Hello from the Isle of Man

[JoJo]

Hello,

Hoping to buy an Alphard soon but I live on the Isle of Man and to be honest I haven’t managed to see one ‘in the flesh’ yet. Haven’t seen any driving around over here.
I used to have a Mazda Bongo but due to increasing mobility issues gave it up and would now like something a bit more luxurious and I think the Alphard fits the bill. My aim is to either buy a converted (or have one converted) camper. I’ve watched hundreds of videos and looked at loads of imported vehicle specialists online but not being local to any of them it’s hard to know who is reliable and recommended. 
I’ve joined to hopefully pick up hints and tips, learn about the good and possibly bad points and chat to other Alphard owners. 
JoJo

[Rojie]

5 hours ago, JoJo said:

Hello,

Hoping to buy an Alphard soon but I live on the Isle of Man and to be honest I haven’t managed to see one ‘in the flesh’ yet. Haven’t seen any driving around over here.
I used to have a Mazda Bongo but due to increasing mobility issues gave it up and would now like something a bit more luxurious and I think the Alphard fits the bill. My aim is to either buy a converted (or have one converted) camper. I’ve watched hundreds of videos and looked at loads of imported vehicle specialists online but not being local to any of them it’s hard to know who is reliable and recommended. 
I’ve joined to hopefully pick up hints and tips, learn about the good and possibly bad points and chat to other Alphard owners. 
JoJo

 

Hello JoJo,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Imho, the Alphies are in a Totally different class to the Mazda.

 

Looks like you need a 'holiday' on the mainland !

 

Please ensure you have someone you can rely on the Isle for maintenance.

Your Official Toyota Dealer, if you have one, is unlikely to be helpful.

But do ask, they are not all too huffy; mine welcomes my business. 

[JoJo]

Thanks Roger,

Pretty sure the Toyota dealership over here will not be too helpful from what I’ve heard (but happy to be proved wrong) I will probably go the place who used to service my Bongo for me, they were very accommodating and eager to help when other garages turned their nose up at me. 
 

Have seen a 2012 Hybrid online but not sure about their reliability, would I be better just looking at a petrol one? My last two cars have been hybrid so I’m used to them and my Mum actually had a 2016 Toyota Yaris Hybrid but I remember it had a few little quirks, which once she was used to, were fine but were frustrating initially. 
 

Yes a trip to the mainland, is probably my best bet, think I’ll wait for that Irish Sea to calm down a bit first though! 😆

Edited January 24, 2023 by JoJo

[Rojie]

4 hours ago, JoJo said:

Thanks Roger,

Pretty sure the Toyota dealership over here will not be too helpful from what I’ve heard (but happy to be proved wrong) I will probably go the place who used to service my Bongo for me, they were very accommodating and eager to help when other garages turned their nose up at me. 
 

Have seen a 2012 Hybrid online but not sure about their reliability, would I be better just looking at a petrol one? My last two cars have been hybrid so I’m used to them and my Mum actually had a 2016 Toyota Yaris Hybrid but I remember it had a few little quirks, which once she was used to, were fine but were frustrating initially. 
 

Yes a trip to the mainland, is probably my best bet, think I’ll wait for that Irish Sea to calm down a bit first though! 😆

 

I cannot advise you, one way or the other, on a hybrid. as I have never had one nor know anyone, personally, that has had one.

 

The Alphies are complex up market vehicles and have their own little quirks, like any other marque.

 

Surfing this Forum will yield lots of very helpful information, not least the names and locations of the 'better' vendors.

I am sure many existing owners of hybrids will comment, and welcome your hybrid experience to the Forum.

 

 

[JoJo]

Thank you Roger, I am finding the forum very informative indeed🙂