hiya guys
I've just regged on here so I can get in the know. I have a question tho. I am thinking of buying my first range, Ive been offered a nice 1 at almost 5 grand N reg DSE. There are no problems with it all, its got new air suspension too. the interior is very nice and for its millage very untouched looking. milage is 103k. I have also seen an R reg as well which hasnt had any air suspension problems and there are not any problems with the electrics . but it has got 127k on the clock. As its my first range I dont want to be unlucky and end up with a bad one, Another thing i would like some feedback on is if the N reg has just had all its air suspension replaced would the new Replacement be of the improved new type that should have been fitted to all the problem range's ? and if so it could be an advantage to me ?
I am going to test drive and look at both today and tomorrow.
and am i right in thinking that a p38 is a 2.5 DSE ?
Also as a first time buyer whats the most important thing i need to be looking at as regards to warning signs of a trouble range ?
Hi Teddy,
If I was you I would try and find someone who is familiar with the P38 typre Range Rover and take them along with you. If thats not possible these are the things I would have a close look at (in no real order).
Check the air suspension (i know you said its all been replaced but read on!). First of all height changes should be smooth and quick taking no longer than around 7-10 secs between heights, probably even less if 'everything' has just been replaced. Get in the vehicle, start the engine, make sure the door is closed, make sure its in P (or neutral if its a manual), handbrake on and foot off brake and press the height switch to go upto high mode, you should rise smoothly and stutter free (the back end WILL raise first and then the front). Once there, press the inhibit switch and drop back down to normal height, wait until its settled out then go down to motorway mode and then down to access mode, all changes should be smooth. Once at access mode go back up the heights, I would recommend going straight back to standard height (the level with just a flat line by the side of it). It should raise and be there within a few secs (less than 7-10) if its taking any longer and the light is blinking for a long time then expect to replace the air compressor or at the very least refurbish it with a new seal. One thing I should say is that after messing with the air suspension and changing up a few times you will drain the air tank and it will take at least 8-9 mins for it to refill.
Once you have done the height change test get underneath the vehicle with it at normal height and physically LOOK at the air suspension bags/springs. They are where springs would usually be on a vehicle. If they are new they will look jet black and fold over at the bottom with a nice smooth surface. If they are not so new and getting old they will appear light grey from road muck etc and where they fold over at the bottom there may be surface cracking of the rubber, this indicates you will need to replace them at some point in the future as the rubber is beginning to perish (your looking at around £65 a bag).
Once you have checked all the air suspension stuff check the service history and check it has been serviced reguarly!! Ask the previous owner for any and ALL receipts relating to work done (such as the EAS overhaul). As long as its been serviced properly by either LR or a specialist then you should be good as far as the engine goes.
Get in the car and start it again. Check the central locking, push the button down on the sill and all doors should lock (check by looking at the other door sill buttons). Lift the button back up and they should all unlock, again, check they do.
Check the low range gearbox works.
Check the heating and cooling controls. Put the temp down to LO and check you have icey cold air coming out from the a/c, once it does take it up to HI and make sure you have hot air coming out, once it does go back down to something like 19-20 and you should feel the definite temp difference. Once you have done that select each different setting for where you want the air to come out of and make sure it comes out where you direct it - if you get a handbook symbol during any of this then something somewhere in the heating system isnt right and will require repair. Check the heated seats, they probably wont work as all the P38's I ever looked at never had them working. You can get them working again by replacing the heating element inside the seat base.
If its got electric seats make sure they work all ok and adjust every angle on them to make sure the motors are ok.
Go on a LONG test drive if possible, try and insist that you can and listen out for any strange sounds or anything. Pay attention to everything you normally would on any car, common problems can include shuddering while braking or vibration when driving at speed along a straight road, these can be worn bushes and/or ball joints. Also if its an auto - from a standing start drive it pretty harshly upto around 70 mph and watch out for signs of a slipping gearbox - this would show itself as the engine revs jumping about as it went into, for example 4th gear, you would be able to rev away and the revs will just climb but no speed is gained.
Lastly, I wont lie and say that these vehicles are completely trouble free and brilliant in every way, you WILL experience problems along the line and you will have times when you hate the thing and want to kick it but they are great vehicles and as long as you are ok with learning to do some of your own work on them you will love it!!
Good luck with getting one and let us know hwo you get on...
-Wills
