o.k. mystic, ive got a 2000 4.6 vogue, dark grey with black interior.it took me months to find it, looked at some real dogs. like you, i didnt know whether to go for an x5 or similar, but the p38 is so much bigger inside than the others, there was no contest in the end. i got it for a real good price, had a gas conversion fitted, and all was good. a few problems with the eas, but after shelling out money with my local 'specialist'!!!!, i, like all other p38 owners became a quick learner. sorted its problems myself and its good as new.
like you said, i have always been a diy mechanic, and working on the p38 is no different. granted, dealers, specialists, and autologic are needed sometimes, but not all the time. you can do a lot yourself and get that amazing sense of satisfaction when you fix it yourself.
now ive gone range rover, i'll never go back. loving the luxury, electric everything motoring you only get from a near £60,000 car when new!