Cheap P38 or cheap Disco 2

Grandaddylow · Dec 2, 2018

I have been thinking about a disco 2 for a while, but for the kind of money I have to spend, it looks like I might be into chassis rot pretty quickly. For about the same money I can get a P38, which seems to suffer from less rot, but more electrical gremlins. And many of them seem very well cared for.

The P38 is written off as a bit of a dog by many but the P38 sounds capable offroad (so long as you get a later one with traction). Parts are probably more expensive for the P38 and it'll probably need air bags at some point.

Is there anything else I need to consider when comparing them?

Cheers, GDL.

MJI · Dec 3, 2018

Test drive both, you may take an extra liking to one or the other.

Either are fine if you go in with eyes open.

Both cars air suspension is repairable.

D2 Diesel is probably better than P38 Diesel

V8s similar but 4.6 is UK available in P38

biketeacherdave · Dec 3, 2018

Iv got one of both and to be honest the p38 is much better because of the 4.6 v8 try finding one on LPG and pay less than half the running cost on petrol iv a kit sitting here going on over Xmas wish I fitted 3 years ago when I bought it.
The D2 is nice as its an ES premium with rear air con kids loved it this summer and I trust it snuff to go to France in it, the p38 not so much but its never let me down but I'm always tinkering with them. Now have an L322 and D3 to play with so busy busy

Grandaddylow · Dec 3, 2018

Yeah - it's not a daily driver: it'd be a toy. I had LPG on a car years ago - it was a bit of a pain truth be told - but it was a long time ago (though it was multipoint). What's your thoughts on diesel P38s? I was thinking slow, but no porus engines.

biketeacherdave · Dec 3, 2018

Well iv bought a petrol on LPG v8 L322 lol diesel p38 slow but can be chipped by mick at dyno chip to match or even in his words beat the v8 and as long as you never want to go near a city you should be good

Grandaddylow · Dec 3, 2018

That is interesting. Not too fussed about power. Am I right about corrosion - has it been a non-issue?

biketeacherdave · Dec 3, 2018

There is no corrosion on p38 if there is walk away its properly the most rust and corrosion car land rover ever made

Grandaddylow · Dec 3, 2018

I think I'm sold.... I just stripped and rebuilt my S3 to tackle chassis and bulkhead corrosion. I'm done with rot for a bit! Thanks for the information.

Disco1BFG · Dec 3, 2018

As above, P38's appear more or less rust free, certainly rot free .... not really a statement which could could be applied to a D2 ...

Since you'll need proper diagnostics for either, my choice would be P38 given the options you mention .... but don't forget the diagnostics ... you'll need your own, or very deep pockets to be paying a garage to plug it in everytime

Grandaddylow · Dec 3, 2018

I've been looking at diagnostics units. I've used Forscan on Fords for a while which is free and works with a cheap ELM interface. Can't see any similar projects in the landrover world. I've started looking on ebay for older diagnostic systems: people must be getting rid of them as the P38/D2s are getting on a bit.

Disco1BFG · Dec 3, 2018

Grandaddylow said:
I've been looking at diagnostics units. I've used Forscan on Fords for a while which is free and works with a cheap ELM interface. Can't see any similar projects in the landrover world. I've started looking on ebay for older diagnostic systems: people must be getting rid of them as the P38/D2s are getting on a bit.

I have one word for you:- "Nanocom" by Black box solutions - do a search on here

Grandaddylow · Dec 3, 2018

Will do. Thanks.

biketeacherdave · Dec 3, 2018

iv never had to plug my p38 in once the d2 i have diag for

DanClarke · Dec 3, 2018

I have only had 3 Landies a 90 and 2 4.6 P38's.
90 was a "bit of fun" but truly a "tratter".
1st P38 was 4.6 HSE LPG and went very well indeed, no complaints.
Current 4.6 P38 is all petrol but I do no miles nowadays so I don't really care.
90 was showing signs of rot all over, but the P38's seem to be a lot less prone to corroding away IMHO.

urena · Dec 3, 2018

get a 300 tdi

Grandaddylow · Dec 3, 2018

urena said:
get a 300 tdi

In what?

urena · Dec 3, 2018

Grandaddylow said:
In what?

disco or 90

Grandaddylow · Dec 3, 2018

Got a series so figure a 90 is a bit too same. Finding rot free discos in the cheap range is hard!

biketeacherdave · Dec 4, 2018

I am in the unfortunate position of having to sell both my p38 and D2..........but iv an L322 and D3 sitting here

Big-Larry · Dec 5, 2018

Admittadly I am no LR expert being new to the brand myself, however, just wanted to say that their are plenty of low priced D2's out there now and not all with rotten rear chassis rails either! I viewed many and took my time, I paid £2250 for this 54reg 1owner, fsh, never towed etc etc.. chassis was good and i have treated it as you can see. However, the mileage of 175k did almost put me off untill I drove it - it drove better than efery single other one I had ever driven with much lower mileage.,, goes to show its all about the life it has led and the care it has recieved. Good luck, just thought I would stick up for the D2 TD5 before you commit to the P38!!

Cheap P38 or cheap Disco 2

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