I have a $5k budget to purchase and fix/modify a new toy for off roading, transporting my three 70 lb dogs and to use as my transportation to work in the snow. It will be on road the majority of the time, and occasionally it will tow up to 3k lbs. I will be doing most of the repairs on this vehicle myself. The back seats will never be used, they will be folded down all the time, so rear passenger room isn't a concern. I 4 wheel with Jeeps and Toyotas on moderate trails, nothing too hardcore. There are some Discos and p38s in my area for $4k and under. Which vehicle will be the best for my needs. I hope to go look at some of them this weekend. Thanks for any input.

 

I've decided to get a p38. Are the 99 and later that much better than the earlier ones? Any years I should avoid?

 

I would look for a good 99 it has heavier diffs than the early ones, but still have the Gems engine management as opposed to the Boshe engine management.
I think it was around 2003 they changed to a BMW engine, those i would keep away from.
Despite all the bad things that have been said about them, i have had pretty good luck with mine.
the only real problem was 1999 has it own 1-year fuel pump, which i am replacing now.

JMHO

 

I want to go look at an 01 P38 HSE with 127k miles. It looks clean in the pics and the guy is asking $4900. I had an 04 Disco so I know to ask about the head gaskets. What other questions should I ask when I talk to him today? What about that price? And what should I Iook for when I go see it.