matty Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 Hi guys, I've narrowed down my purchase to 2 vans. They're both 3.0v6 mz-g models Ones an 04 with lower miles and a 4 speed box The other is an 07 with a 5 speed box Price is about the same, all things being equal we're leaning towards the 04 because the mileage is crazy low. Is the difference between the 4 speed and 5 speed that big? It's mostly local driving, we're not playing regular big motorway journeys, and it's not being camper converted, so no extra weight to carry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 4 hours ago, matty said: Hi guys, I've narrowed down my purchase to 2 vans. They're both 3.0v6 mz-g models Ones an 04 with lower miles and a 4 speed box The other is an 07 with a 5 speed box Price is about the same, all things being equal we're leaning towards the 04 because the mileage is crazy low. Is the difference between the 4 speed and 5 speed that big? It's mostly local driving, we're not playing regular big motorway journeys, and it's not being camper converted, so no extra weight to carry Hello Matty, You don't give us the key data. What are the mileages ? What about service history ? Both have belt driven camshafts. The 5 speed will have, or can have, a retro fitted cruise if needed very cheaply. The four speed cannot without considerable expense. I s the condition of the leather comparable ? Whatever you decide, good luck and happy motoring. What mpg are you expecting from the 4 speed during local driving ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 Hello I’m not sure if ULEZ is important to you? I have a 54 plate 2.4 hybrid Alphard which isn’t compliant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceri Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 I've got a 2002 V6 AWD, and I'd do anything to get the fuel consumption up a bit - consistently delivers 17 mpg. So with that in mind, given the option I would go for the 5 speed. Also, just remember that "crazy low" mileage is not always a good thing. I've found that stuff tends to break more when it's not used for long periods or not allowed to get up to full operating temperature etc compared to one that's driven and maintained regularly. Even say 64000km at that age is an average of less than 40 miles a week. The car is 20 years old, so lots of mounts, rubbers etc will age perish anyway, so make sure they have all been changed, likewise with the timing belt. I guess what I'm saying is don't let the milage be the deciding factor for you. Drive them both and see which one you prefer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stopgapcat Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 If it's helps, we've got a 2006 plate V6 with a five speed box (two wheel drive) that's been converted professionally to a campervan, We get about 26 or 27 mpg without the bike rack on the back and closer to 25 mpg with. Given the age of the van, we always put in premium E5 petrol, which is a bit more expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 21 hours ago, matty said: Hi guys, I've narrowed down my purchase to 2 vans. They're both 3.0v6 mz-g models Ones an 04 with lower miles and a 4 speed box The other is an 07 with a 5 speed box Price is about the same, all things being equal we're leaning towards the 04 because the mileage is crazy low. Is the difference between the 4 speed and 5 speed that big? It's mostly local driving, we're not playing regular big motorway journeys, and it's not being camper converted, so no extra weight to carry James raises a very good point. ULEZ compliance ? 04 will not be compliant, 07 will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tylersm90 Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 All thing being equal go for the ULEZ compliant 07 plate. Many cities are now enforcing ULEZ and it’s one less thing to worry about. The 04 plate may be good value now but will depreciate faster is my guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picasso Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 2007 onwards is compliance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dezufo Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 22 hours ago, matty said: Hi guys, I've narrowed down my purchase to 2 vans. They're both 3.0v6 mz-g models Ones an 04 with lower miles and a 4 speed box The other is an 07 with a 5 speed box Price is about the same, all things being equal we're leaning towards the 04 because the mileage is crazy low. Is the difference between the 4 speed and 5 speed that big? It's mostly local driving, we're not playing regular big motorway journeys, and it's not being camper converted, so no extra weight to carry Do a CarVX check as that will confirm the mileages and condition at the time of the auction plus if any recalls have been done, any service records, has the timing belt been changed, how old are the tyres if 7 years or older, regardless of the tread depth, they will need changing, the other item that usually needs replacing is the battery as they sit idle at the auction/on the ship and once the voltage drops to 10.5 v the cells get damaged beyond recovery, all things being equal go for the 5speed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty Posted July 19 Author Share Posted July 19 (edited) Thanks for the responses on this guys. Ulez isn't a requirement for me, and I don't think it will be for the 4 years I'll need this alphard. I appreciate what you're saying about not letting milage be the deciding factor. The 2 I'm looking at are: 1) white, low miles https://www.newacreleisure.com/cars/toyota/alphard/mzg/1178403/ 2) gold, higher milage https://southcoastjapautos.co.uk/cars/toyota-alphard-2007-mz-g-edition-3-0-v6-petrol-fully-loaded-4wd-7-seater-pearl-light-gold-paint-beige-leather-interior/ Aside from milage and colour, the only difference I'm noticing is the white has a flip down dvd player and the theatre speakers. I'm not fussed about the dvd player and from what I'm reading about replacement head units the theatre sound may be more trouble than it's worth. White looks a bit nicer, but it's my temporary dad wagon, so I'm not overly concerned with looks. Am I overlooking anything obvious between these 2? Edit: the gold one comes with a 2 year warranty, while the white one is only 6 months Edited July 19 by matty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Land Cruiser Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 Personally I would go white better when you come to resell who wants a gold one ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 This is a interesting one. I would go V6, but only in White, Grey or Black, in that order; personal preference. Gold will be harder to sell and for less value. New Acre is known to this Forum, and is one of the better suppliers. However, that vehicle is obviously older, and will be more difficult to sell in 4 years time, especially as it will not be ULEZ compliant. As stated above, London is not the only city implementing emission control. What is Southampton / Portsmouth planning ? The 07 at 88k is not low mileage and, arguably, should have had the cam belt changed. No mention of that in the 'service history'. I don't know of that sales outlet, but they appear to specialise in JDM imports; though not only Alphards, Vellfires or Toyotas. I have a fully loaded MZ G edition. A joy to drive but lots of gizmos to worry about. Me, I would pass on both and look for a 2008 Gen 2 facelift (or later), in the colours above. Good Luck whatever you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurf Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 If ULEZ compliance was a deal breaker, it can be made ULEZ compliant for a few hundred pounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picasso Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 I don't see how you can make a old alphard ULEZ compliant for a few hundred pounds only 2 ways that I know this can be done and would run in to £1000s 1 change the full exhaust system 2 change the engine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurf Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 1. Get a certificate of conformity from the Japan Inspection Organisation. https://japaninspection.org/certificate-of-conformity-coc/ This will your say vehicle is Euro 4 compliant, because all Alphards actually are. 2. Provide this to DVLA, and they will update the registration details to say the vehicle is Euro 4. 3. You now have a ULEZ compliant Alphard for a few hundred pounds, so long as Euro 4 remains the qualifying requirement. Lots of people have done this successfully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojie Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 2 hours ago, smurf said: 1. Get a certificate of conformity from the Japan Inspection Organisation. https://japaninspection.org/certificate-of-conformity-coc/ This will your say vehicle is Euro 4 compliant, because all Alphards actually are. 2. Provide this to DVLA, and they will update the registration details to say the vehicle is Euro 4. 3. You now have a ULEZ compliant Alphard for a few hundred pounds, so long as Euro 4 remains the qualifying requirement. Lots of people have done this successfully. Hello Richard, Having read your link, the process seems to be proactive, including a vehicle inspection at the exporting docks. Are you able o confirm this procedure can be competed retrospectively, without the vehicle inspection at source? Have you followed this procedure yourself, successfully ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurf Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 It can be done sat at home with your Alphard on the drive. As I said, lots of people have done it. I'm sure someone has posted about doing it on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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