P38 Range Rover

[Fire99]

Being a bit of a 'Rangie' man at heart, whenever the P38 is mentioned it seems to attract lots of 'Unreliable' grumbles. So what is up with the P38 (Other than sharing it's name with body-filler! ) ?

Is its reputation fair or unfounded? I regularly see a metallic red one (diesel) near me and it looks immaculate.

I'm interested in what people know. Muchus Gracious!

[tonys]

You're probably better off posting on the Land Rover forum.

On the whole I would say reputation is a fair reflection of an average P38. General areas are air suspension, electrical gremlins (locks, alarms etc), some problems with liners on the petrol ones, heating system leaks etc etc. The problem now is that they were quite complex (relatively speaking) when they were announced, but they are now old and unless well maintained are likely to be harbouring several potential faults. All fixable, with the right amount of time and/or money.

There are some good ones out there though.

[edc]

Mine ran fine if slowly. No more or less reliable really than any other motor I have experienced.

[robsco]

I posted a similar thread a short time ago while dad was on the hunt for one. Perhaps it might be of help to you.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Vulgar LS2]

There fine, people that moan and warn against them have heard it off of a mates, mates, brothers, uncles ex girlfriend who once knew someone who once walked past one. Mine has been fine in the last 18 months apart from the crank sensor failing last week which cost £50 to fix. Like any old car there will be the odd thing that requires attention, and there are plenty of breakers out there.

[agent006]

edc said:

Mine ran fine if slowly. No more or less reliable really than any other motor I have experienced.

On the other hand, mine did in its engine, gearbox and heater seals in 14 months.

[Major Fallout]

Strange but mine was the most reliable car I have ever owned.

Not fast but enjobale to drive.

[eggchaser1987]

My Vogue P38 is going well. Only had it for about a year but seams to be going strong, nice place to be in wafting around people very well.

[Fire99]

Thanks for the replies. I know Pistonheads wouldn't be Pistonheads without a few mother's brother's neighbour's cousin having one that was awful, stories. but the P38 does seem to get labelled with the 'unreliable' stick, more than other 'Rangies'

I'll check out the linked thread and maybe the Landrover forum too

[Fire99]

robsco said:

I posted a similar thread a short time ago while dad was on the hunt for one. Perhaps it might be of help to you.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Thanks for that. I'm not sure I should have read that thread. It's like the who's who of car faults

Is your Dad's one still going ok?

[Major Fallout]

The thing is, if its not electric its easy to fix.

People panic about the air suspension, but its actually not that frightening. For example have a look at whats involved in replacing the rubber air bags.

[BLUETHUNDER]

if you want to save your wallet then avoid.I had one for nine years and suffered every known fault that befalls a P38. In some cases twice. Back then I stuck with it as I honestly believed that no matter what the problem they were still the best. I wouldn't, go down that road again with any Range Rover.

[robsco]

Fire99 said:

Thanks for that. I'm not sure I should have read that thread. It's like the who's who of car faults

Is your Dad's one still going ok?

He's only had it a week or so, so it's too early to say just yet. All I'd say is that if you want one, get one. People never post on an internet forum to tell people that their car is working faultlessly (except perhaps on the TVR forum occasionally!).

[morgrp]

The BMW sourced diesel is way out of its depth in the p38 - lack of power means thrashing it and that means mpg that is not much better than a carefully driven petrol model. V8 is the only way to go - can't afford the petrol? Don't buy a p38, get a perodua kenari instead

[Cyberprog]

I wouldn't run one as the main vehicle, but I'd love to own a 4.6HSE for a toy

Repair costs can be a bit high, but with the right bits & bobs you can DIY most stuff.

[555 Paul]

morgrp said:

The BMW sourced diesel is way out of its depth in the p38 - lack of power means thrashing it and that means mpg that is not much better than a carefully driven petrol model. V8 is the only way to go - can't afford the petrol? Don't buy a p38, get a perodua kenari instead

The unrefined BMW diesel also completely ruins the whole Range Rover experience. I have friends that have the diesel and V8 P38 and the V8 is a completely different car. You can't really buy a Range Rover if you're concerned about fuel consumption.