Models · Land Rover
Land Rover Range Rover P38 buying guide
The second-generation Range Rover, introduced in 1994 with Rover V8 petrol engines and a BMW six-cylinder diesel, air suspension and a facelift in 2000.
The versions
- Rover V8 3.9 (badged 4.0), Lucas GEMS management to mid-1999 then Bosch
- Rover V8 4.6, 225bhp
- BMW 2.5 six-cylinder turbodiesel, 134bhp
- R380 manual or automatic gearbox, with a viscous coupling in the centre differential
- 2000 facelift, identified by clear front and rear indicators
What to check on a P38 Range Rover
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
V8 coolant loss and overheating
What to look for: With the engine cold, check the coolant level and condition, then run the engine to full temperature and watch the gauge. Look for coolant leaks and ask about any history of overheating.
Why it matters: Coolant loss on the 4.0 is most often head gasket failure; on the 4.6 it's most often a slipped cylinder liner, where corroded liners let coolant into the aluminium block. A car with a steady gauge, clean coolant and no overheating history is what you want.
Air suspension
What to look for: Check the car sits level after standing, raise and lower it through its heights, and listen to how long the compressor runs. Watch for suspension warnings on the dashboard and a corner that sits low.
Why it matters: Leaks are usually perished seals, which are easy to replace, though air springs can also leak through the rubber. A leak left unchecked wears out the compressor, and a failed height sensor brings up a warning and can make the car lean on that corner.
Centre differential clonks
What to look for: Drive slowly on full lock in both directions on a hard surface and listen for clonks. On the drive, listen for whine or slop from the differentials and driveshafts.
Why it matters: Clonks on tight turns point to wear in the viscous coupling in the centre differential, which can seize in the worst case. Cracked flex-plates between the engine and automatic gearbox can also leave the car without drive.
Also in the full guide
- Body control module and electrics
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the P38 Range Rover
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Land Rover Range Rover L322 · Land Rover Range Rover L405 · Land Rover Range Rover L460
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Land Rover.