Considering A P38
Discussion
Im looking for a new everyday driver as my 205 is being track prepped and wont be suitable for most of my road driving anymore. Im looking to buy something comfortable and stylish. The only other car im considering is a BMW e34 (already had 2 and loved both of them).
Im looking at buying a 2.5 diesel (it has to be manual) in a dark colour (black, dark blue,dark green or dark grey) with a tan leather interior (if anyone knows any for sale). Obviously the rr is more to buy then the BMW (would probably be a 3.0 v8 or the 535) but im guessing the running costs of the rr would be less.
What sort of mpg can i expect from the diesel? Wont be doing any motorway miles purely town and b road driving. Also any specific things to look for when buying one? Whats insurance like? Ive pretty much made my mind up but is there any other cars to consider? Price range is upto 4k but maybe more if i find the perfect car.
Im looking at buying a 2.5 diesel (it has to be manual) in a dark colour (black, dark blue,dark green or dark grey) with a tan leather interior (if anyone knows any for sale). Obviously the rr is more to buy then the BMW (would probably be a 3.0 v8 or the 535) but im guessing the running costs of the rr would be less.
What sort of mpg can i expect from the diesel? Wont be doing any motorway miles purely town and b road driving. Also any specific things to look for when buying one? Whats insurance like? Ive pretty much made my mind up but is there any other cars to consider? Price range is upto 4k but maybe more if i find the perfect car.
Bought one recently myself a 2.5 DSE. On a gentle motorway run gets mid to high 20s mpg but is probably averaging 24-26 ish in mixed riving conditions. This is based on the trip computer which I'm not convinced is accurate. Plus I have an intermittent fuel guage fault and off road tyres.
This, and keep the remainder for fuel:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...
Cheap insurance, simple to work on, has a good image (still) and character by the bucket load.
I got one a 3 weeks ago, and love it
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...
Cheap insurance, simple to work on, has a good image (still) and character by the bucket load.
I got one a 3 weeks ago, and love it
Or indeed, this..........
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...
Not wishing to be rude to anyone that has a diesel 38, but much as i loved many things about it, the performance was best described as adequate.
Buy the petrol one, beat down the seller, keep the rest for petrol- i used to get a max of 21 in my diesel- i didnt consider it to be good enough a saving to put up with the sluggish engine.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...
Not wishing to be rude to anyone that has a diesel 38, but much as i loved many things about it, the performance was best described as adequate.
Buy the petrol one, beat down the seller, keep the rest for petrol- i used to get a max of 21 in my diesel- i didnt consider it to be good enough a saving to put up with the sluggish engine.
- No offence intended to anyone with one though, as stated above*
I didnt realise a petrol was avalible in manual which is the main reason i was looking at diesels. What sort of mpg would i see with the petrol compared with the diesel?
The one in that link seems to be pretty much exactly what i want its just a bit too far away for me. I need something as far south as possible.
The one in that link seems to be pretty much exactly what i want its just a bit too far away for me. I need something as far south as possible.
205jsy said:
I really do like the classics and i will have one at some point. I just prefer the p38.
Not trying to taint your judgement- i bought the classic in a needs must situation, but have to say although i was expecting it to drive like an old lump, i prefer the way it drives to the 38- less wallowy (if thats a word!)I love it. Have you driven one yet-p38? I couldnt cope with the lack of go in the diesel, although in fairness, mine was an auto.
Go petrol- all round better- noise, performance, and about a grand cheaper than a diesel= plenty of petrol cash.
I havent yet driven a p38 no. I have driven a classic offroad (3.9 v8 auto if i remember correctly) so not much help there for road driving. I will take a p38 for a test drive and see what i think of it. If i can find a classic for sale locally i will also test drive that (no harm and will be best to try out all the alternatives). I currently get around 22mpg (average) in my current car and if i can get 18mpg with a petrol id be more then happy.
205jsy said:
That is nice but id rather travel further to buy the one in the other link posted for half the price. I see a few for sale with lpg conversions. If i can find one with one already installed that i like then ill have no problems choosing the petrol over the diesel.
Amen, dont buy one in haste- the one posted is close enough to look at though as a taster?The classic is superb- mate of mine nearly got it last week, so have seen it in the flesh- knock a few hundred off as its nearly christmas, you have a cheap motor with a bag of class, a nice drive, lively performance, and cheap insurance, sufficient cash left to fuel it and some in reserve for any work that needs doing. It also has the advantage of never depreciating, in fact, most likely on the rise.
Its a thought i guess!!
I think you may be right on the depreciation of the classics. Its definately something to consider. Im going to have a look at them now. Im in no hurry to buy and im going to keep looking untill i find what i want. My 3 priorities are dark paintwork, manual, and leather (no grey leather though).
205jsy said:
I think you may be right on the depreciation of the classics. Its definately something to consider. Im going to have a look at them now. Im in no hurry to buy and im going to keep looking untill i find what i want. My 3 priorities are dark paintwork, manual, and leather (no grey leather though).
The one in the earlier link is in really good nick to be honest.Coule of hundred quid to improve the leather, and you have a dead solid car.
My P38a 4.6 Vogue is just brilliant. It didn't cost much, came with FSH and has proven itself time and again. The only problem after a year of ownership has been replacing the battery after my 2 year old decided to turn the interior lights on while I wasn't looking.
It gets 20 to 22mpg on the Mway and 14 to 16mpg in town. This doesn't sound good until you realise that the diesel doesn't do much better and costs quite a bit more such that it destroys the fuel savings for the first few years of ownership.
I would suggest going for the latest P38 - after the engine management was changed in 1999/2000. Not having Lucas parts is generally a good thing.
Not sure if they were still doing manuals then, but I have found nothing wrong with the auto even when towing cars around.
This is mine in its natural habitat:
It gets 20 to 22mpg on the Mway and 14 to 16mpg in town. This doesn't sound good until you realise that the diesel doesn't do much better and costs quite a bit more such that it destroys the fuel savings for the first few years of ownership.
I would suggest going for the latest P38 - after the engine management was changed in 1999/2000. Not having Lucas parts is generally a good thing.
Not sure if they were still doing manuals then, but I have found nothing wrong with the auto even when towing cars around.This is mine in its natural habitat:
Edited by dnb on Saturday 23 January 23:07
Gassing Station | Land Rover | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff