I would like to buy a campervan in the new year and have been looking at my options, I drive a Lexus hybrid and can not fault it, so looking at Toyota, most of the Alphards advertised are 10 or more years old, so what are the options for a newer van say 2018, is it just a price thing or do they not convert newer vans

regards Jeff

15 hours ago, warspoils said:

I would like to buy a campervan in the new year and have been looking at my options, I drive a Lexus hybrid and can not fault it, so looking at Toyota, most of the Alphards advertised are 10 or more years old, so what are the options for a newer van say 2018, is it just a price thing or do they not convert newer vans

regards Jeff

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Alphards, and Vellfires, that are 10 years old, or more, are much easier to import.

There are more import issues to overcome with the newer vans.

Plus, the latter vehicles are much more expensive.

Many of us Alpharders are not young anymore, so cast can be an issue.

 

Are you importing one yourself, or purchasing one already imported ?

Hi thanks for getting back to me, I am looking at all options, one already imported seems sensible if it’s been checked and ready to go, what do I need to look out for/ do

regards Jeff

On 12/14/2021 at 11:46 AM, warspoils said:

Hi thanks for getting back to me, I am looking at all options, one already imported seems sensible if it’s been checked and ready to go, what do I need to look out for/ do

regards Jeff

Hello Jeff,

 

To be honest, on a 2018, I have absolutely no idea. Should be immaculate as most Japanese vehicles in Japan are well maintained.

 

Earlier versions can experience issues with bushes (as do many other vehicles).

 

Buying a 2018 won't be inexpensive.

 

When I bought my machine I paid for a AA / RAC inspection.

About £300, and very reassuring.

Hi Rojie do you know if any of the later models have been converted to campers, as I have been told that the later Nissan elgrands are a problem to do

regards Jeff

30 minutes ago, warspoils said:

Hi Rojie do you know if any of the later models have been converted to campers, as I have been told that the later Nissan elgrands are a problem to do

regards Jeff

 

Hi Jeff,

 

I feel sure the later models can be converted, but I haven't seen any yet.

To be honest, I have not seen a late models on the road yet either. (But I live in "Sleepy Devon").

 

My opinion on this, and it is an opinion, is that there a so few post 2015 vehicles about (at the moment) that there is is no commercial market yet for the conversions.

So no one is doing them.

 

I suggest you phone the better convertors and ask them !

Which ones come to mind?

There is a list on this Forum (somewhere).

 

I can also anticipate that swivel seats in the middle row will be a problem on later models; until, that is, some enterprising company .....

 

I do not have a view on the Nissans.

 

All newer vehicles are becoming ever more complex. Tapping into their systems could prove tricky for the unwary.

Many thanks for your thoughts 

regards Jeff