P38 Buying Advice

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Jamiehol said:
Thanks for this, glad to know you can get diagnostic cables for them off eBay, bought one for my fleet of VWs and it is the best thing I have bought for them.
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The cables available on Ebay are only for the free suspension software (available on the net).

If you want a software package for fault finding you're looking at about 600 quid, the cheapo fault find programs have a very limited use with a Range Rover, even if you can get them to read anything...
 
zzr1200 said:
The cables available on Ebay are only for the free suspension software (available on the net).

If you want a software package for fault finding you're looking at about 600 quid, the cheapo fault find programs have a very limited use with a Range Rover, even if you can get them to read anything...
Click to expand...

Thats a bit of a shame that it doesn't seem to be as open as the VW ECUs but even jst being able to sort the suspension when it goes wrong will help with the garage bills.
 
Jamiehol said:
Thats a bit of a shame that it doesn't seem to be as open as the VW ECUs but even jst being able to sort the suspension when it goes wrong will help with the garage bills.
Click to expand...

Range Rover.net has all the common faults n fixes listed.

I tried a few fault programs on my 1995 RR none have worked, I believe that after about 1998 you have more luck with some programs, but still not a full fault read, but at up to 85 quid a pop for fault reading it maybe worth the investment if you're are likely to keep the Rangey for a few years.

Plus its always an option to sell it to the next owner.

Once I'm over the Xmas cash crisis, I will be saving for a fautmate extreme....
 
It wasn't till about 96 thathe OBD2 standard came in, I already have a generic ODB2 cable and some free software so when I finally buy a P38 I will try it out.
 
Hi
First off good luck with your searching. Which one to go for is always a subjective choice. I've had a diesel manual and now have a 4.6 auto. No way on earth would I go back to the diesel. Gutless and the manual box is crap. In the three years I had it, it had one gearbox rebuild and two years after that I had to have an exchange box. The 4.6 feels totally different - feels like a Rangie should - quiet, refined, powerful etc. But it is thirsty. 14 - 16 knocking about and 18 on a run, less if you're towing. But the diesel wasn't much better to be honest so if you're not doing megga miles, I'd go for the petrol. I don't know what the difference is in economy between the 4.0 and the 4.6. Can't see it being vast. You get more toys on the 4.6s generally though. Pays yer money etc.
I'm looking to do a LPG conversion this year and have been looking at RPi - anyone with experience of them with LPG? I know they're not the cheapest.
 
just looking at the advice given and it seems sensible enough but every vehicle is different and you may buy a RR and have very little trouble with it but fore warned is fore armed.

the reason i have ended up spending so much money is because the initial cost of the RR was £5000, which means that once you have spent that money you can not walk away without a huge loss.

so choose wisely, it could save you a bundle of money, the LR dealer ship may give you a reasonable guarantee if you haggle it in with the price.

happy hunting

ian
 
Hi pal,iv got a 2001 51 plate DHSE for sale...:tea:
Diesel is a great engine for towing,especially the auto coz you get plenty torque when the revs are up...
less to go wrong with the diesel,electrics wise and its an inline 6 n not a V8 so easier to work on,should the need arise...
once you've had one,you'll struggle to give her up,LIKE ME!!!...lol...:amen:
 
I brought a 1998 P38 4.6 HSE one year ago, top of the range all singing and dancing, 126,000K on the clock, spent about GBP1500 this includes full servicing so far, wouldn't change it for the world, I go every where, deserts, wadi bashing etc, takes me and the two bitches (one's the dog) plus all camping gear etc, never let me down, touch wood,
 
I have a 97 4.6hse and so far spent £200 in about 3 or 4 months, this is by far the best car i have ever owned - I had 3 Subaru impreza's before this and they cost way more to run. I have also started off roadind and as i live in the country i have used it to upright some crashed cars. My father in law had a 2000 4litre hse and difference in economy is nothing if anything my 4.6 is getting better economy!! Best thing to do is get the car you want but research every component and hunt about for the best one you can buy. If your handy with mechanics check Blaze lpg kits out, they do a good range of diy kits and i have been thinking about installing one of these.

Good luck
 
I have to agree with all the above advice with regards to looking long and hard before parting with cash.

I have a '99 (2000MY) 4.6 VogueSE with LPG. I have had it for almost 2yrs now and have been very impressed with it. The mileage was 71K when I boughti t with pretty good SH though not full but was offered a 2yr warranty (even it it is only a cheapy insurance type) when I got it.

Closer examination shows that even at this mileage the previous owner had a new engine fitted and the gas system within 6 months of me buying it. (Must have got ****ed off at all the outlay).

Since owning the only faults I have ever seen are flat battery (recently replaced) probably down to crappy reciever unit and occasionally get the book up on the HEVAC unit as the blend motors seem to be tempremental.

I have even had the pleasure of taking it on sailsbury plain where even on road tyres, it proved itself to be exceptional.

I think I have been very fortunate with mine and have read lots of horror stories on here, even with that said I would never swap the petrol engine for a diesel.

So just be very very very sure of the condition before buying.
 
Mine was purchased with the expectation of spending cash to get it right and I was right. It was only £2k but I expect will have cost around £5k once all the jobs are done. That is still a lot of car for the money.

Mine is an M reg and was still on it's first set of airbags. I have been told that they are usually ready for replacement after 10 or so years, they were perished and gently leaking. (I have heard that they are lasting longer than mk111 RR airbags which seem to be giving up after 4-5 years).

I have also replaced the alternator, the starter motor, the battery, fitted magnecore HT leads, Tornado chips (RPI) and one new tyre (which as £211 deserves a mention!!). It is about to have new O2 sensors and just had feedback system fitted to the signle poing LPG system that's on it. So all in all it's not been a cheap xmas!

Just got the aircon to sort out now!

Great car though.:)
 
Derek Ward said:
Hi
First off good luck with your searching. Which one to go for is always a subjective choice. I've had a diesel manual and now have a 4.6 auto. No way on earth would I go back to the diesel. Gutless and the manual box is crap. In the three years I had it, it had one gearbox rebuild and two years after that I had to have an exchange box. The 4.6 feels totally different - feels like a Rangie should - quiet, refined, powerful etc. But it is thirsty. 14 - 16 knocking about and 18 on a run, less if you're towing. But the diesel wasn't much better to be honest so if you're not doing megga miles, I'd go for the petrol. I don't know what the difference is in economy between the 4.0 and the 4.6. Can't see it being vast. You get more toys on the 4.6s generally though. Pays yer money etc.
I'm looking to do a LPG conversion this year and have been looking at RPi - anyone with experience of them with LPG? I know they're not the cheapest.
Click to expand...

I like RPI - they have been good to deal with. I have heard some other less positive opinions but they are free with time and advice.
 
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