Buying a P38 4.0

Hi all

A while ago I got bored of trying to buy a Ex mod landy because of LEZ and instead bought something else. I am now keen to have something rumbly and bargey so am looking to get a P38 - there are tons of tidy ones around me for buttons and I have digested most of the info on here regarding what to look out for.

I am pretty accepting of the fact that suspension is going to take time, patience and money but I am not fussed as long as I can get it working reliably so my questions are...

Is there a decent EAS specialist who can troubleshoot and fix problems within south london/surrey? I live in Wandsworth. I am presuming I am going to buy one and within a short space of time things will require fettling.

I would rather stick with air but if it really drives me nuts I am not against a coil set up - so again is there anywhere in my region that makes a decent job of this?

Opinions welcome.. I am looking to spend 2-3k and am keen on the earlier P38 with the 4.0. I would post some ebay links of some that I am looking to go and see but i think that is not allowed on here?

Josh

A P38 is really only viable if you DIY. The EAS is easy to sort and not expensive. Overhaul it and it will be reliable,
Personally I'd recomend diesel.

links are allowed

V8 Good choice, but don't buy a Range Rover unless willing to DIY or loaded, it's a kinda hobby there needs looking after:rolly:

I only do about 3-4000 miles per year so I'm not fussed about Diesel - unless you are implying that the V8 is a set of problems on its own? I thought them to be fairly robust?

+1

Dont get me wrong I dont mind a bit of spannering, but I dont have masses of space or tools here so im at the mercy of a garage for big jobs (replacing all the bags for example)

This is one that I have been looking at....
1998 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 V8 SE for sale in AYR | eBay

josh00mac said:

I only do about 3-4000 miles per year so I'm not fussed about Diesel - unless you are implying that the V8 is a set of problems on its own? I thought them to be fairly robust?

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V8, HGF, slipped liners etc. Get a good one and keep the cooling system in good order and maybe you will be lucky. However if it fails, think £2 to £3K for a garage to fix it. Diesels occasionally suffer a cracked head, usually due to a cooling problem, cheaper to fix.
If you are going to use a garage to keep it on the road it could easily cost you £3K a year due to labour costs. They are complex and need a lot of TLC.

josh00mac said:

Dont get me wrong I dont mind a bit of spannering, but I dont have masses of space or tools here so im at the mercy of a garage for big jobs (replacing all the bags for example)

This is one that I have been looking at....
1998 Land Rover Range Rover 4.0 V8 SE for sale in AYR | eBay

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Replacing airbags is a piece of cake, no special tools needed.

You would be better waiting until the winter premium in the price goes and look for a post 2000 as they are better.

I got mine in the summer for a couple grand, hardly any miles, patience and something will show up, do get an automatic unless butler has lots of energy


Suspension can be fixed roadside Many here fix cars on drive, no garage needed for most tasks

Keep at least a grand aside for fixing car after purchase, it will be needed...

Druim said:

I got mine in the summer for a couple grand, hardly any miles, patience and something will show up, do get an automatic unless butler has lots of energy


Suspension can be fixed roadside Many here fix cars on drive, no garage needed for most tasks

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Lazy bugger, haven't seen many posts on here re. manual g/box or clutch probs but lots on auto's

tomcat59alan said:

Lazy bugger, haven't seen many posts on here re. manual g/box or clutch probs but lots on auto's

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Not many auto probs on the V8, especially later ones with the HP24

tomcat59alan said:

Lazy bugger, haven't seen many posts on here re. manual g/box or clutch probs but lots on auto's

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Already scrapped cars rarely goes wrong

If I can fix mine anyone can.! Yes there are certain jobs I won't do because of tools etc. But eas u just need a ,jack, pliers, screwdrivers and sockets..

Druim said:

Already scrapped cars rarely goes wrong

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Cheeky lazy bugger

Thanks all, I do think they are worth the hassle - you get a lot for your money. I'll try and pick one up in the coming months and let you know!

wouldnt thankyou for a manual had one hated it £400 for a clutch to get done and if the dmf goes wheyyy heyyy better have deep pockets

You do get a hell of alot for your money but i'd put 1/3 of your budget aside for repairs.
Also, don't discount the 4.6, nothing in MPG & a better transmission than the 4.0. Go for a late model Thor spec if you can, much more reliable & plenty more torque.
As mentioned, the cooling system has to be A1 for these V8's.

mutsnutz said:

wouldnt thankyou for a manual had one hated it £400 for a clutch to get done and if the dmf goes wheyyy heyyy better have deep pockets

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+ 1 and way to heavy on the clutch a real agricultural machine

Airbags are probably one of the easyest jobs on a p38
Last time I changed one in half and hour all I used was a jack a screwdriver and some molgrips