P38A 2.5 diesel- want one but scared!

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Flossie

Flossie

Well-Known Member
Posts
11,001
Location
Shropshire
I'm nearing 60 and I love my 110 to bits but cronky knees and back are taking their toll on me now:rolleyes:.
I make biodiesel and I need a more comfy bus to run around in and love landrovers so a P38 diesel seems ideal being veg oil tolerant too.
However, I'm very old skool, never really moved with the times and I've never owned a car with ECU's or anything, my 200tdi 110 is joyously simple in that respect.
I know I'll need a nanocom? From what I've picked up from reading posts and maybe a few other tools too, mechanical stuff doesn't scare me , complicated electronics and auto boxes do even though I've never owned an auto.
Maybe auto P38's are better than manuals? Is there a particular year of P38 where niggles were ironed out or indeed, where they got worse?
I want a real clean one not a project, hoping to keep it that way.
Is there a comprehensive buyer's guide anywhere, I've found vague ones which have just scared me more.:p
 
Love mine to bits. I wasn't sure about the auto box at first but it's smooth as hell. And after owning an Alfa Romeo for the last decade or so, they're **** easy to work on.
 
Tenebreaux said:
Love mine to bits. I wasn't sure about the auto box at first but it's smooth as hell. And after owning an Alfa Romeo for the last decade or so, they're **** easy to work on.
Click to expand...
Diesel auto or petrol? I do like the idea of an auto beings as it's my left leg that gives me most grief. Are the auto boxes long lived if maintained?
 
D2206 said:
Figured I was telling you what you already knew lol.
Click to expand...
I have read about the leaks into the cabin from the heaters or blend motors whatever they are and the pain to replace involving dash out stuff. I also read posts from up to a couple of years back when they were current posts (so I've been thinking about a 38 for a while!) Useful stuff too like using Audi? Bits to fix leaky matrix's or something, don't recall exactly.
Just had another look at them ont net , lots of petrols not so many diesels and lots on springs which I don't want unless it's easy/cheap to return to bags..
Is there anyone with a 38 closeish to me? Telford, Shropshire.
 
Flossie said:
I'm nearing 60 and I love my 110 to bits but cronky knees and back are taking their toll on me now:rolleyes:.
I make biodiesel and I need a more comfy bus to run around in and love landrovers so a P38 diesel seems ideal being veg oil tolerant too.
However, I'm very old skool, never really moved with the times and I've never owned a car with ECU's or anything, my 200tdi 110 is joyously simple in that respect.
I know I'll need a nanocom? From what I've picked up from reading posts and maybe a few other tools too, mechanical stuff doesn't scare me , complicated electronics and auto boxes do even though I've never owned an auto.
Maybe auto P38's are better than manuals? Is there a particular year of P38 where niggles were ironed out or indeed, where they got worse?
I want a real clean one not a project, hoping to keep it that way.
Is there a comprehensive buyer's guide anywhere, I've found vague ones which have just scared me more.:p
Click to expand...

My advice is 'go for it.' I'm starting the 6th year with mine and although there have been a few ups and downs I say that owning a P38 has been a positive experience overall.
Our 2000 MY diesel is our principal vehicle and we still love the imperious driving position and the whole 'gentleman's club' feeling. Thoroughly dignified transport for an OAP like me!
Try to find one from a good home. Poor, low budget maintenance will show up a range of annoying little faults in no time.
TBH, I don't think I would have stuck with it so enthusiastically if not for LZ and a reliable local indy place who understand that my repair skills are strictly old skool!
 
Flossie said:
Nope, diesel only for me. Bio costs me 20p a ltr to make , not purchased pump fuel since 2009:p
Click to expand...

They run well on bio although you may have to reseal the injection pump after a while and change the intake pump and filters but you probable know all that already, i ran mine for a bit on svo and it ran smother and quieter
the auto boxes are good they seam to be better than the new stuff
you will love it, i have had mine 13 years and its not leaving anytime in the foreseeable future especially as i have done a complete brake overhaul and just finished replacing every suspension bush.
 
Flossie said:
I have read about the leaks into the cabin from the heaters or blend motors whatever they are and the pain to replace involving dash out stuff. I also read posts from up to a couple of years back when they were current posts (so I've been thinking about a 38 for a while!) Useful stuff too like using Audi? Bits to fix leaky matrix's or something, don't recall exactly.
Just had another look at them ont net , lots of petrols not so many diesels and lots on springs which I don't want unless it's easy/cheap to return to bags..
Is there anyone with a 38 closeish to me? Telford, Shropshire.
Click to expand...
Coils to air depends on how much original is left. Mine was absolutely gutted. They even removed the airlines. So I haven't got round to putting it back on air. I am 10 years with my late 99 derv and love it. 260k mines and looks untidy because I got lazy caring for it, but is mechanically stout. Just some niggles that come from running anything as a daily on UK roads.
It is a shame I don't live in Shrewsbury anymore as I'd happily let you take her for a spin. There was at least 10 other P38s when I was in Shrews though, so plenty about.
I would steer clear of a preface lift, as that was before BMW tried to fix what Rover got wrong. Late 99s never got the headlights, but got all of the electrical fixes the facelifted 00s vehicles got.
 
Bix said:
Coils to air depends on how much original is left. Mine was absolutely gutted. They even removed the airlines. So I haven't got round to putting it back on air. I am 10 years with my late 99 derv and love it. 260k mines and looks untidy because I got lazy caring for it, but is mechanically stout. Just some niggles that come from running anything as a daily on UK roads.
It is a shame I don't live in Shrewsbury anymore as I'd happily let you take her for a spin. There was at least 10 other P38s when I was in Shrews though, so plenty about.
I would steer clear of a preface lift, as that was before BMW tried to fix what Rover got wrong. Late 99s never got the headlights, but got all of the electrical fixes the facelifted 00s vehicles got.
Click to expand...
See! That's something I didn't know!
Facelift around 2000..ta.:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
2.25/2.5 Diesel Oil Pumps ?
Replies
2
Views
344
grewth
G
Ed_1969
FL2 - MPG On Euro 5 Diesel Auto 2011 On Only
Replies
17
Views
696
Nodge68
Nodge68
MikeFl4
P38A Possible coolant in oil
Replies
9
Views
933
Datatek
Datatek
Maat
P38A Advice for a new owner?
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Datatek
Datatek
G
Evoque First RR - advice please!
Replies
15
Views
2K
WhiskyLassie
WhiskyLassie
Back
Top