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.
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.
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!
I have had 3 P38 cars , all Diesels. The first,-95 DSE was driven 610 000 km when my daughter in really slippery road conditions departed the road straight into a rock wall in Norway. She survived with minimal injuries inspite of the front, roof and rear of the car being severely damaged. This car only needed a new alternator and Hevac panel, lived outdoors, and was driven every day in cold rainy, snowy Sweden. Today I have -99 DSE manual and my wife has a -2000 DSE automatic. Mine of course on air springs and hers on steel. I have driven my car 30 000 km this year on adventures with an Overlander tent. I smiled a bit when the alternator died in Spain and cursed myself for getting an aftermarket coolant hose when it started expanding and burst when spiraling up one of the Austrian Alps... We did drive Portugal-Greece -Portugal a few years back without any problems despite a heat wave with 43C, full car, and A/C on max cooling to keep the dogs in the rear cool. The 2 cars we have now have required preventive maintenance and changing parts that have worn out, the knowledgebase out there on the internet is impressive and in all honesty, what was once " black magic " in the BECM or air-suspension is today decoded, easy to repair/maintain. The lack of power in the Diesel can be handled with a bigger Intercooler, slightly different version of the Turbo (BMW 7 series), and a modest reprogramming of the MAP. The Sweatspot I think is about 170 hp, with no smoke, and torque like the V8 but of course, an upgraded aluminum radiator is recommended. I use 1.1 L/10km with a roof tent and expedition rack, which is amazing, of course, the speed limit on the tent cover of 100km/h probably helps. I love these cars and will drive them as long as we are allowed to do so. Our cars are now more like family members, loved and like being driven every day, it seems to keep them happy!
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 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….
P38 changed my life and the way I look at it I'm a good mechanic now .plus own the03 l322 tank in mint condition all for 3000 dollar bills.im king of the road or off the road.
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.
Classy looking machine, they updated the originals looks without overdoing it. This generation of RR was very regal something the current generation isn't.
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
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!!!
P38 4.6 on bulk LPG best comfortable long distance towing work horse You can find for BANGERNOMICS budget motoring 🤠 I have owned & driven D2 /D3 / D4 /D5 😬 G wagons 🙃, landcrusser👌, shoeguns👍 (3) & Navaras 🫣(2 ) but when towing hard they all = money pits !!! Owned 4 l322 s ,4.4 V8 LPG , 3.6 TDV8 & 4.4 TDV8 🤦= rot box , money pits which are a nightmare to work on. Keep going back to a well sorted robust rot free P38 4.6 on LPG Best BANGERNOMICS workhorse by miles, way cheaper than any diesel when setup correctly with proper LPG system, all the quirky electrics are easy fix when you tune into them, You can easily work on any part of a P38 yourself AND it was made in Britain 🇬🇧👍
I had a 1999 4.6 HSE from new, drove it 236 000 km over 4-5 years. Very little problems, I liked (still do) - the design. I never understood the harsh opinions about it. My only complain were the overall cost of owning it. But that certainly has not improved over the years and new models ;) Greetings from Norway
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.
Find yourself a proper old style mechanic. I have a 1995 P38 4.6. They're not that complicated compared with the newer ones. I properly maintain it. It's a dream to drive. It's never let me down. Treat yourself to one. Peace from England.
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.
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 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.
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...
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 😂
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.
@@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.
@@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
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 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 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...
mine is a dirty diesel 2.5 , fitted with quality turning box, it gets up and goes when asked, love the old thing.
I have had 3 P38 cars , all Diesels. The first,-95 DSE was driven 610 000 km when my daughter in really slippery road conditions departed the road straight into a rock wall in Norway. She survived with minimal injuries inspite of the front, roof and rear of the car being severely damaged. This car only needed a new alternator and Hevac panel, lived outdoors, and was driven every day in cold rainy, snowy Sweden.
Today I have -99 DSE manual and my wife has a -2000 DSE automatic. Mine of course on air springs and hers on steel.
I have driven my car 30 000 km this year on adventures with an Overlander tent. I smiled a bit when the alternator died in Spain and cursed myself for getting an aftermarket coolant hose when it started expanding and burst when spiraling up one of the Austrian Alps...
We did drive Portugal-Greece -Portugal a few years back without any problems despite a heat wave with 43C, full car, and A/C on max cooling to keep the dogs in the rear cool.
The 2 cars we have now have required preventive maintenance and changing parts that have worn out, the knowledgebase out there on the internet is impressive and in all honesty, what was once " black magic " in the BECM or air-suspension is today decoded, easy to repair/maintain. The lack of power in the Diesel can be handled with a bigger Intercooler, slightly different version of the Turbo (BMW 7 series), and a modest reprogramming of the MAP.
The Sweatspot I think is about 170 hp, with no smoke, and torque like the V8 but of course, an upgraded aluminum radiator is recommended.
I use 1.1 L/10km with a roof tent and expedition rack, which is amazing, of course, the speed limit on the tent cover of 100km/h probably helps.
I love these cars and will drive them as long as we are allowed to do so.
Our cars are now more like family members, loved and like being driven every day, it seems to keep them happy!
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.
That’s literally my dream garage combination
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
I own a 1996 4.0L manual, 145k now, only issues is with the brake system (abs pump and master cylinder getting shot).
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
P38 changed my life and the way I look at it I'm a good mechanic now .plus own the03 l322 tank in mint condition all for 3000 dollar bills.im king of the road or off the road.
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!
Classy looking machine, they updated the originals looks without overdoing it. This generation of RR was very regal something the current generation isn't.
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
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
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!!!
P38 4.6 on bulk LPG best comfortable long distance towing work horse You can find for BANGERNOMICS budget motoring 🤠
I have owned & driven D2 /D3 / D4 /D5 😬 G wagons 🙃, landcrusser👌, shoeguns👍 (3) & Navaras 🫣(2 ) but when towing hard they all = money pits !!!
Owned 4 l322 s ,4.4 V8 LPG , 3.6 TDV8 & 4.4 TDV8 🤦= rot box , money pits which are a nightmare to work on.
Keep going back to a well sorted robust rot free P38 4.6 on LPG
Best BANGERNOMICS workhorse by miles, way cheaper than any diesel when setup correctly with proper LPG system, all the quirky electrics are easy fix when you tune into them, You can easily work on any part of a P38 yourself
AND it was made in Britain
🇬🇧👍
I had a 1999 4.6 HSE from new, drove it 236 000 km over 4-5 years. Very little problems, I liked (still do) - the design. I never understood the harsh opinions about it. My only complain were the overall cost of owning it. But that certainly has not improved over the years and new models ;) Greetings from Norway
My favourite of the Range Rovers. It's handsome and not too over styled
Couldn't agree more! -Phil
reserved opulence.
Love a P38. Looks getting better as time progresses I think. Not over styled and slightly understated! 👌🏻
I love my 2002 DHSE it’s a fantastic machine, better than that next generation Rot box
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!
Excellent video 🚗🚙🚘👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👏
Thank you 👍
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
I would genuinely consider one. But living in Missouri USA there aren’t many places that can look after it properly
Find yourself a proper old style mechanic. I have a 1995 P38 4.6. They're not that complicated compared with the newer ones. I properly maintain it. It's a dream to drive. It's never let me down. Treat yourself to one. Peace from England.
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 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.
the illusion of status can get expensive, had no defects whatsoever with my Outlander of 8 years
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!
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.
Why as a British channel show left hand drive models
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 😌
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.....
Yes but the $64,000.00 question…… Will it become a classic?????? Regards Ian🇳🇿👨🎤🏉👍
I like driving my P38 past inferior G-wagon shitboxes :)
Owned a 1998,They are a head Turner but terrible
You are wrong my friend..
We had this and later the sport. Never Again.. absolute money pit...
All Range rover cars...
Bad experience?
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
Beep beep window not set
Beep beep sunroof open
It looks like a Maestro.
MOT Expired May 2023 !
Worry not, we filmed this in April!
money pit
This is the original BMW X5! Incredibly underrated truck!