Good choice or big problems?

Hi all.

Well with my Discovery turning into a serious mud plugger and my P reg astra diesel dying i think its time to look at something else to get me to work. Now i was thinking about getting a newer astra estate to take over the duties, however i also have a car trailer and orthough the Disco can pull it no problem, over time its gonna kill my tyres.
So that leaves me with the thought of getting something bigger, something thats comfortable, looks nice, drives well, diesel powered and can pull a couple of tonnes without complaint.
Now i've always wanted a P38, really nice looking 4x4 imo, however never had the money to buy one. But i've found one on ebay, 2.5DT manual without leather (to hot and sticky anyway) 1995 model, 1995 LAND ROVER RANGEROVER 2.5 DT SPARES /REPAIRS on eBay (end time 20-May-10 13:58:09 BST)

Now i've done a bit of searching but only seem to be able to find out about the V8 engines, not the diesel model or indeed what to look for on RR in general. So really i'm after some advice, what are the main things to look for and what sort of price is it worth?

Any advice or information would be greatly appricated.

Cheers Chris.

how about this one?

1998 LAND ROVER RANGEROVER 2.5 DSE EPSOM GREEN on eBay (end time 16-May-10 10:58:44 BST)

lol didn't see that one and it was right under my nose!
Quite nice that, would prefer without leather, though it does have a manual box.

theres another nearby which is a manual diesel.

There's nice green one with black leather with no bids. At least with black its easier to keep clean.
What sort of things should i be look for when i view a car like this? I know the usual check every swith, fluids, service history, etc. But what about P38 specific stuff? Can you tell if the air suspension is on its last legs? Does the body have a tendancy to rot like Disco's? Is everything electrical going to break?

1. Check all the electrical things work and I mean everything, down the the light bulbs etc, cause it's not always a simpe fix.
2. Body should be good, their known for not deteriorating much, but you might find bubbling paint, particularly at top of door panels and to rear of arches. Usual RR tailgate problem applies, so check condition of lower edge of lower tailgate.
3. Main things with air suspension, are look at the condition of the air springs, look for worn/cracked/crazed rubber bellows, and make sure it goes all the way up and down, smoothly, evenly, and promptly. Also make sure it sits level, if not could be sign of problems.

Further reading here and on RoverRenovtions site will give you a good idea of other common problems.

Cheres for the info fella.

Looking at the pictures of the blue one i linked at the top of the page bodywork looks good, but there's defently something along the bottom of the boot, i'm assuming corrosion.
Front does look a bit higher in the pics.

Co-Pang-Yang said:

Cheres for the info fella.

Looking at the pictures of the blue one i linked at the top of the page bodywork looks good, but there's defently something along the bottom of the boot, i'm assuming corrosion.
Front does look a bit higher in the pics.

Click to expand...

he's a blagger, he's selling with no warrenty or come backs. the pricks a dealer so you will have protection( unless your daft enough to let him write no warrenty on the reciept). if it's average condition why's it up for spares or repair,there are engine problems, there are problems with one door for sure so what would further delving reveal. personally i wouldn't go near it with a ****ty stick but thats just my opinion

that blue one might be worth a punt if its cheap enough, if the list of problems is all theres wrong then yeah it might be worth it, but if someone hasnt been bothered to take care of those problems what else is there that hasnt been cared for?

i bought mine knowing there was problems with the air suspension but the engine was solid and body was in good con for the year, it was quite a low spec model dse (i.e ****e wheels, no cd changer etc) but the service history was really good and there was only 1 previous owner. i think ive been lucky with mine but even if there was problems i'd have em fixed as i really enjoy the p38.

hope which ever one you go for brings you enjoyment, and some luck!!!

If you`re looking for a cheap car DON`T look at Rangies. As a general rule they are not economical in fuel, insurance, or especially maintainance. By using this site and getting your spanners & computor out on a regular basis you will save a small fortune. But will still part with a very sizable chunk of cash & time. DIY saves a lot but the parts are not cheap. Suggest if you REALLY keen.... i.e. a bit `touched`, then look over this site, look at rangerovers.net, & rswsolutions.com and then look at, crawl under, and test drive as many rangies as you can. Hopefully someone near you will volunteer to give you a conducted tour of a `good-un`. But if in any doubt don`t buy. A bargain could cost a fortune. . . .p.s. I`m happy with mine and ain`t about to sell so wouldn`t want to put you off completly but go into P38 ownership with your eyes open.