Hello.

Hi, just joined.
I'm buying my first Range Rover next Wednesday (if it comes up to expectations). It looks great in black with cream leather etc.,
It's a 98 on a 51 plate with 130k on the clock with service history.

I'll be looking for info on oil changes etc., and general servicing tips after I've bought it. I've been on the Pajero (pocuk) forum for the last 6 years and that is a great place for paj owners so I hope this will be just as good if not better.

Best,
Chris.

:welcome2: This will of course be a diesel if you have any sense.

Hi Wammers,
No, this is a 4.6 vogue, petrol.
So why should it be a diesel? Is that because of the cost of filling up or is there another reason?
Thanks for the welcome.

chrischance said:

Hi Wammers,
No, this is a 4.6 vogue, petrol.
So why should it be a diesel? Is that because of the cost of filling up or is there another reason?
Thanks for the welcome.

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A lot less troublesome. Watch the temp gauge, service it well and it will be fine. Good luck.

Thanks for that. I know absolutely nothing about them, but my missus is dead keen on this one and it's petrol so if it is alright when I view it I'll be buying it.
Incidentally, is there a forum shop where you can buy filters etc., I can't see one on here?

chrischance said:

Incidentally, is there a forum shop where you can buy filters etc., I can't see one on here?

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No shop Paddosks or ebay for a filter kit..

:welcome2: Excellent choice IMO, love the V8 sound, have a look here for oil/filter/kit/etc. Engine Oil, Motor Oil, Gear Oil, Car Oil, Motorbike Oil from oilman at Opie Oils

:welcome2: Hi Chris, Hope you find this forum as helpful as I did when I bought my P38. I have had lots of helpful advice and help from a wide variety of members.
It is always a good idea to add where you are based to your signature. If you ever need help there might be a member close enough to offer assistance.
regards
Bill

Island 4x4 are very good on spares etc and next day delivery. They even tell you within an hour what time they will deliver.

:welcome2:

but . . .

chrischance said:

It's a 98 on a 51 plate

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??

Sat in a dealer for 2 or 3 years?

Hi dogsbody, I will be speaking to the man shortly about that. The dealer seems to be a kosher outfit in Romford, but if it doesn't feel right... there's plenty more out there.
Thanks, Redhand, Druim and Bill. I've checked out Opie oils and Island 4x4. I'm sure I'll be well looked after on the forum.
I'm hoping there's a handbook with the car so I'll know the various quantities and qualities to buy for servicing.
Best,
Chris.

chrischance said:

Hi dogsbody, I will be speaking to the man shortly about that. The dealer seems to be a kosher outfit in Romford, but if it doesn't feel right... there's plenty more out there.
Thanks, Redhand, Druim and Bill. I've checked out Opie oils and Island 4x4. I'm sure I'll be well looked after on the forum.
I'm hoping there's a handbook with the car so I'll know the various quantities and qualities to buy for servicing.
Best,
Chris.

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If you download RAVE there is a handbook included in the download. In fact, if you contact Datatek he can supply the cable and software for the air suspension and he throws in a copy of RAVE and instructions on how to change air springs.

chrischance said:

Hi dogsbody, I will be speaking to the man shortly about that. The dealer seems to be a kosher outfit in Romford, but if it doesn't feel right... there's plenty more out there.
Thanks, Redhand, Druim and Bill. I've checked out Opie oils and Island 4x4. I'm sure I'll be well looked after on the forum.
I'm hoping there's a handbook with the car so I'll know the various quantities and qualities to buy for servicing.
Best,
Chris.

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If you're definitely going to treat yourself to a P38 then you'd do well to invest a few beer tokens with DATATEK on here. He can supply you a computer connection lead and software on disc to sort out any air suspension issues. But also on the disc he burns a copy of RAVE, the workshop manual, and it includes the owners handbook.

Lets hope there's not a handbook on the dash!!

Give it a good long test drive preferably with a steep hill involved and look for any signs of overheating, guage should settle just short of halfway. The V8, apart from being thirsty is well known for HGF, slipped liners and cracked blocks. Check the heater and aircon works, try every button and see that it does what it's supposed to. Check the air suspension raises quickly and will go to all setting from the dash button, ask if the airsprings have neen replaced, if they haven't they will need doing. There are many other things to watch out for, do a search on here. Try to get some sort of warranty for at least 6 months.
The diesel is a much better bet, more economical and the engine is more reliable if a little slow compared to the V8 but better than the Pajero.

OK, thanks for all the tips--appreciated.
Excuse my ignorance, but what is 'HGF'?
Also, the computor connection lead for the air suspension is interesting. Is this something that connects the car to my PC? If so, then I will need a laptop?
I hope to view the car tomorrow.

chrischance said:

OK, thanks for all the tips--appreciated.
Excuse my ignorance, but what is 'HGF'?
Also, the computor connection lead for the air suspension is interesting. Is this something that connects the car to my PC? If so, then I will need a laptop?
I hope to view the car tomorrow.

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HGF = Head Gasket Failure. The cable and CD will allow you to diagnose faults on the EAS, but you will need a laptop. Old Windows XP laptops can be found for as little as £50 on Ebay

98 on a 51 plate was a typist error reading info from a HPI check, so it is a 2001 model.

The car looks to be in great nick with no scratches. All the buttons work and the air suspension works as it should. The V8 sounds great but I have to wait until after the holidays to take it for a spin when it has been serviced and mot'd.

My only concern right now is that there is no service history, but the dealer is giving me a 3 month engine and gearbox warranty.

The CD changer in the boot is missing so I'll be looking for another. I will also be fitting a tow-bar so I'll be seeking advice on which type to have fitted and where's the best place in Herts to have it done... I intend to buy a touring caravan later. I will be seeking those fancy chrome exhaust pipe ends as well, but I have to wait a few days before I take the car from the dealer so no rush.

Best,
Chris.

Towing with a P38 can lead to overheating. Many a P38 has overheated when towing including my diesel. V8 is supposed to be more inclined to overheat. Trouble is you have Aircon fans and radiator and intercooler in front of the engine cooling radiator so not much through flow of cold air. Talk to Datatek about his aircon fan mod. Also, make sure the all the front end area is clear of dead bugs etc, anything that will interfere with airflow. If it overheats STOP and let it cool down before refilling and moving on. Don't push on - that can lead to very expensive repairs!
good luck with it

Thanks, Bill, I'll check that when I collect the car.