P38 Good, Bad or Ugly?

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Hi mate. 38s are very hit and miss. Good ones command a price for a reason, but then who knows? Diesel seems puny in a big vehicle ...so go for petrol with lpg fitted. 4.6 is auto only iirc.

Can be a serious money pit. If unsure get a Disco .
 
Yep I have a 1997 2.5 diesel manual and can't fault it, check all electrics are working correctly check air suspension works correctly suspension air bags need changing every few years but are cheep enough and easy to do yourself
 
Thanks for the input chaps,

Is there problems with the V8's running on LPG? Just things I have read on eBay ads regarding engine rebuilds because of LPG?

Any ideas,?
 
Jonihonki said:
Thanks for the input chaps,

Is there problems with the V8's running on LPG? Just things I have read on eBay ads regarding engine rebuilds because of LPG?

Any ideas,?
Click to expand...

Petrol or lpg v8s can be hit or miss for a number of reasons. You'll find arguments for both petrol and diesel but imo diesel is more reliable and more effcient....and wont drown in uk floods!
 
Jonihonki said:
Thanks for the input chaps,

Is there problems with the V8's running on LPG? Just things I have read on eBay ads regarding engine rebuilds because of LPG?

Any ideas,?
Click to expand...

My disco v8 has done 165k 145k of that on LPG still going relatively strong, theres lots of different lpg systems do abit of research on brand before you buy :)
 
Jonihonki said:
That's the facts then ha :0)

Think a 300 Tdi is the way to go then!

But I do like the look and luxury of the P38!!! What to do??:eek:
Click to expand...

Go for a 300 or v8 disco imho far less to go wrong, P38 has so much electronics that can have problems, but thats just my view, i was considering p38 over my disco. But now i got the disco never looked back as i have been able to do all jobs on it that need doing dont think i have the technologies or patience for p38 electronics haha :)
 
bencorkill said:
Go for a 300 or v8 disco imho far less to go wrong, P38 has so much electronics that can have problems, but thats just my view, i was considering p38 over my disco. But now i got the disco never looked back as i have been able to do all jobs on it that need doing dont think i have the technologies or patience for p38 electronics haha :)
Click to expand...


What's your mpg like on the disco v8?
 
Jonihonki said:
What's your mpg like on the disco v8?
Click to expand...

i get 11mpg around town, and 16ish on a run but my lpg system needs a retune, i will be expecting about 11 town and 18/20 on run but take into consideration a gallon of lpg about £3.50, mines a auto would get higher on manual + i enjoy the noise pedal to much haha :)
 
Buy a later p38. Most of the problems were sorted.
The most comfortable 4x4 on the market.
4 wheel TC post 99 is worth having.
If you can find one a 2001 MY. At the end some models were loaded with extras.
My own pref is for a diesel. Cheap to run.
Maintenance is everything. Buy from an enthusiast where the vehicle has been well maintained.
 
For pure luxury & refinement it has to be a late V8 (mine is a 2002 Vogue SE with LPG).
A good quality & professionally fitted sequential multipoint system is important on these.
You'le need to keep back plenty of funds to run any P38 though.
 
If you buy a V8 put £3k to one side for when the liners slip. Diesel Auto every time for me, cheaper to run and more reliable. The electronics on the P38 are not so bad if you keep the inside free of leaks from O rings and rain water ingress.
 
Jonihonki said:
I do like a v8, and I need it to tow! So maybe .....

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...

Then don't get the Vee. Like all aluminium engines they are very sensitive to heat. One long clime too many and you've got a blown gasket. If fate hates you, slipped liners to boot.

There is a reason Buick mothballed the engine, it wouldn't pass their durability tests.
 
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