I'm off to see a 2017 2.4 petrol hybrid. There are posts saying "avoid pre 2008 hybrids as they can have issues", any experience in the later models ?

Is it possible to drive it if the hybrid fails (eg. read somewhere of an inverter failure)?

Its got lots of bells and whistles, which is great, but like the power doors it does leave more to go wrong. Are powered seats, with or without massager (!) things best avoided too?

In any case, hoping to be a fully fledged member soon and looking forward to some adventures.

Thanks

I joined the group to look at getting some info on 7/8 seater for my daughter. Her current car (Pug 5008) clutch is just about gone so I am looking for some help/answers whilst looking for a new (used) one. We viewed an 08 Alphard last week and she fell in love ,, problem was when we went back to dealer with deposit it had sold.

Question 1 , do all Alphard's have the reversable middle row of seats? 

2. What model/variants have the twin sunroofs ?

3. Are there specific documents that seller MUST provide if its an import? 

4. I have noticed that there are a few Hybrid versions priced lower than a standard, is there a problem/issue with the hybrids that makes them hold a a lower resale appeal?

5. Is there a way to get the language on the display changed to English or is that just something that is not changeable?

Thank you in advance for anyone who can offer a bit of guidance .

I am considering buying a 2004 Toyota Alphard E-Four Hybrid to convert into a camper with a L layout or a Rear and side conversion ( have not decided just yet ). 

I was wondering if this is the right type of alphard for the job as it is an older model, is there anyone who has a Alphard E-Four camper? We have also come to the thought that we could convert a work van (e.g a master) instead of a alphard due to added space. The car does not have a pop top so we are quite limited on space, it will also need 5 or more belted seats. Does any one have any advise? Its really appreciated! Thank you!  

Hello, this is my first post on here.  I've been looking at 8 seater imports for a little while and settled on Alphards.  

I went to have a look at this car today.  Does anyone know this car?  

I believe it has only been in the UK since last year and was first registered in March.  Apparently [so I was told] the previous owner traded it in for something smaller because his wife found it too big to drive.  

I haven't done a CarVX check on it yet. 

Can any of you more experienced people please give your opinion on the vehicle based on the advert?

The mileage seems low - unusually low for a 20 year old car and one video I watched suggested that under-use can be detrimental to a hybrid battery.  I haven't had chance to scrutinize the Japanese paperwork that came with it using Google Translate.  

The body condition looked absolutely mint, without a blemish.  Underneath looked like new too.  

All the electrics seemed to work, with loads of parking cameras and both electric doors worked, although the offside door needed a slight nudge to get it started.  

I test drove it and it felt like a new car to drive.  Very smooth, the CVT did its thing and at slower speeds the electric motor seemed to take over.  

Is it a fair price from a dealer for the mileage?

Cheers, Neil 
 

Owner claims car is running fine and is reliable.

Regretfully I know almost nothing about cars... therefore I would be really grateful if you guys could have a look and express your opinions.

(you need to click few times on image to bring it to full size on screen)

Should I buy or should I stay away from this one?

I'm looking to buy an Alphard but need some advice on reputable dealers who will find me an Alphard to my spec. 

I'm looking to get an 4wd 3.5 litre Alphard, the one with the captains arm chairs in the second row. 

• 3.5l v6 auto. Although I've read on here that the 2.4l Toyotas run very well so I'm more than happy to drop down engine size
• 8 seats
• Middle row can face rewards
• Reversing camera
• Auto on lights
• Side blind. A camera in the passenger mirror so you can see the kerb
• Dual climate control in the front, rear climate for the rearmost seats
• Electric sliding passenger door
• Alloy wheels
• Twin sunroof
• Privacy glass

Some questions, if you don't mind?

1. Vellfire or Alphard?
2. Based on my Elgrand spec, which versions should I refine my searches to?
3. What models/years/configs to avoid?
4. Is hybrid available on older Vellfires?
5. Are they all ulez compliant, regardless of being hybrid or not?
6. Is the indicator stalk on the left? It's on the right in my Elgrand, they can be swapped if you are suitably skilled/confident (I am neither of these )
7. Are the buttons and any on screen menus in English? Elgrand buttons have some in English and some in Japanese! The on screen menus can be changed on newer models with a magic box from some guys in Russia. Unfortunately, mine is too old for this.
8. Do the radio's support Apple CarPlay?
9. Does the speedo also indicate mph? The Elgrand was kph and I had a new panel fitted. The odometer is digital and fixed at kph.
10. Are most of the commonly used parts readily available?
11. Any recommended dealers that would be open to part exchange? I live in Surrey and happy to travel for the right car. I bought my Ellie from West Yorkshire.
12. Has anyone used an importer and achieved a happy outcome? 
13. I'm easily distracted by shiny things and would welcome your thoughts if this, constitutes good value?
14. Is the criteria of newest model and lowest mileage the most appropriate? Or are high mileage examples likely to run and run?
15. Do some models have twin electric sliding doors?
16. Do some models have a powered tailgate?

Thank you so much in advance, a long post as there are always more questions than answers. Happy to have a phone call with someone if it makes life easier. 

All the very best

Jim

This is my first post on this forum, thank you all for the great information you have and for this exceptional platform. 

I'm on the market for an Alphard as a family car. I did some research regarding them and I would like to get the ah20 series (alphard or vellfire) with the 2grfe 3.5L v6 engine. 

I found one that is a fresh import, however, the coolant in the pictures from Japan is green or blue. I think the coolant in Toyotas should be pink, correct? Should this be a cause of concern and make me walk away from the car? 

The fact that the coolant has been changed is good and shows good care, but what if there's a problem with the head gasket, or who knows? Can the green/blue coolant do damage? 

I am aware that if there is salt reaching the back of the engine block for 2grfe,then the head gasket can leak coolant outside of the engine. However, the underside of the car looks pretty clean. 

Many thanks, 

Tony

Going to test drive some alphards/ elgrands in the next few days.

There's an Alphard 350 that is the one I'm thinking would probably be my preference. Are there any know things I should keep a look out for when viewing/ driving?

It's a fresh UK import according to the listing.

I am looking to buy a 2010 Wellfire with a 2.4L pertol engine and I would need some information on running cost if possible. 

If anyone has one of these, how much is the road tax please? If I understood well the first year registered is different? What happends after the first year please? Also, does anyone have figures on fuel consumption please urban and extra urban?

Thank you

Apologies if this has been discussed to death, I did a search but couldn't find anything relevant. 

We're in the market for an alphard/ vellfire and went to look at some today. 

I test drove one wth the 3.0v6 and one with the 2.4.

There wasn't much in it in terms of driving experience - the 3.0 was a bit smoother maybe.

Is there a consensus on which is the better or more reliable engine? I read that the 3.0 is a bit difficult to change the rear bank of spark plugs, but it's there anything else to look out for? 

Also, this particular van is 4wd, anything I should be aware of regarding that? I figure it'll be a bit worse on fuel, but just want to make sure it's not going to grenade itself. 

Any advice is much appreciated. 

My partner is in awe of my new Alphard and would like to buy one to transport his mother to Italy. She is disabled. Does anyone have any advice on buying an Alphard/Vellfire with Welcab in the middle row. He is also interested in having reclining seat in the front and other side of the middle row. Reason for not having Welcab in front is due to the doors hitting the curb. Any advice on where to look and value would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

craftycrofty

Does anyone have advice on how much difference 4WD makes in practice? 

Just got my CarVX report.

Does anyone know what this yellow warning means on factory recall?

Many thanks

Does anybody here have untreated underside? How is it looking now, especially interested to know after some years down the line.
Do models post year 2008 have better treatment then previous years?
Could you please recomend me company to get quotes near Sutton/Croydon? 

I know Too many questions! 

Cant help it sorry my brain woupd burst.

PS: this purchase is getting expensive:
The AA inspection cost
Underseal
Converting to android head unit
DAB aerial 
Alarm Fitting 
Road tax
Insurance
Need floor matts to replace carpets 
I really hope this machine will work for a while without need for more investment. Let me RIP.

Insurance seems to be tricky too, is it bad following post covid insurance cost boom to the moon? 

Lastly seems parts are alright, I am fine servicing and doing a good chunk of work myself so not too concerned as long as the parts are not unobtanium... 

Nissan elgrand seems also a good option with same road tax and mot questions, thoughts on those? 

Debating whether to keep it simple and go for a vw caravelle or something similar "local" as been burnt going for the interesting and curious before especially with parts? 

Appreciate any feedback/thoughts on ownership as would like to keep it for a good few years? 

Apologies if this has been discussed before but the search option won’t search. 
 

I’m looking at the possibility of buying an Alphard (I don’t yet have one but the profile made me choose what one I had😂🙈) but need to check our car seats will fit. I can’t find any details about where you can fit car seats? ( Passenger seat/middle row/back row etc).  I’m also struggling to see how/where the rails are to tether the car seat to. I’ve attached a photo of the tether options. Generally the car seat tethers to the rails on the seat in front by sliding the tether straps under the rails and looping them on. Alternatively you unbolt the back bolt and fit the anchor loops under the rail and re-bolt the rail back down. 
 

Any help/ idea’s welcome thanks

Any advice welcome.

Can mirrors be re-glazed or replaced?