Datatek
Well-Known Member
The Defender has plenty of problems as my mate has found out after he chopped his L322 for a 2007 defender.
1988smithy
Well-Known Member
In terms of power and refinement yes the 4.6 is IMHO better.
Reliability, well depends it doesn't rust at all unlike the defender!! so its a trade off, Either tackle the occasional electrical gremlin or patch holes on a defender, depends on the person I guess.
the P38 is given a bad rep which it doesn't deserve the electrics while finiky are rather simple compared to what came after, and parts are readily available.
Offroad is mixed territory with its EAS and 4 wheel traction control the P38 is a very good offroader, probably equal to that of a defender.
Oh and while the V8 is said to be Satan, you couldn't ask for an easier engine to work on, and if you look after it, they'll last.
In terms of power and refinement yes the 4.6 is IMHO better.
Reliability, well depends it doesn't rust at all unlike the defender!! so its a trade off, Either tackle the occasional electrical gremlin or patch holes on a defender, depends on the person I guess.
the P38 is given a bad rep which it doesn't deserve the electrics while finiky are rather simple compared to what came after, and parts are readily available.
Offroad is mixed territory with its EAS and 4 wheel traction control the P38 is a very good offroader, probably equal to that of a defender.
Oh and while the V8 is said to be Satan, you couldn't ask for an easier engine to work on, and if you look after it, they'll last.
In terms of power and refinement yes the 4.6 is IMHO better.
Reliability, well depends it doesn't rust at all unlike the defender!! so its a trade off, Either tackle the occasional electrical gremlin or patch holes on a defender, depends on the person I guess.
the P38 is given a bad rep which it doesn't deserve the electrics while finiky are rather simple compared to what came after, and parts are readily available.
Offroad is mixed territory with its EAS and 4 wheel traction control the P38 is a very good offroader, probably equal to that of a defender.
Oh and while the V8 is said to be Satan, you couldn't ask for an easier engine to work on, and if you look after it, they'll last.
See my defenders completely rust free, but its going to be a battle to keepnit that way i know. I was looking at selling and getting something more...refined but i love it too much. But if i could get something like this
333028980011 eBay
It gets complicated! Only thing would be fuel consumption, I get 27 at absolute best out of defender, god knows what when I'm towing the van. I don't really care lol
Henry_b
Think outside, no box required.
Link is broken Chap!
Defenders are great not gonna lie.
But P38's are something else..
really nice cars once you get to know them..
1988smithy
Well-Known Member
Link is broken Chap!
Defenders are great not gonna lie.
But P38's are something else..
Copy and paste into eBay mate. Strong money
Datatek
Well-Known Member
I get an average of 24mpg out of my diesel P38, up to 30 on a long run, it even managed 22mpg towing a trailer with a dead P38 on board on hilly country roads here in France.
1988smithy
Well-Known Member
About the same as my td5 then if I Did 55mph on a long run
, if I had a p38 it'd be a v8. Much lower figures I suspect!
Datatek
Well-Known Member
Much lower and much less reliable.
1988smithy
Well-Known Member
I'm probably just mooching tbf, I'll be keeping the defender and doing what most disco owners try to do. Instead of turn a disco into a fender I'll be trying to do the opposite
Henry_b
Think outside, no box required.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-51-...h=item4d8a12f52b:g:UBIAAOSwU0hcRu6J:rk:1:pf:1
Yes the P38 has gone out of the "10 a penny stage" and the Vogue's and DHSE's are fetching good money..
As well as the well spec'd HSE's they aren't gonna be cheap for long..
Times have passed since you could get a solid one for 1k.
And that is pretty reasonable I've seen a few changing hands for over 5k.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C923384
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C793835
Just a few examples.
Buy one look after it and enjoy it..
They're only gonna climb..
MPG depends the V8 according some sources can get anyware between 15-22 depending on how you drive, and of course Petrol is cheaper than Diesel
WElcome and I reckon the D2 is more likely to rust. Having had a few Land Rovers, the D2 was the worst for rust.
P38 is very nice and the most important bit of kit you need is a nanocom (other thingies are available) to fix the electronic gizmos.
I would suggest a V8 or a V8
P38 is very nice and the most important bit of kit you need is a nanocom (other thingies are available) to fix the electronic gizmos.
I would suggest a V8 or a V8
Henry_b
Think outside, no box required.
Aye V8 or nothin'
1988smithy
Well-Known Member
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-51-...h=item4d8a12f52b:g:UBIAAOSwU0hcRu6J:rk:1:pf:1
Yes the P38 has gone out of the "10 a penny stage" and the Vogue's and DHSE's are fetching good money..
As well as the well spec'd HSE's they aren't gonna be cheap for long..
Times have passed since you could get a solid one for 1k.
And that is pretty reasonable I've seen a few changing hands for over 5k.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C923384
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C793835
Just a few examples.
Buy one look after it and enjoy it..
They're only gonna climb..
MPG depends the V8 according some sources can get anyware between 15-22 depending on how you drive, and of course Petrol is cheaper than Diesel
I could probably justify a v8 on my mileage but....I do loves my defender I does. And I know it inside out now (fnarrfnarr)
Henry_b
Think outside, no box required.
Again P38's are great, go and test drive one and come back.
I guarantee you'll be converted..
1988smithy
Well-Known Member
Again P38's are great, go and test drive one and come back.
I guarantee you'll be converted..
Maybe when I've been through the tratter so I can sell it with a clear conscience. But by the time I've got it how I want it I'll wanna keep it!
Defender is a great vehicle just different
The best Landy I had was a Defender 130 200TDi was just a pity wasnt a V8 but the engine was very very good even so.
Was pretty bombproof and didnt mind if it got a wee bit damage on bumpers etc.
The P38 is more refined and just as capable but a bit more delicate
The best Landy I had was a Defender 130 200TDi was just a pity wasnt a V8 but the engine was very very good even so.
Was pretty bombproof and didnt mind if it got a wee bit damage on bumpers etc.
The P38 is more refined and just as capable but a bit more delicate
RangeRoller dt
Well-Sprung Member
I upgraded from a '98 defender to a '95 P38. It's more expensive to run and is basically the same but more refined, and temperamental.
Disco is good compromise
Disco is good compromise
Thanks for this reply, good points mentioned. I am in no doubt if I go for a P38 it will be a 4.6 petrol, I’ve heard the diesel is just sluggish and noisy, I don’t want to buy a big bus that’s not got a nice throaty engine! Fuel consumption will be horrendous but as I don’t plan on any long trips it hopefully won’t cripple me.They aren't cheap to run so lets get that straight, they don't rust at all unlike the d2 which you can hoover up after a few years
Parts are cheap but as with al LR's they have an achilles heal which is certain electronic components, again not bank breaking expense but still to consider.
Engines are huge debate
many favour the 2.5 Diesel but it's slow not that economical and TBH V8's are better regardless
Petrol has a torque and HP advantage and they're smooth and refined..
Downside is they can drop cylinder liners if overheated, and HG's can be a problem but with it being an OHV old V8 changing a headgasket is a 5min job.
And there is so much space under the bonnet that pulling an engine is easily achievable in a weekend if need be.
So to sum up..
Can have electrical issues.
Doesn't rust..
Good looking
MPG is hilariously bad..
etc etc.
It really depends on whether you want to live with a welder in your hand or a piece of diagnostic equipment..
Thanks!
Yeh I’m sort of counting on prices going up, I would hope to sell it in better condition than I buy it! I’ll try not to go mad on pumping money into it :/4.6's also have a benefit of stronger 4 pin diffs.
They also have the stronger ZF4HP24 transmission.
If it's just a toy you're looking for, try and find a late model 4.6.
If you can find a good cheap one, they aren't going as cheap as they used to prices are climbing.
Around the £1700 mark (I’m going low) I don’t want to blow all I have on purchasing knowing that inevitably I will need to buy parts etc for fixing!
That’s interesting, a disco is a viable option for me as well.
