Potential new Alphard owner

[Crawfie]

Hi all ,

My wife has found a 2004 2.4 Alphard for sale . With 4 grandkids , we want to start taking them out on trips etc.

Apparently imported 2020 . Has 2 years service history (uk) and good mot s (no advisories) . 46k mileage .

Could you please advise if any potential pitfalls problems to look  out for 

Thanks 

Steve A 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rojie]

1 hour ago, Crawfie said:

Hi all ,

My wife has found a 2004 2.4 Alphard for sale . With 4 grandkids , we want to start taking them out on trips etc.

Apparently imported 2020 . Has 2 years service history (uk) and good mot s (no advisories) . 46k mileage .

Could you please advise if any potential pitfalls problems to look  out for 

Thanks 

Steve A 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Crawfie,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Is it undersealed ?

If not, you would be wise to budget to have it done.

 

Check the MOT history on DVLA, just to be prudent.

 

Which model are you looking at?

 

Depending on the age of your grandchildren; check you have enough seats, seatbelts and/or ISO Fix points.

 

Good Luck.

 

[Alphard Club]

Welcome to the club

 

There is a guide here, may seem extensive but will help you choose the right vehicle. 

 

 

[Crawfie]

Thanks everyone !!

The big question is whether to go “ private purchase “ or through a dealer . 
My last dabble in a jap import ended up with a cracked cylinder head (Pajero ).

Once fixed I had many years of reliable service . 
We decided against the 2004 due to what seemed to be a very high price to what is available elsewhere . Ie younger and with more goodies !!

We shall keep looking . 
Anybody had any dealings with SWC imports in Plymouth ??

[Rojie]

44 minutes ago, Crawfie said:

Thanks everyone !!

The big question is whether to go “ private purchase “ or through a dealer . 
My last dabble in a jap import ended up with a cracked cylinder head (Pajero ).

Once fixed I had many years of reliable service . 
We decided against the 2004 due to what seemed to be a very high price to what is available elsewhere . Ie younger and with more goodies !!

We shall keep looking . 
Anybody had any dealings with SWC imports in Plymouth ??

 

Either way I would consider a RAC or AA inspection.

 

There is a buying guide on the Forum, as Steve notes above.

 

A 2004 will have a 4 speed auto. Many 4 speed owners fit LPG conversions for economy.

 

You have much to read about.

 

Princetown is somewhat 'remote'.; unless you are able to service your own vehicle you will need a competent mechanic.

Snows in Plymouth, unlike many official Toyota dealers, will work on any Alphie you subsequently purchase.