New boy, P 38

Hello everyone.

I have been offered a 1997 2.5DSE 1997, it's immaculate, and all seems to work OK.

However having read various forums the P38 seems to have a very bad reputation.

Are they really that bad or is it just bad publicity.

There must be some good stories?

Cheers

They are high maintenance, but great if you are able to DIY. My DHSE has never let me down in 18 months and I have 2 mates with the same who have had no trouble. However maintenance has included air suspension bags replaced (8 years 80K miles seems to be the max life), a height sensor, aircon condensor replaced and a window regulator. Heater matrix "O" rings need doing. None of that lot amounted to any great expense as I did all the work myself.
Not bad for a 10 year old and it's the most comfortable car I have owned.

the problem with p38s, are people trying to fix them on the cheep. try and take some body with you that knows p38s. good luck..

They are as reliable/un-reliable as anything else out there!! Just a bit more complex and some parts are quite expensive. Read all the forums download Rave and learn how to look after it yourself. Cheaper and not so stressfull in the long run. Take it to anything but a Rangie specialist/enthusiast and mention EAS or stray signals flattening your battery and they won't have a clue what you're on about.

Go for it, and as has been said you won't find a motor the wrong side of ten years old so comfy and enjoyable.

Thanks for the quick replys, I think I'll go for it.
What is 'rave'?

Cheers

OK

Workshop manual, found it.

Cheers

hi RAVE is a lot more that a workshop manual make sure that you have RAVE the manual is rubbish.

Can we open a book on how long before it goes wrong? lol

when I bought mine it took 30 mins and overheated (Head f...ed)

Good luck!

tigtaf said:

Hello everyone.

I have been offered a 1997 2.5DSE 1997, it's immaculate, and all seems to work OK.

However having read various forums the P38 seems to have a very bad reputation.

Are they really that bad or is it just bad publicity.

There must be some good stories?

Cheers

Click to expand...

Welcome.
I have exactly the same car : I got it just under a year ago when it had some problems : I am no genius and I fixed them myself with a lot of anxiety and help from Landyzone.
Best car I have ever owned.
If you get it post your location so people know where you are. You'd be surprised how much help is on offer.
Good luck and if I can return any of the help I got I'll be happy to contribute.