Buying an alphard - advice

[Rojie]

1 hour ago, Kerryn said:

Ok, I didn't pick that up from Rojie post. So if hooked up the plugs work as mains? So a kettle/toaster/hair dryer will work as normal?

 

Oh I see, so the fridge doesn't charge from hook up, only the leisure battery? And the leisure battery won't charge up either?

 

I might enquire about ours to see how that works.

 

Ok, thanks for clarifying on the water. I think what I will try to do is empty it really regularly. Surely though if the two tanks are the same size it's not possible for the grey one to overfill? I think we mainly use it for fill up drinks and washing hands so not much would go into the tank and if emptied regularly it shouldn't smell.

 

Another question for those with camper conversions, what are your top purchases? Currently I am thinking of getting:

A windscreen cover

A drive away awning (use tool magnets to attach as suggested on here?)

Soft bag suitcase set, one colour per person

Levelling ramps

 

Our plan is to use it as a day van over the winter and slowly add bits that we need. Any tips are very welcome though! I've tried to find a blog (do they even exist anymore?!) or website where someone documents their alphard travels but haven't had any luck.

 

I have a windscreen cover, which I use for evening privacy.

It fits under the wipers and over the drivers and passenger front doors.

easy to erect and stow.

 

Some owners use them as sun blinds when the van is not in use to try to keep the heat gain from the sun lower

Over time the wind can cause them to rub the paintwork.

 

There are several threads on drive away awnings on this forum.

Attachment and detachment are discussed in detail.

Much to be learnt from reading them, many that there are !

 

Different colour soft bags, a nice simple idea.

 

Levelling ramps, depends where you pull up. They are cheap but need to be stowed.

I have yet to find them necessary.

 

I will clarify the point about Electric Hook Up, EHU.

EHU enables you to connect your van to 230v power; normally when on site.

Not all sites provide the facility, and on those that do, not all pitches have the outlets.

Prices vary from very reasonable to extortionate.

 

Obviously very useful as when hooked up you can use power hungry appliances (including coolers and fridges running overnight).

But you do need to be able to stow the appliances securely.

 

A huge benefit of EHU is that you can connect your van at home.

I use a proper domestic dehumidifier to keep everything dry and aired.

I have a mains outlet in the rear of the front cubby box, each side on the inside facia of rear kitchen and on each side of the outside facia of the kitchen.

For completeness, I also have 12v and USB outlets in all those locations.

Another significant potential advantage is that we could charge the leisure battery after hooking up to a mains powered battery charger to any the 230v outlet.

Care is needed in choosing the charger.

A separate charger could be used for the starter battery.

 

It must be remembered that having 230v available in a van can be lethal.

Installations need to be implemented by a qualified and certified electrician. The Mains Insulation must be tested.

 

I empty my grey water bottle after each trip. If (when) it starts to smell, I would replace it. They are not expensive.

 

The pan (aforementioned) for toast (and many other foods) is The Ridge Monkey.

 

[pipsyp]

On 10/28/2023 at 10:12 PM, Kerryn said:

If I was to go down the route of buying one from importer how do I choose which to use? I'm near Cambridge and don't really want to travel much more than 2 hours. There are lots in London but many won't have experience of alphards. Are there any recommended ones?

 

Pipsyp, you mentioned Stuart Spencer autos. They don't have anything suitable at the moment but do have alphards in stock. What made you choose them?

Sorry Kerryn, I missed this one.

 

I didn't personally choose Stuart Spencer, I just know my van was originally imported by, converted through (though not by, SS Autos outsourced the conversion) and sold by them to the couple I bought it off.  Get the impression they are a good outfit.

[Kerryn]

2 hours ago, pipsyp said:

Sorry Kerryn, I missed this one.

 

I didn't personally choose Stuart Spencer, I just know my van was originally imported by, converted through (though not by, SS Autos outsourced the conversion) and sold by them to the couple I bought it off.  Get the impression they are a good outfit.

No problem pipsyp, a bit late though as we have committed to the converted with a 50% deposit! Definitely the right option for us though.

[Kerryn]

Ok, so windscreen cover just at night then. Or maybe an interior option? I'm not quite decided.

 

I will do some reading on awnings, will probably go second hand to keep costs down.

 

Levelling ramps are cheap so might just get them anyway.

 

Thanks for clarifying about how the hook up works, I think I understand now. I will ask them about charging options for the battery.

 

Good tip about the grey water bottles, I may but a replacement ready to go.

 

I will look into ridge monkey.

[Rojie]

11 hours ago, Kerryn said:

No problem pipsyp, a bit late though as we have committed to the converted with a 50% deposit! Definitely the right option for us though.

 

Which company have you chosen for conversion ?

 

Please PM me if you don't wish to go public with their name.

[big_boz]

I can't see how series 10 cars are worth what some dealers are asking, that one isn't perfect and it's very strong money so I wouldn't entertain it. Seen better used for sale at less money rather than fresh imports. 

[pipsyp]

10 minutes ago, big_boz said:

I can't see how series 10 cars are worth what some dealers are asking, that one isn't perfect and it's very strong money so I wouldn't entertain it. Seen better used for sale at less money rather than fresh imports. 

It's a tricky one, as I figure to buy a decent van you're probably looking at 8.5 - 9.5k, then similar money again to convert it (assuming you go professional, proper kitchen conversion, mains power, pop top etc).  You won't get much if any change out of 20k for a fresh conversion, particularly from a reseller.

 

Some are alot more than 20k, and I guess given even the youngest AH10 cars are 15 years old, it's hard to find perfect, particularly as parts can be hard, if not costly to source.

 

I got very lucky with my own, bought from FB Marketplace from a couple who had only had the van about a year (they had it freshly imported and converted) and reduced for a quick sale.  I wasn't originally looking to spend quite so much on one (I was originally looking for a later model Bongo), but it was such good value I couldn't not buy it.

[Kerryn]

Thanks for the advice both but I have committed to an already converted one. Here is the link:

http://newacrecars.com/vehicle/reserved-kerryn-toyota-alphard-camper-conversion-3-0-mz-high-spec-10-2005-5-seats-high-grade-52000-miles-number-w11-925/

 

[Kerryn]

Another question I have is about the head unit. Here is a picture of the current one:

 

They are offering to change for this:

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=AVH-A240DAB&oq=AVH-A240DAB&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIHCAEQABiABDIHCAIQABiABDIGCAMQABgeMggIBBAAGAoYHjIICAUQABgFGB7SAQg1ODkwajBqMagCALACAA&client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

We both have old, 2006/2007 cars so don't know modern head units at all. What the difference between the two be and would if be worth £500 ish to change?

[dezufo]

17 hours ago, Kerryn said:

Another question I have is about the head unit. Here is a picture of the current one:

 

They are offering to change for this:

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=AVH-A240DAB&oq=AVH-A240DAB&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIHCAEQABiABDIHCAIQABiABDIGCAMQABgeMggIBBAAGAoYHjIICAUQABgFGB7SAQg1ODkwajBqMagCALACAA&client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

We both have old, 2006/2007 cars so don't know modern head units at all. What the difference between the two be and would if be worth £500 ish to change?

The original unit, all in japanese, has very limited use here in the uk as the FM works on a different range of frequencies in Japan, the satnav will not work as they use different sats + the map is on a disc under the passenger seat, the cd player and the dvd may work but that will depend on the zone embedded in the disc, japanese tv works on ntsc but the uk works on pal so that would require an adapter. The headunit that is being offered is a good make and easy to use as it will all be in english plus they will be fitting a new reversing camera, the spec of the vehicle doesn't mention the front camera but I would expect that to be a new camera as well, all in all the Pioneer unit is well worth it, and the vehicle is top of the range.

[Alphard Club]

if you intend to buy then i would get a CARVX report done here

you will need a VIN number from the seller, you can get a proper report.
 

[dezufo]

9 hours ago, Alphard Club said:

if you intend to buy then i would get a CARVX report done here

you will need a VIN number from the seller, you can get a proper report.
 

NewAcre are one of the few importers that supply an auction report etc, with out being asked

[Kerryn]

Thanks dezufo. It just seems like a lot of cash, could I not get one put in elsewhere for less?

 

What about the ones that come up on this search?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=alphard+head+unit&oq=alphard+head+unit&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFhge0gEINjMxNmowajSoAgCwAgA&client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

Yes I've already got the auction sheet.

[Rojie]

2 hours ago, Kerryn said:

Thanks dezufo. It just seems like a lot of cash, could I not get one put in elsewhere for less?

 

What about the ones that come up on this search?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=alphard+head+unit&oq=alphard+head+unit&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFhge0gEINjMxNmowajSoAgCwAgA&client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

Yes I've already got the auction sheet.

 

You probably know this.

 

The VIN number is on the Auction Sheet.

[pipsyp]

Mine has a very nice Pioneer Double DIN fitted, wireless carplay/android auto, DAB, Bluetooth, works with the factory steering wheel controls and reversing camera.  Can't fault it at all really, bar the fact the head unit was hideously expensive and super glad someone else had it done!

 

Agree with the others tho, the factory headunit is a bit limited as most of the buttons are marked in Japanese and I don't think it's possible to set it to English at all.  Also as others mentioned without a band expander fitted the FM radio likely won't work properly, so you'll be left with CD and MD players which I guess also have limited use nowadays.  I'd go with getting that unit fitted, but if you play CDs at all then you'll probably want something with a CD player.

 

I agree about CarVX as well, a really useful service.  As with most imports despite being Grade 4 mine didn't come over here with any real past history (despite obviously being very well maintained and cared for), so I didn't know where in Japan it came from, whether the mileage correction on the BIMTA certificate married up with its export mileage and also didn't have the auction sheet or photos.  Admittedly some of it may have been lost or not passed on by previous keepers but such is life.

 

For the sake of 20 quid, I now have proof the car came from Osaka (so nowhere near Fukushima - but I believe it's a Japanese legal requirement that they have to be tested for contamination before export anyway), went through two MLIT tests, was a high grade import (I was told it was a 3 or 3.5 most likely by the original keepers, it was better than that) and had no other known issues.  Great thing to have if you ever want to sell the thing on as proof of provenance.

[dezufo]

17 hours ago, Kerryn said:

Thanks dezufo. It just seems like a lot of cash, could I not get one put in elsewhere for less?

 

What about the ones that come up on this search?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=alphard+head+unit&oq=alphard+head+unit&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORiABDIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyCAgDEAAYFhgeMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFhge0gEINjMxNmowajSoAgCwAgA&client=ms-android-motorola-rvo3&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

Yes I've already got the auction sheet.

It all depends on what you want the headunit to do, personally I went for a Pioneer AVIC unit as it is a quality brand

[Kerryn]

Thanks guys, you've sold it to me! I just need to check it will take CDs as there were two versions coming up.

 

I will also do the CarVX thing, mainly because I would love to know where it's comes from within Japan. 

[Rojie]

5 hours ago, pipsyp said:

Mine has a very nice Pioneer Double DIN fitted, wireless carplay/android auto, DAB, Bluetooth, works with the factory steering wheel controls and reversing camera.  Can't fault it at all really, bar the fact the head unit was hideously expensive and super glad someone else had it done!

 

Agree with the others tho, the factory headunit is a bit limited as most of the buttons are marked in Japanese and I don't think it's possible to set it to English at all.  Also as others mentioned without a band expander fitted the FM radio likely won't work properly, so you'll be left with CD and MD players which I guess also have limited use nowadays.  I'd go with getting that unit fitted, but if you play CDs at all then you'll probably want something with a CD player.

 

I agree about CarVX as well, a really useful service.  As with most imports despite being Grade 4 mine didn't come over here with any real past history (despite obviously being very well maintained and cared for), so I didn't know where in Japan it came from, whether the mileage correction on the BIMTA certificate married up with its export mileage and also didn't have the auction sheet or photos.  Admittedly some of it may have been lost or not passed on by previous keepers but such is life.

 

For the sake of 20 quid, I now have proof the car came from Osaka (so nowhere near Fukushima - but I believe it's a Japanese legal requirement that they have to be tested for contamination before export anyway), went through two MLIT tests, was a high grade import (I was told it was a 3 or 3.5 most likely by the original keepers, it was better than that) and had no other known issues.  Great thing to have if you ever want to sell the thing on as proof of provenance.

 

Radio Active vehicles cannot be exported !!

[pipsyp]

8 minutes ago, Rojie said:

 

Radio Active vehicles cannot be exported !!

Be something pretty wrong if they did!  All the same happier that my car lived nowhere near Fukushima 🙂

[Kerryn]

To conclude the the thread I collected it yesterday and am very happy so far.

 

I will make another thread to cover my experiences with it and inevitably ask lots of questions.

 

Thanks for the help all!

[pipsyp]

On 12/19/2023 at 10:59 PM, Kerryn said:

To conclude the the thread I collected it yesterday and am very happy so far.

 

I will make another thread to cover my experiences with it and inevitably ask lots of questions.

 

Thanks for the help all!

Welcome Kerryn and enjoy!

[ThuMentaliss]

On 10/28/2023 at 9:38 PM, Kerryn said:

So much info, thank you!

 

Yes the amount they vary from one to another seems to be huge and it doesn't seem to tally with the models all that much, I have found it very confusing. The power doors is definitely something I want but I thought they all had that so really useful to know that's something to look out for.

 

As for the head unit I will hopefully get that changed if it hasn't been done already. There is a place near me that I believe can sort that.

 

Poptops I am in conversation with northstar at the moment, I will see what they recommend. I definitely want lighting in it as it will be used as a bedroom.

 

My next step now is to wait for a decent one to come up. If that does happen I will try contacting some importers. The above is really useful to check the car over to make sure it's what I want.

 

Hopefully I will have one by spring so we can start using it!

                   _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

My disappointment

 

Put it this way I've spent (including side conversion ) over £21000 on my Alphard. series one,    Today I managed to find what was causing the interior front heater to only blow cool air, (another money drain problem)... from my checks it appears there's a problem with the control unit and the flap device... although this vehicle considering its age looks better than most people carriers out there however ask yourself this would you go out and purchase a 16-17 year old European car with over 70,000 miles of use.. most people wouldn't  this is what we call in the trade A cash cow

[big_boz]

1 minute ago, ThuMentaliss said:

                   _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

My disappointment

 

Put it this way I've spent (including side conversion ) over £21000 on my Alphard. series one,    Today I managed to find what was causing the interior front heater to only blow cool air, (another money drain problem)... from my checks it appears there's a problem with the control unit and the flap device... although this vehicle considering its age looks better than most people carriers out there however ask yourself this would you go out and purchase a 16-17 year old European car with over 70,000 miles of use.. most people wouldn't  this is what we call in the trade A cash cow

 

 

Personally I can't understand the rationale of anyone who will pay £20k for a 20+ year old van (any van) that's been converted to a camper. 

 

Pre COVID only VWs commanded scene tax, van or camper alike, seemingly since COVID the price a vehical with a bed in it has sky rocketed no matter who made the base vehical.

 

I usually keep an old Volvo in the stable for dirty duties (dogs, tip runs etc....) currently I have a mint (when I can bothered to clean it) 04 v70 with all the toys, it cost me a grand and causes me no issues and can seat 7 if needs be. When I see these early S10 Alphard that are the same age or older running a price tag north of £8k it blows my mind, then the same vehical with a camper conversion running £20k.... farcical and frankly you are asking for (financial) trouble.

 

 

[ThuMentaliss]

3 hours ago, big_boz said:

 

 

Personally I can't understand the rationale of anyone who will pay £20k for a 20+ year old van (any van) that's been converted to a camper. 

 

Pre COVID only VWs commanded scene tax, van or camper alike, seemingly since COVID the price a vehical with a bed in it has sky rocketed no matter who made the base vehical.

 

I usually keep an old Volvo in the stable for dirty duties (dogs, tip runs etc....) currently I have a mint (when I can bothered to clean it) 04 v70 with all the toys, it cost me a grand and causes me no issues and can seat 7 if needs be. When I see these early S10 Alphard that are the same age or older running a price tag north of £8k it blows my mind, then the same vehical with a camper conversion running £20k.... farcical and frankly you are asking for (financial) trouble.

 

 

I actually paid just over £6000 for the van it came with chrome wheels quite something at the time , most Alphards and Vellfires conversions with pop-tops are selling from so-called dealers around £19500-25000.......

[big_boz]

9 minutes ago, ThuMentaliss said:

I actually paid just over £6000 for the van it came with chrome wheels quite something at the time , most Alphards and Vellfires conversions with pop-tops are selling from so-called dealers around £19500-25000.......

Yeah seen plenty of em, I am a dubber (air-cooled) so i see alot of camper chat, I can't square the value proposition on the Alphard S10, I get why they are converted, base van price is cheap if you are importing them, they aren't big so you can get a huge conversion in so the profit margin must be super if you are converting to sell on with such high retail prices.