[herman maire]

Hello,

Just wanted some opinions, I just sold my 99 RR ..... it was a reliable truck in the almost 1 year that I owned it but was not the color I really wanted. So I am in the market for another truck.

Heres a few trucks I am thinking about. They must be in very nice shape.

1- 2003-2004 discovery - The last of the discovery with the updated look is a VERY nice looking truck but was doing some " INTERNET" research and I read about oil pump problems in the these models!!!

2- 2003-2004 - Mk3 range rover- Seems these have there problems also . Transmission $$$$ , front differentials $$$$, steering column falling apart.

3- p38 2001-2002 find a mint p38

Any other truck that I should consider??? Please let me know what you think guys and if you have any experience with these models please let me know.

Thanks

 

[HSE_Rover_4_Life]

Lexus LS400 - it's not a truck, but it's a classic vehicle that doesn't look it's age and is known for it's realiablity. After the Rover, I'd want a super reliable car, you can't go wrong with Lexus or Toyota!

 

[charliet]

Find a mint P38 and use the knowledge you have obtained over the past year.

charliet

 

[vmystikilv]

WOW, DEJAVU

Was in this situation a little over a month ago, was going to go for the 2004 discovery and even test drove but after reading about the oil pump massacre I dumped the idea.

2003-2004 MKIII, No thanks, dont want independent suspension. (future G Wagon owner)

Settled on a 2002 Range with every option in the world (look for a westhiemer edition or one with those same options) with the wood wheel and everything. Not one bit of regret. I have drove the MKIII and by far I much more enjoy this last year p38 than any range I have previously owned. Its like they finally got it right then killed it
They are hard to find but trust me(good taken care of 02's), especially one with the oxford leather package, but you will have no regrets. I sold my W220 S Class Mercedes for it and Love every second and glad i did make the switch.

My money is on a 02 p38 well kept. :thumb:

 

[herman maire]

Guys thanks for the replys.

vmystikilv, great looking truck. Thats exactly the truck I would be interested in, my local land rover dealer has one but they are asking $14900 but it is mint. I cant help but feel I should give the MK3 a shot.

Anybody have any experience with the MK3 RR ??? If I could afford it I would buy a 2006-up range rover but that would be pushing the budget.... on the flip side I dont want to get a early 2003-2004 and have a bunch of problems IF they even have any problems, I could just be reading the usual internet gibberish .

again, thanks for the replys.

 

[Rich998a]

The later Jaguar L322's are probably the way to go. Either that or the p38 option if you can find something worth buying.

 

[NorCal RR]

When I sold my '95, I wanted a low mile, good shape newer P38. The best one I found was a '99 Bosch with extremely low miles. There really aren't much for changes from the '99 thru '02 model year. The emission related air injection came along which is prone to failure. The nav systems aren't very usefull and look pretty dated now. I've not heard the newer DSP stereo so I don't know about that. I can't think of any mechanical changes. So I guess I'm saying if its '99 Bosch or newer, get the best one you can find in those years. I have driven an '06 Range Rover and was really impressed. I think that is my next one, whenever I can afford it. For now, the '99 soldiers on.

 

[vmystikilv]

I have had the privilege of being able to drive all of those vehicles and yeah, no question about land rover. I was going to get a 04 discovery land rover until the oil pump story and that ended that thought quickly.

I have drove both the Mercedes G Wagon, P38 and MKIII. While they are all nice I just dont care for the MKIII. Review as follow.

The P38 is truly capable and comfortable auto. Being able to drive in the pouring rain and dry ground with no change in feel or driving habit was a remarkable feeling when I had my first one. The Commanding view of the envioment is unbeatable and the Solidness is on border with a rock(with all the tighten and working). There is never a thought when there is a thunderstorm, when i need to climb a curb, or when I need to even by stylish. Cleaned and waxed, even a late model gets stares and compliments when well kept. While yes, some of the earlier model p38 feel dated, a late model with all the goodies still has enough electronics to keep a geek happy. I truly feel the is one of the greatest SUV's ever made.

The MKIII while nice I do not feel the same way towards. Rain traction while good does not feel as solid. True, there are more electronics but I cant help feel some areas are cheap. The P38 gets a digital readout and touch button A/C controls while the MKIII has knobs. I Do however like the placement of the window switches but I just dont feel the confidence upfront with this vehicle. The steering wheel feels smaller, the shifter feels smaller. It Just doesnt give me the true Utility Vehicle feel. This is all merely my opnion of course but I figured out long ago that I dont want a SUV or a soccer moms car, I want a vehicle that I feel capable of conquering anything in front of me. The MKIII while faster and quiter doesnt give me the Utility feel "I" am looking for. If I wanted a nice car or SUV, I would diff get it, but I want something else in a SUV. something that only the p38 and G Wagon have. I dont want anyone to think I am downing the MKIII, its just not the SUV for me. I may one day own one but it will be pared with a P38 or G

Moving on, the Mercedes G wagon will diff be my next SUV after I move on from the p38 series. I have also had the ability to drive a G wagon for a considerable amount of time and while it does feel smaller the utility feel is there. The car itself is on par with a tank and the speed is increadible for a truck so heavy. I would have made this purchase had I not discovered the oxford leather package and seen westminister models. These P38 rovers are so close to the interior feel and comfort of a 2002-2005 mercedes G that its quite remarkable. I know the mecedes and p38 have the solid beam axle instead of independent suspension and well, if I want a car feel, Ill get a car, or a MKIII. The mercedes G gives me the feel of the P38 solidness and confidenece wth all the electronics and speed of the MKIII.

I consider it an an honor, and stroke of luck, to be able to own one of the last p38's made. While this is my 4th P38 it is different from everyone I ever had. LIke I said before, its like they finally got it right and quit
If people tell you to get a 99 on up believe me, dont. I have had a 00 and a 01 and neither one of those are close to my 02. With the pricing, you cant really go wrong getting a 02 anyways. Drive them all, see what you like. I not sure if your are in it for comfort, feel, gadgets, or what your are looking for. So its really hard to recommend what I think you should get. I mean if you wan tthe smooth, car like, quiet handling a what is still a capable SUV, get a MKIII
If you want the utility feel and being able to cross over, go through, screw whatever the weather is outside Im going to drive like its not there feeling get a P38
If you want both, get a G. I know I will. Not done enjoying the P38 though. This model still has some life left in todays society, plus, you cant beat the price.

This Pic is of my fourth range a while back and the G wagon I had the pleasure of using for a few weeks. My father has the G wagon and had the MKIII and like me he has had a few p38's also. After owning both he tossed the MKIII, kept the G, and replaced his 04 range rover with a cayenne. I almost bought the MKIII from him but after extensive driving of it also, I didnt want it either, least not as a primary SUV.

Some random pics of my previous P38's

^these pics are of the one with the G in it.

^my third one lost in Katrina :'(