Buying P38 2.5 DSE

[pacman]

Howdy all

I'm considering a P38 2.5 DSE with a manual box I've seen on Auto
Trader.  What are they like generally?  I'm aware that the 2.5 is
about as powerful as a hairdryer, and that it'll return 25-30Mpg, but
whats it like with the manual box?  Also what about chipping them? 
Is it worth it and does it make a real difference?

I'm looking for it to be my daily drive, but I only do about 25 miles
a day plus a bit of weekend use, and I'll probably end up getting rid
of my RRC 3.9.

Ta
Paul

[waveydavey]

Mine is an auto but I love it, so does the wife. It's not a racer but it holds itself with traffic happily.

The mechanic I use has the manual for his wife and is happy with that; they pull a big caravan on it regularly and have no problems.

A lot of people knock them but try it; the sheet comfort and ride makes it worthwhile - Air suspension rocks!

[BAZZ]

 
 Hi Pacman, got mine last year and it still has'nt done 50000 miles. If your spending lots of dosh check that all the service stamps are there and the electric things work. Spent £400 quid on it recently, new battery, glow plugs, and turbo pipes that had delaminated/split. Other than that just general service items. I think it must be still on the original tyres from new replaced one this am £103. Mines an auto which to some wont pull the skin of a Rice pudding, I think mines had the ecu chipped cos its got some go in it. Does around 28/30 mpg, good luck with your choice, Bazz. :boohoo:

[pacman]

I looked at it today...it was OK...but it feels very weird driving a manual!!  The 2.5 felt OK, not brilliant but better than what I thought, but I think an auto would make it much more desirable!

[thermidorthelobster]

James French up in Standlake had a customer with the 6-cyl diesel which had been considerably upgraded.  They reckoned it went like stink.  I had an Omega with the same engine, and it was a bit of a dog, but I think that was more down to the Vauxhall tune than anything else.  The P38 is a heavy car and I prefer a 4.6 to really get it moving, but the benefit of diesel economy without LPG hassle is appealing.