I have owned my first P38 here in Australia, a late model dark green 1998 P38 HSE for the past 3 years. Had 302,000 km on the clock. He's on the rough side. One previous owner had put him on coils and did a poor job of it. Then another reinstated air bags. His first owner, in an up market area of Sydney, had looked after him very well. Then several owners in the north east of state of NSW did some probably serious 4 x 4 driving in state forests.The chap I bought him off looked after him again, but he had lost his good looks. Broken interior plastic, bits missing and under dash in need of serious work. Air suspension system had all sorts of problems. Bumpers with holes and other exterior damage.
On the 300km trip home after purchase for Au$2,500 with 6 months registration/insurance the big fella went well and even my wife took to liking him. As we neared home she leaned forward and patted the dash saying " your a good lad Bernard". "Where did that come from" I asked as we are not people that name our cars.
She told me he reminded her of the character Bernard in the 1994 UK comedy " Common as Muck ". Maybe some of you may remember the series. So he has been Bernard ever since then.
Having experienced the ups and downs and joys of P38 ownership I started looking around for a red one that was in a much better condition. I found one 2 weeks ago.
A 1997 4.6 HSE only 2 owners great condition tan leather interior never had children in the back. No book symbol on the HEVAC. Some sun damage on the bonnet clear coat but not too bad. No damage to bumpers all looking very good. It drove well and changed gears nicely. Braked well. Air suspension responded to all commands. Engine a bit on the oily side but looked like tappet cover gaskets needed. But those 20 inch Sport wheels that the elderly owner thought looked "really cool" driving round The Gold Coast would have to go !!!! Its new also elderly (75) owner prefers 16 inch, particularly on our rough bitumen rural roads where we live.
So I parted leaving Au$7,000 behind. The approximate 400 km drive home had some problems that I have asked for help on in the forum. Petrol in the oil.
Andrew
2 x P38's One will have to be de registered
1 1998 300Tdi Defender 130 with self built camper/home on its back.
1 1974 Citroen Dyane 6. We are second owners and its on its 3rd time round the clock in miles.
1 1954 Citroen Big 15. Fully restored, been in use for last 12 years
That's the fleet, no modern shares their space