P38 Range Rover Buying Tips

Evening All,

Been a while since I've been on here (the lack of a Landie of any description might have something to do with it!). I am seriously considering a P38 Rangie (an early 4.0 V8 with a manual box). I have done some searching and came across a couple of threads; most usefully this one http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f10/i-want-buy-range-rover-93475-3.html. This thread sort of answers some questions but leaves me asking more.

When looking at a P38, what are the corrosion weaknesses (chassis and body?)

I know the 1990's 4.6's have a poor reputation for HGF. Does this also apply to the 4.0's? Why does this happen (ie. the root cause) and are there any sensible precautions/fixes?

Do all P38's have air suspension (the one I'm looking at is a poverty spec V8 and the advert doesn't mention it.

Are the bodyshells/window seals as prone to waterleaks as Disco 1's?

What is the general opinion on an outwardly well maintained P38 V8 with 150k on the clock. Walk away or buy at the right price (it will be a frequently used second car rather than the one that can't fail).

The toys: this one doesn't have much except electric windows and central locking and an alarm/immobiliser. Are these generally reliable/fixable?

Thanks in advance for any comments!

Malcolm

As a diesel onwer I can't really help with engine answers, but yes they all have air suspension, leaks aren't common, those that do are mostly related to sunroofs as with many other cars. The chassis actually has thicker steel than most other LR's and there don't appear to be any particular points to check, and I've not come across any consistent body corrosion problems, most reports tend towards them staying pretty clear, with the exception of the usual RR trait - the lower tailgates bottom edge. As with any P38 a very good service history is key, and ensuring absolutely everything works, as most electrics go through an ECU somewhere down the line, and an outward appearance e.g. bulb out, might not be as simple to fix as just replacing it. Personally I love my P38 and it would take a lot to part me from it, in spite of a few teething problems, more related to previous owners poor maintenence than the model.

Thanks Kernowdragon. I've actually come across a few threads now (better thought out search terms :doh and also came across a couple on Pistonheads of all places:

Range Rover 2.5DSE - What to look for

P38 Range Rover?

Building up my own check-list based on all I've seen as I'm looking at one on Saturday.

Basic message is that can be a right pain, but a good'un is unadulterated pleasure.

Here's hoping!

Malcolm

Happy hunting mate, and good luck

the lads on here will tell you what i'd be looking at first (anyone? ) but you've probably read it already!!

check everything several times, hot and cold!

Wouldn't possibly have anything to do with coolant would it?!?!

aye thats the single most important thing to check, all other bits and bobs are less expensive and less terminal!

except probably the gearbox!!