The Range Rover P38A - How Bad WAS It? (1996 4.6 V8 HSE Road Test)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- WIN with Lancaster Insurance: bit.ly/44qSTFz
Land Rover created an unlikely icon in the Range Rover, a capable 4x4 off-roader that was classy, luxurious and just as at home on the King’s Road as a green lane. Replacing it was no mean feat and the P38A generation of 1994 was divisive from day one. Some called the styling bland, others lamented the Rover 800 interior trimmings, whilst the catastrophic unreliability owing to the troublesome BCM (body control module) and air suspension gave it a poor reputation. BMW’s takeover of Rover made for troubled logistics too, but is the P38A actually any good, and should you buy one? Phil took a V8 for a drive…
Thanks to WB & Sons for loan of this car: wbandsons.com/
Proudly supported by Lancaster Insurance - get a quote on YOUR classic car insurance here: www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/...
- Music -
• Quincas Moreira - Boom Bap Flick: • Video
• Quincas Moreira - Caribetron: • Video
Classics World is a family of brands that includes ten classic publications plus many souvenir bookazines. Check out great offers on these and more on shop.kelsey.co.uk/magazines/c...
More classic car news and reviews online. Stay up to date with our weekly newsletter - register today at classicsworld.co.uk/
• Facebook: / classicsworlduk
• Instagram: @classicsworlduk
• Twitter: @ClassicsWorldUK
All content on this channel is - unless otherwise stated - the opinion of the given party and any offence caused is severely apologised for. Any and all third-party content is credited and referenced to the best of our ability and all externally-created content is entirely the legal property of its original and rightful owner/s. All rights respected.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:38 Replacing The Range Rover
1:06 Styling
1:28 Why Was The P38A Unpopular?
1:52 Interior
2:18 Reliability Issues
2:58 Engines
3:24 Air Suspension
3:46 Driving Impressions
4:25 Specifications & Trim
4:45 Reputation
5:29 Is It A Classic? 
Авто/Мото
I like the look of this generation of Range Rover. It isn't over-styled, compared to today's cars.
It's definitely a handsome beast!
Just the right amount of square. Oh and the living space inside is UN-MATCHED.
I’ve owned my 4.6 Gems P38 for 17 years. The air suspension has been the only problem but was easily sorted. I replaced the perished air bags front and rear and also the compressor that supplies air to them. As you said the becm can be a right pain if it plays up but again as you said there are specialists who can help. It’s been a great reliable car and I’ve no intention of giving it up unless the government decide to ban us from driving thirsty V8’s.
If you can keep them running sweetly, they're excellent - enjoy it!
My parents have a 2001 4.6 since 2006. This is my experience as well, part from new air bags and compressor for the air suspension it has mainly been minor things like a coolant hose, an electric motor for the HVAC, a new condenser and obviously replacing bushings in the suspension.
Hi Steve
How much were replacement airbags? Are they also available on Ebay and stuff and what's part number
Thanks
I’ve owned 2 V8 P38s and still run one now as a second car. Both low mileage Japanese imports, and all the better for it. Over a 4 year ownership with the first one and apart from servicing all it needed was the heater O rings doing. I’ve had the second one 6 months and all I’ve done is top up the AC. It’s had a coil conversation and TBH I do prefer the air setup of my first. but for now it’s maintenance free. It’s a 1996 4.6 HSE. Everything works and it’s only done 62k miles and is like a 2 year old car underneath. They seem to be gaining in value too, as the real basket cases are scrapped or stripped for parts, the good ones that are left can only appreciate. That’s how I try to just ownership of it every time I fill the tank and work out its only done 14mpg! If ever there was a car where you should buy the best you can afford, this is it!
Few cars embody "buy the best you can afford" better than the P38...
I own a 2015 Jaguar XJ, a 1999 Jaguar XJR, and a P38 4.6 V8. The P38 is what I drive the most. I love it.
I own a 2002 HSE and drive it daily. I absolutely love mine.
I own a 1996 4.0L manual, 145k now, only issues is with the brake system (abs pump and master cylinder getting shot).
mine is a dirty diesel 2.5 , fitted with quality turning box, it gets up and goes when asked, love the old thing.
Classy looking machine, they updated the originals looks without overdoing it. This generation of RR was very regal something the current generation isn't.
My 4.6 has never given me a spot of trouble.
Maintain your vehicle!!
A joy to drive.
I'm not sure what he's on about regards steering though. Mine's fine.
Oh!! He forgot to mention what the sport button is like!!!
I ❤ my 2001 HSE in Epsom Green. I bought one that was “mostly” sorted yet I’ve definitely had to spend good money to sort out the “rest”. I love driving it more than a lot of other cars I have.
I love the Epsom Green! I own a 2002 HSE in Java Black. Epsom Green and Tan leather is what I've always wanted
Love a P38. Looks getting better as time progresses I think. Not over styled and slightly understated! 👌🏻
I have owned a 3.9 classic and currently own a P38 4.0 and a 4.4v8TDi - I love(d) all of them for there versatility and comfort. Each one has need work over the years, but most Range Rovers are used hard and rack up higher than average mileage, so much was just wear and tear.
I feel the P38 is an ideal size for UK roads, where the L322 feels it’s size and is more difficult to park, but is a fabulous car which can do 30 mpg and drive at 70mph with 1500rpm in near silence, yet pull a caravan or 3.5 ton trailer effortlessly.
They just fit my lifestyle.
p.s. - owned my P38 for 20 years….
Do all p38s have electric seats and is the diesel good for 80mph?
Thanks
Its the best from both worlds. Not as iconic looking as the classic but still has that og character and classic lines like the hood and squared off back. However the interior is as comfortable as a modern car and has tons of modern features as well (dipping mirrors, air suspension, ect). It really is like driving a comfortable couch. Also the best thing about the p38 is how easy it is to find examples with little to no rust, good luck finding a classic with no rust in some areas or has been restored, the L322 also is way more prone to rust. You can look in forums and see plenty of high mileage examples of these cars, 300+ and some still on og engine. The worst problems are air suspension which really is not that hard to sort and some electronics which is really the worst part, however the later models were much better, the bosh system is the one to go for. I just bought mine almost 6 months ago and maybe still in honey moon period but absolutely love this thing
Later P38s look very handsome with the colour coded bumper trims and clear indicators. The interiors can be made more up market with wood trim and leather parts, which are fairly cheap and easy to fit.
Agreed!
Great video. Any P38 owners that need the BECM sorted, Ian McKee of We R P38s in South Wales does a great job of sorting them.
Thanks for that
Excellent video 🚗🚙🚘👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👏
Thank you 👍
I wish i liked this version of Range Rover. The price, compared to that of the Range Rover Classic, is very reasonable.
I have driven my 1995 RR Classic almost daily for the past 20 years and love it.
Is it costly to maintain?
Yup, but any automobile is going to cost you. So drive what you like.
Amen to that!
My favourite of the Range Rovers. It's handsome and not too over styled
Couldn't agree more! -Phil
This is the original BMW X5! Incredibly underrated truck!
I like the P38 as much as it’s Classic Prefecessor, potentially problematic but with the comfort and ride that it offers you can forgive it’s foibles, as with any executive car you need deep pockets to run one.
I'm a big fan of the P38 also. Restyled but not overstlyed, interior, a vast improvement, Rover's venerable V8, which I am still - and always will be, I think - a sucker for are all great additions to the previous. Metcalfe and Clarkson would have you believe that the L322 is the best, and they're probably right. I like this one. It doesn't scream and shout about itself. Maybe for good reason...
The P38 styling is arguably classier and less 'blingy' than the L322
I could see myself in a P38.........the L322 is a blinged up footballer's car, just no, sorry but no.
A friend of mine had one of these from 3 years old with great service history but it was appallingly unreliable, most of the time electrical problems
it is my favourite version of range rover. It subtle and still feels old fashion. Which if u prefer that then yes this is a better alternative to l322. Also the rover v8 is just so much more characterful to drive.
Gotta love a Rover V8!
How the 2.5td for motorway cruising and can it do 80-90mph comfortably and safely around bends and curves
How is fuel consumption for motorway driving
I like them a lot - in fact all older Range Rovers up until and including the l-322 BUT though I've come close, couldn't bring myself to own one. Looking for a full sized, 4x4 a few years back on around £5K budget heart said Range Rover, but needs to be reliable and expectant to start up and go if left unused for a few weeks, then thought discovery 2 but again..... could I get lucky? When they work they're all brilliant but when (not if) they break can be a costly asset. So the head won out and I bought a 2004 Shogun for £3,500. It sounds agricultural lacks a lot of the bells and whistles but performs dependably in the way that I really wish a P38 l or Disco 2 could be expected to.
Shogun is a great car and our P38 proved pretty reliable, but we can't blame you for playing safe!
Traitor. You've got no guts.
I didnt liked P38 it was somehow bland, but it aged so well its a proper styled car and it will be “old money” classics!
Worse than bad, I bought a p38 5 years ago, its had 2 batteries,water pump, fuel pump, injectors, fusebox,discs and calipers, exhaust, alternator, tyres , window regulator, oh and 2 recon engines and it's still unusable sat in the garage, computer under the drivers seat is knackered 😢, a great car if you don't mind not getting to your destination and love walking most of the way 😂
You've got to be handy by the sounds of it! 😅
@@ClassicsWorldUK an idiot more like 😌
Yes but the $64,000.00 question…… Will it become a classic?????? Regards Ian🇳🇿👨🎤🏉👍
Our 4.6 had a porous block sadly and ultimately drove us to Toyotas.
Ah. Less than good...
Missing some nice engine sounds from the nice v8.....
It looks like a Maestro.
You are wrong my friend..
We had this and later the sport. Never Again.. absolute money pit...
All Range rover cars...
Bad experience?
money pit
MOT Expired May 2023 !
Worry not, we filmed this in April!
As someone who has owned a P38A and currently owns an L322, believe me when I say the L322 is a MUCH more reliable car!
Anyone ever seen the P38A "Linley" special edition? Thought I'd found one once and almost soiled myself, but turns out the owner had somehow managed to find a Linley steering wheel and fitted it to their standard Vogue. Gutted.
Out of interest, what makes you prefer the L322?
@@ClassicsWorldUK I can sum it up really quickly: Both cars were 13 years old when I owned them. The P38 I had for two years and it went wrong every single week. And that's not hyperbole; it really did. The L322 I've now owned for four years, and it's gone wrong once.
Impressive reliability with the L322, then!
@@TheVintageApplianceEmporium I mean you coulda got a bad p38 and a good l322. There are plenty of problems on the l322 as well and p38s with over 300k still on its og engine
@@oficina_moomoo Just going on my own experience dude. Not much else I can go on