is 10x better than a 3.9 classic.
I love mine, even though it's in bits having a head gasket done currently. Even that is pretty easy going to be honest, they're easy to pull apart and put back together, it's all simple stuff. I think if you buy well and don't get a dog you'll be fine, just like any other car. I think a lot of people are un-necessarily afraid of them. The air suspension being troublesome and poor is another bad myth, it's a great system and properly maintained is far smoother than springs, it's also very handy, especially when you drop it down to work under the bonnet, or raise it to work underneath lol.
edo said:
I want one too.
How do you tell if it is the "thor" or "gems" engine?
I rather fancy a 4.6 Vogue.
If it's GEMS it'll have a big rectangular plenum chamber with either 4.0 or 4.6 stamped on the top, later THOR engines have 8 inlet pipes folding over each other instead. Mine's a GEMS, and my readers ride thread has some engine pics in for reference :-)How do you tell if it is the "thor" or "gems" engine?
I rather fancy a 4.6 Vogue.
edit:
THOR:
GEMS:
Edited by D4MJT on Monday 28th March 16:06
D4MJT said:
edo said:
I want one too.
How do you tell if it is the "thor" or "gems" engine?
I rather fancy a 4.6 Vogue.
If it's GEMS it'll have a big rectangular plenum chamber with either 4.0 or 4.6 stamped on the top, later THOR engines have 8 inlet pipes folding over each other instead. Mine's a GEMS, and my readers ride thread has some engine pics in for reference :-)How do you tell if it is the "thor" or "gems" engine?
I rather fancy a 4.6 Vogue.
What are the improvements on Thor?
richardxjr said:
I had one Mark. For me it was JOY. Cost nothing for the 9 months I had it (including fuel) as I bought and sold at the right time.
Literally the day after I got it I drove to the Highlands from Sussex and back, faultless, comfortable AND will go anywhere.
Town around 13mpg, 70mph 21mpg.
The air suspension is also a joy. Forget what the internet says, a good one of these is 10x better than a 3.9 classic.
Hi Richard! Just going to view it, and funny enough Perry, who still has your Classic, plus a 4.0 P38 and a Disco 3, is coming along with me! Literally the day after I got it I drove to the Highlands from Sussex and back, faultless, comfortable AND will go anywhere.
Town around 13mpg, 70mph 21mpg.
The air suspension is also a joy. Forget what the internet says, a good one of these is 10x better than a 3.9 classic.
Firstly, I'm not trying to stir things up, but......
I guess a great deal will depend on the individual vehicle you buy.
I had a p38 diesel. It was a complete money pit. The air suspension was always going wrong, it had numerous water leaks, and quite a few problems with the locking.
I also never really got on with the ride- it was comfortable enough, but it always felt somehow wrong, Rolled no end, and caused car sickness for a few passengers.
The interior was great- hardwearing, comfy, infinitely adjustable seats and a good place to be, but the shortcomings in other areas put me off very quickly.
I also had a classic for a while- I adored it. Far more reliable, easily as comfy, and a better drive all round. Also a better 'image' if such things matter.
Again, all just opinions, but that's my 2p's worth.
I guess a great deal will depend on the individual vehicle you buy.
I had a p38 diesel. It was a complete money pit. The air suspension was always going wrong, it had numerous water leaks, and quite a few problems with the locking.
I also never really got on with the ride- it was comfortable enough, but it always felt somehow wrong, Rolled no end, and caused car sickness for a few passengers.
The interior was great- hardwearing, comfy, infinitely adjustable seats and a good place to be, but the shortcomings in other areas put me off very quickly.
I also had a classic for a while- I adored it. Far more reliable, easily as comfy, and a better drive all round. Also a better 'image' if such things matter.
Again, all just opinions, but that's my 2p's worth.
I've driven all 3, I've had 2 classic myself, my P38, and my old man has a 4.4 L322 Vogue.
Oddly, I'm attached to my P38 most of all 3 I think. It's taken a while, and my preference outside of that would be a classic straight away. I'd have another in a flash, brilliant cars.
My old man's L322 is a fantastic car to drive, but if anything it's perhaps a bit too car like for my liking? Odd as it sounds I quite like having a rolly old tank lol.
Also, even after having snow tyres fitted, I'd rather drive a P38 or a Classic than an L322 in snow any day. They feel far more sure footed. The L322 didn't get stuck or anywhere near at all, but it didn't feel at all as planted as the P38.
Anyway I digress, P38's, I like. Mine isn't at all quick and it's a 4.6 with an alleged 225bhp, I'd imagine a diesel would be pretty sluggish with only 134bhp. Great all purpose tanks though, and an awful lot of car for your money!
Oddly, I'm attached to my P38 most of all 3 I think. It's taken a while, and my preference outside of that would be a classic straight away. I'd have another in a flash, brilliant cars.
My old man's L322 is a fantastic car to drive, but if anything it's perhaps a bit too car like for my liking? Odd as it sounds I quite like having a rolly old tank lol.
Also, even after having snow tyres fitted, I'd rather drive a P38 or a Classic than an L322 in snow any day. They feel far more sure footed. The L322 didn't get stuck or anywhere near at all, but it didn't feel at all as planted as the P38.
Anyway I digress, P38's, I like. Mine isn't at all quick and it's a 4.6 with an alleged 225bhp, I'd imagine a diesel would be pretty sluggish with only 134bhp. Great all purpose tanks though, and an awful lot of car for your money!
I had a 94-95 P38 GEMS powered 4.6 HSE a few years back. Loved it! aside from the epic fuel bills it was awesome, no faults I couldnt handle on my driveway.. that said, make sure the air suspension and HVAC are both working fine before buying, these systems can be a nightmare!
Iv also had an L322 TD6. Id have either again, both were excellent.
Iv also had an L322 TD6. Id have either again, both were excellent.
I bought one back in October as a 'winter car', 2000 4.6 Vogue.
Love it. Cost peanuts to buy. I use it at weekends for bumbling around town keeping the XJR for the blat to work and back each week day.
No major issues yet. I thought the air suspension was playing up but I believe that was more due to my use of the car, sorted that by bypassing the overheat on the pump.
Other than that. Errr.. new rear brake caliper. New battery this weekend. And it needed a new front steering link arm or something for the MOT.
Bits are cheap'ish though and there are loads of on-line sites to help with a niggles you may have. So , so long as you are prepared to spend time googling, and don't mind tinkering with stuff yourself , I reckon they are possibly the biggest bargain out there for the money
I'd never had a 4x4 before , never really needed one, but I do love driving this thing around. Ok it's a bit bouncey, a bit crashy and a bit vague compared to the XJR, but it's just so much fun too!
Love it. Cost peanuts to buy. I use it at weekends for bumbling around town keeping the XJR for the blat to work and back each week day.
No major issues yet. I thought the air suspension was playing up but I believe that was more due to my use of the car, sorted that by bypassing the overheat on the pump.
Other than that. Errr.. new rear brake caliper. New battery this weekend. And it needed a new front steering link arm or something for the MOT.
Bits are cheap'ish though and there are loads of on-line sites to help with a niggles you may have. So , so long as you are prepared to spend time googling, and don't mind tinkering with stuff yourself , I reckon they are possibly the biggest bargain out there for the money
I'd never had a 4x4 before , never really needed one, but I do love driving this thing around. Ok it's a bit bouncey, a bit crashy and a bit vague compared to the XJR, but it's just so much fun too!
What do we think of this?
Colour a bit iffy, but already LPG's, great low mileage (not everything I know) and a late model?
2001 RANGE ROVER 4.6 Vogue
Trade Seller: R & A Cars
4 Doors, Automatic, Station Wagon, LPG, 62,000 miles, Metallic Blue, MOT-08-2011. TAX UNTIL 31/07/11 Remote central locking, Adjustable steering column\\\\\\\/wheel, Anti theft system, CD Multichanger, Climate Control, Colour coding - Interior, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electrically adjustable seats, Leather seats, Rear armrest, Remote locking, Self levelling suspension, Radio\\\\\\\/Cassette, Wood\\\\\\\/wood effect trim, credit cards welcome, hpi report, Part Exchange Welcome, Privacy windows, MAIN DEALER HISTORY, OLD MOT, ABS, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Cruise control, Electric sunroof, Headlight washers, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Navigation system, Passenger airbag, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Traction control, Audio remote control, Drivers airbag, Height adjustable drivers seat, Body coloured bumpers, Electric door mirrors, Front head restraints, Heated door mirrors, PAS, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Alarm, Front fog lights, Electrically adjustable drivers seat, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Trip computer, Heated front seat, Manual sunroof. Insurance Group:15A, £5,950
Colour a bit iffy, but already LPG's, great low mileage (not everything I know) and a late model?
2001 RANGE ROVER 4.6 Vogue
Trade Seller: R & A Cars
4 Doors, Automatic, Station Wagon, LPG, 62,000 miles, Metallic Blue, MOT-08-2011. TAX UNTIL 31/07/11 Remote central locking, Adjustable steering column\\\\\\\/wheel, Anti theft system, CD Multichanger, Climate Control, Colour coding - Interior, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electrically adjustable seats, Leather seats, Rear armrest, Remote locking, Self levelling suspension, Radio\\\\\\\/Cassette, Wood\\\\\\\/wood effect trim, credit cards welcome, hpi report, Part Exchange Welcome, Privacy windows, MAIN DEALER HISTORY, OLD MOT, ABS, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Cruise control, Electric sunroof, Headlight washers, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Navigation system, Passenger airbag, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Traction control, Audio remote control, Drivers airbag, Height adjustable drivers seat, Body coloured bumpers, Electric door mirrors, Front head restraints, Heated door mirrors, PAS, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Alarm, Front fog lights, Electrically adjustable drivers seat, Electrically adjustable passenger seat, Trip computer, Heated front seat, Manual sunroof. Insurance Group:15A, £5,950
Bare minimum things to check.
LPG kit type? Single point bad, multi-point good.
Be nervous of any "Head Gasket" issues. Can easily become "slipped liner issues". Very Bad.
Air suspension. With all the doors shut, foot off the brakes, check the car changes height settings fairly rapidly. If car is sitting low when you first see it, be suspicious of a leaking airbag. None of the bits are expensive, solenoid valve block can be refurbed with a low cost o-ring kit, but may provide negotiation ammunition.
Check drivers carpet for dampness, coolant stains. Failed o-rings to the heater matrix are cheap but need a trained octopus to fit, heater matrix itself need most of the dash, in fact the whole car, dismantled.
HEVAC (heater controls). Press ALL the buttons, several times. Does the air go where you expect it? Hot and cold, both drivers and passengers? No warning symbols on the display? Blend motors not cheap, and fitting requires a bit of perseverance.
Lots more good stuff on www.rangerovers.net
HTH
David
LPG kit type? Single point bad, multi-point good.
Be nervous of any "Head Gasket" issues. Can easily become "slipped liner issues". Very Bad.
Air suspension. With all the doors shut, foot off the brakes, check the car changes height settings fairly rapidly. If car is sitting low when you first see it, be suspicious of a leaking airbag. None of the bits are expensive, solenoid valve block can be refurbed with a low cost o-ring kit, but may provide negotiation ammunition.
Check drivers carpet for dampness, coolant stains. Failed o-rings to the heater matrix are cheap but need a trained octopus to fit, heater matrix itself need most of the dash, in fact the whole car, dismantled.
HEVAC (heater controls). Press ALL the buttons, several times. Does the air go where you expect it? Hot and cold, both drivers and passengers? No warning symbols on the display? Blend motors not cheap, and fitting requires a bit of perseverance.
Lots more good stuff on www.rangerovers.net
HTH
David
Well, I bought it!
2001 on a Y, 86k, FSH, lots of old MOTs, and it all seems to be in pretty good nick for a 10 year old car. Current owner has had it 5 years. The only thing that doesn't work is the heated seat on the driver's side, which I'm told is not uncommon and an easy fix. Looks nice, runs nice, drives nice, all the bits mentioned by David above work fine, and it's taxed and MOTd. What's more, it's cheaper to insure than my 2004 Ford Ranger (which is now for sale!). It was also a LOT cheaper than the one posted above, although it doesn't have the CarIn system, but TomToms are cheap
2001 on a Y, 86k, FSH, lots of old MOTs, and it all seems to be in pretty good nick for a 10 year old car. Current owner has had it 5 years. The only thing that doesn't work is the heated seat on the driver's side, which I'm told is not uncommon and an easy fix. Looks nice, runs nice, drives nice, all the bits mentioned by David above work fine, and it's taxed and MOTd. What's more, it's cheaper to insure than my 2004 Ford Ranger (which is now for sale!). It was also a LOT cheaper than the one posted above, although it doesn't have the CarIn system, but TomToms are cheap
Congratulations!
Heated seat elements break where a stiffening rod in the cover pass over the element, which become brittle with age. Very low cost fix involves soldering a new piece of wire in to bridge the break. HOWEVER, I did this twice, and found it kept breaking at the solder joint. Would advise fitting a new element (sticks on between the foam seat base and the leather cover) as the cost is outweighed by the aggravation if you have to do it more than once.
Some stuff on here, follow the links to the main repair pages.
http://rangerovers.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&...
David
Heated seat elements break where a stiffening rod in the cover pass over the element, which become brittle with age. Very low cost fix involves soldering a new piece of wire in to bridge the break. HOWEVER, I did this twice, and found it kept breaking at the solder joint. Would advise fitting a new element (sticks on between the foam seat base and the leather cover) as the cost is outweighed by the aggravation if you have to do it more than once.
Some stuff on here, follow the links to the main repair pages.
http://rangerovers.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&...
David
C8PPO said:
Well, I bought it!
2001 on a Y, 86k, FSH, lots of old MOTs, and it all seems to be in pretty good nick for a 10 year old car. Current owner has had it 5 years. The only thing that doesn't work is the heated seat on the driver's side, which I'm told is not uncommon and an easy fix. Looks nice, runs nice, drives nice, all the bits mentioned by David above work fine, and it's taxed and MOTd. What's more, it's cheaper to insure than my 2004 Ford Ranger (which is now for sale!). It was also a LOT cheaper than the one posted above, although it doesn't have the CarIn system, but TomToms are cheap
Congrats. Piccies!2001 on a Y, 86k, FSH, lots of old MOTs, and it all seems to be in pretty good nick for a 10 year old car. Current owner has had it 5 years. The only thing that doesn't work is the heated seat on the driver's side, which I'm told is not uncommon and an easy fix. Looks nice, runs nice, drives nice, all the bits mentioned by David above work fine, and it's taxed and MOTd. What's more, it's cheaper to insure than my 2004 Ford Ranger (which is now for sale!). It was also a LOT cheaper than the one posted above, although it doesn't have the CarIn system, but TomToms are cheap
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