Newbie wanting advice

[Bazzer1955]

Hi All, Newbie here, I think that I am interested in an Alphard, probably a 3.0 ltr, not a 4wd, BUT I have some concerns. At the mo I drive an Octavia VRS TSI so I am used to a low mpg, I have seen a few 06/08 reg for about £7000. Correct me if I am wrong these would need undersealing, rear cat removed, rear fog light sorted out properly. I have had insurance quotes more than £150 higher than my VRS which I find really strange as my vrs will top out at more than 150 mph so it must be more of a risk than a 2.5 ton people carrier. I had a "grey import" years ago Pajero 2.8 exceed which was pretty good in its time, the electronic 4wd started playing up so it was time for it to go.

What's availability of spares like? Is reliability an issue ? My insurance quote was from Admiral, as my usual company (Hastings Premium) are not interested. Spare parts on ebay are quite limited which I find strange. So why are these imports frowned upon? My Pajero was a failure in Japan as the interior light bulb failed. Some friendly advice would be appreciated,

Go easy lol

[Teekay]

Underseal is universal nice to have 

Rear fog is universal mandatory for JDM 

Rear cat removed? I would like to know more about it.

Parts I like to believe Toyota have mostly interchangeable ones as long as we know the right part number. One member Chris is good at it and has multiple helpful posts.

Reliability of toyotas is not issue traditionally and these are well established king mpv most popular in Japan. I think you would be better off getting gen 2 and lowest possible mileage you can fit in budget to avoid parts issue 

[Oddcouple]

I believe rear cat issues are more related to Elgrands where they have double ceramic cats, first cat has a tendency to break up, thereby blocking the rear. De coring is a common practice which many importers do as standard. Technically an MOT failure but can  be done and clean weld on top side which can’t be seen.

[Alphard Club]

Rear cat is defiantly Elgrand. No Cat issues on the Alphard

 

Undersealing is a good idea,  but its not going to rust that quickly. I ran one for 2 years and not a dickie bird in the way of rust. Cost of undersalung is £200-300. I would look at Dintrinol and not waxoyl.

 

Insurance will be more expensive, yes it's all down to the seats. One thing is if you buy a 7 seater, make sure it is exactly 7 seats. I make and fit carpets for the alphard and I find so many customers saying they have a 7 seater when its actually an 8. This will affect your insurance when it comes to making a claim, so good to get it right. If it has 3 seat buckles in the centre row then it's definitely an 8 seater.

 

Servicing parts are mostly interchangeable.

Believe it or not, a dealer can get any part you want. All they need is a Part number and all these parts can be ordered in. Just need a bit of patience as not a lot will be on the shelf. Saying that, I recently had a water pump doing, blue print did one for my alphard and local garage picked it up from the motor factors.

 

Biggest issue will be panels and side glass. However, there are now quite a few breakers with these parts, i recently picked up a few items from a scrapped alphard.

 

I would not worry to much, they are getting really popular now and parts will become more readily available.

[Rojie]

17 hours ago, Bazzer1955 said:

Hi All, Newbie here, I think that I am interested in an Alphard, probably a 3.0 ltr, not a 4wd, BUT I have some concerns. At the mo I drive an Octavia VRS TSI so I am used to a low mpg, I have seen a few 06/08 reg for about £7000. Correct me if I am wrong these would need undersealing, rear cat removed, rear fog light sorted out properly. I have had insurance quotes more than £150 higher than my VRS which I find really strange as my vrs will top out at more than 150 mph so it must be more of a risk than a 2.5 ton people carrier. I had a "grey import" years ago Pajero 2.8 exceed which was pretty good in its time, the electronic 4wd started playing up so it was time for it to go.

What's availability of spares like? Is reliability an issue ? My insurance quote was from Admiral, as my usual company (Hastings Premium) are not interested. Spare parts on ebay are quite limited which I find strange. So why are these imports frowned upon? My Pajero was a failure in Japan as the interior light bulb failed. Some friendly advice would be appreciated,

Go easy lol

 

Hello Bazzer,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

I would argue that, because of where you live, undersealing should be considered essential.

I am lucky enough to live by the sea, all that lovely high humidity salty air !

 

Your quote seems high

There is a major thread on this Forum regarding insurance; but the market seems to change quite quickly.

Several insurance companies won't insure Alphard / Vellfire models; and if you have it converted the alternatives become even more limited.

Your quote seems high

 

I doubt I would be comfortable using used parts ( I am sure many members are) but I am lucky as I have a very (Alphard) friendly local Toyota main dealer who, unusually, is very willing to work on my machine.

 

This is a key point; unless you are willing and able, finding a competent mechanic can be more problematic that finding the parts.

 

Great machines, especially if you buy wisely. Good Luck.

[Bazzer1955]

Thanks to everyone who replied, probably going to view one next week and have a drive, our vrs just passed its mot with no advisories so it should sell quite well

[Teekay]

8 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Hello Bazzer,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

I would argue that, because of where you live, undersealing should be considered essential.

I am lucky enough to live by the sea, all that lovely high humidity salty air !

 

Your quote seems high

There is a major thread on this Forum regarding insurance; but the market seems to change quite quickly.

Several insurance companies won't insure Alphard / Vellfire models; and if you have it converted the alternatives become even more limited.

Your quote seems high

 

I doubt I would be comfortable using used parts ( I am sure many members are) but I am lucky as I have a very (Alphard) friendly local Toyota main dealer who, unusually, is very willing to work on my machine.

 

This is a key point; unless you are willing and able, finding a competent mechanic can be more problematic that finding the parts.

 

Great machines, especially if you buy wisely. Good Luck.

Any top tips on best places/websites for used parts? Car breakers?