How much should I be looking at for a reliable P38?

[pikey]

I have a reliable, frugal Yaris but am concerned about the state of the economy and that in not paying much fuel tax I'm not contributing enough and some school somewhere may close down, a hospital may not be able to afford drugs and a chav may not get his Kenyan safari. Well, it's what the government keeps blathering on about! Oh, and the Yaris doesn't offend any tree huggers and I'd like to try that too.

Realistically I'd like a modern TDV8, but the prices are too high for a rarely used dog-moving car hence a P38. I know the diesel's in those aren't as good, and the mileage would be so low, petrol is fine. My question is really if it's possible to get a reliable P38 and if so what year/spec/price I should be looking at. Oh, and when I get bored and want to shift it on, what shifts better?

Thanks

Ben

[Meeja]

I think the recent fuel price increases have hit the values of Rangies quite hard.

P38's are superb cars - if you get a "sorted" one.

I paid £8k for a low-ish mileage 2000 4.6 Vogue with all the trimmings at the beginning of this year - suspect I would be able to pick up the same car much cheaper now.

With P38's though, do your research, as a good one will be a breeze, and a dog will cost you both arms, both legs, and part of your torso for good measure.

If you do decide on a P38, think about buying one that was registered before April 2001, so you don't get stung with expensive VED.

I've just re-taxed mine for £185 for 12 months....

As for spec, I think the Vogue will give you a better re-sell value if you do want to shift it on in the future. Make sure you look at cars that have the later Bosch engine electronics rather than the earlier Lucas rubbish (change happened in 2000 I believe)

ALso go for the better colour combos too (Lightstone upholstery is the most sought after on the second hand market)

Edited by Meeja on Monday 22 September 13:11

[Cpt Stirling]

Ben,
I have had one for 10 years, it's only done 60,000, it doesn't do hard miles; across the odd field now and again. It's never let me down. Things I've had changed - wear and tear items include a couple of batteries, brake pads (not discs), two sets of tyres, becm (electonic thing that controls almost everything) and air suspension compressor. Other than that just serviced once a year by a knowledgeable/capable chap. Everything still works as it should. Be careful with body/interior colour combos (important come selling time), oh, and it's worth bu**er all. These dogs do cost a forture in appropriate motors. I understand the newer model is a dfferent league in terms of running costs.

[pikey]

Thanks, useful thoughts there.

[CY88]

I've got a '95, and over the last 6 years I've replaced virtually everything that usually goes wrong and it has a full clean of health. I reckon its worth about £2.5K (about what I spent putting new air suspension and a sports exhaust in last year)

I'd recommend checking what bits and pieces have been replaced before you buy.

[pikey]

So.. more bits = good

or

more bits = bad

[CY88]

I would say if its got new suspension components, new climate control / HEVAC unit, or new blend flaps (part of climate control), then these will all be one less thing you hopefully need worry about New parts shouldn't mean it costs anymore in todays market.

And go for the 4.6 highest spec possible.

Edited by CY88 on Tuesday 23 September 11:31

[Meeja]

CY88 said:

I would say if its got new suspension components, new climate control / HEVAC unit, or new blend flaps (part of climate control), then these will all be one less thing you hopefully need worry about New parts shouldn't mean it costs anymore in todays market.

And go for the 4.6 highest spec possible.

Edited by CY88 on Tuesday 23 September 11:31

Just watch out for the infamous pourous/slipped liner problem with the engine.

That is not a cheap one to fix.

Neither is a leaking heater core (caused by faulty £2 O-rings) - the dash has to come out to fix it!

[CY88]

^^
Those too. Touch wood.