Patricia Ingram Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 I am elderly disabled and planning a trip from UK to North Africa and back in my 2007 Japanese Import Alphard hybrid. My only concern is that if I break down I cannot move my vehicle. How likely is it that it could break down? And if so how would I find a mechanic in Europe or Morocco? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 30 minutes ago, Patricia Ingram said: I am elderly disabled and planning a trip from UK to North Africa and back in my 2007 Japanese Import Alphard hybrid. My only concern is that if I break down I cannot move my vehicle. How likely is it that it could break down? And if so how would I find a mechanic in Europe or Morocco? Hello Patricia, I think your enthusiasm is fantastic, but I feel I must point out some concerns. Are you planning the trip unaccompanied ? Toyota Alphards are not officially imported into most, if not any, of Europe. I don't believe getting your vehicle trailered would be very difficult; but where to ? Locating a capable mechanic, imho, could be very problematic. Mechanical part availability in the UK infrastructure is normally manageable, thanks to the popularity of Toyota and Lexus models. Some Hybrids seem to suffer from electrical issues and judging by feedback on this Forum, can be a big challenge to get resolved. My guess is that that situation would be even more difficult abroad. Regarding Africa, I have no experience whatsoever about Africa but with the vast distances, extreme heat (depending on season and location) I think any type of breakdown could turn into quite a major string of events. On the other hand, Toyotas (not Alphards) could be very popular in Africa creating an infrastructure there. My advice, not that you are asking for it, is stay in Europe where part delivery should be achievable with some certainty and urgency. Whatever you decide, please take with you my sincerest best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris.ac Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 if it was an older Regius, I would say no problems, as they had a Landcruiser 3.0lt diesel engine, pretty much bulletproof, no idea of the pedigree of the 2.4lt hybrid setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 Hello again Patricia, Giving this some more thought I think you should prepare a list of spare parts to take with you. Get your Van full assessed by a competent mechanic and have them draw up a list of parts you may potentially need. Cam belt, other belts, water pump, spark plugs, radiator cap, main water hoses, brake pads, etc, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Ingram Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 Great idea. Thank you so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Ingram Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 2 minutes ago, Patricia Ingram said: Great idea. Thank you so much. My Main concern is the hybrid section. Moroccan mechanics are brilliant. But I will get Toyota to service it and ask them what to take. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 21 minutes ago, Patricia Ingram said: My Main concern is the hybrid section. Moroccan mechanics are brilliant. But I will get Toyota to service it and ask them what to take. Thanks again. Snows should be most helpful. Please let me know if they are not ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Ingram Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 Yes, thanks again. They serviced my vehicle last year so I will go there again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teekay Posted June 6, 2022 Share Posted June 6, 2022 I was planning trip to mainland Europe, nothing as adventurous but was having similar concerns about breakdown, especially if I have lpg kit. I'll probably also get the checks and service done, take some spare parts and probably pray 🤞✝️⛪ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Ingram Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 what is lpg kit please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teekay Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 27 minutes ago, Patricia Ingram said: what is lpg kit please https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/what-is-lpg/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 1 hour ago, Patricia Ingram said: what is lpg kit please Liquid Propane Gas. I doubt you have it on a Hybrid. If you do, your trip will need extra planning. Europe OK, need to research Afica LPG may need careful thought now as BP, I believe, has announced its plan to discontinue providing it at their gas stations (pun intended). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphard Club Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 I wouldnt worry, many africans have great mechanics that don't have the great british disease of sucking air through their teeth, so They can usually fix most things and are quite skilled. Don't forget, toyota are one of the most reliable brands in the world. Tey put a lot of passion in to their work and don't use cheapie components. One option, i have never tried it but is to have the hybrid system checked. Dealers can check these but again, may also suffer the great british disease of being scared to test anything they don't know about. you could contact these guys: http://hybridbatteryrepair.co.uk/project/toyota-alphard-campervan/ I don't know them, i did a google search but may have a way of testing everything for you, give you that piece of mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Ingram Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 Thank you. Good advice. I know a hybrid man and will get him to check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Ingram Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 3 hours ago, Rojie said: Liquid Propane Gas. I doubt you have it on a Hybrid. If you do, your trip will need extra planning. Europe OK, need to research Afica LPG may need careful thought now as BP, I believe, has announced its plan to discontinue providing it at their gas stations (pun intended). I have butane for cooking. But no LPG thank goodness. Can't you change it to a normal petrol/electric hybrid then you would be all hunkky dorey for Europe. (Except for only being allowed 3 months there because of Brexit regulations!!!!!) which is why I am going to Morocco to see a warmer winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 48 minutes ago, Patricia Ingram said: I have butane for cooking. But no LPG thank goodness. Can't you change it to a normal petrol/electric hybrid then you would be all hunkky dorey for Europe. (Except for only being allowed 3 months there because of Brexit regulations!!!!!) which is why I am going to Morocco to see a warmer winter. LPG is compatible with Petrol. I don't know about the Petrol/Hybrid system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Ingram Posted June 7, 2022 Author Share Posted June 7, 2022 Ah, I see now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphard Club Posted June 7, 2022 Share Posted June 7, 2022 3 hours ago, Rojie said: LPG is compatible with Petrol. I don't know about the Petrol/Hybrid system. yes you can LPG a hybrid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teekay Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 17 hours ago, Alphard Club said: yes you can LPG a hybrid. Perhaps Petrol equivalent of 90mpg 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 10 minutes ago, Teekay said: Perhaps Petrol equivalent of 90mpg 😂 Cost wise, not consumption wise ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teekay Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 34 minutes ago, Rojie said: Cost wise, not consumption wise ? That's right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.