Hello Alphard owners

[Phil C]

Hello owners,

 

I have joined this site because I am looking to buy an Alphard and need some advice with which engine size and what age and hybrid or non hybrid to look for. I have a Granvia 3.4 petrol at the moment which I have had for over 8 years and I love it. It's 23 years old and immaculate condition but I am finding it hard to get parts and need to change up, so any advice would be gratefully appreciated. The Granvia is a second vehicle and doesn't do too many miles a year so maybe a 2.4 would be OK but I am not sure about the CVT hibrid system and would like your thoughts on it.

 

Regards

 

Phil

Edited September 9 by Phil C

[Michael Brown]

By the time any imported vehicles come over to UK, they will be of an age when things start to wear out and need replacing. I have found the 2.4 engine more than adequate for my needs. The most expensive part I have replaced is the Inverter on my 07 Hybrid, as it could not be repaired. But at least it should give me 10 years trouble free motoring. Until something else goes wrong with it. The Alphard is a lovely vehicle to drive and comfortable too. I get 35 - 40 mpg.

 

So good luck in your quest

[Phil C]

Thank you Michael for your reply and the advice it contained. I love my Granvia, but it is 23 years old and a bit thirsty on fuel and it looks as though you are very happy with your Alphard so it seems the 2.4 Alphard Hybrid is a good replacement for the Granvia.

 

Cheers

 

Phil

[Michael Brown]

Depends on your budget to relace your Granvia, because the newer the vehicle you buy the better. I bought my Alphard 2 years ago and it cost me £9,500. which is the most I have paid for a car ever. I understand from other members the Mk2 Alphard from 2008 is a good one or Mk 3 from 2015 onwards is good too. I personally don't like the heavy chromed  frontages of the newer ones.

 

I wish you luck in looking. If it does not have a BIMTA  ( British Independant Motors Association ) get one done. at least you will know if its been clocked, KM, Milage wound back. Or use the CAR VX as advertised on this site.

[Phil C]

Hello Michael, I was thinking of a hybrid up to £12K but have been researching it a bit more since you replied and battery replacement is very expensive and where I live it's difficult to find a garage that will do the work according to some owner comments and trade specialists so I think they are out for me. I like the power of my 3.4 petrol Granvia especially as we have some very steep hills around here, so I think I will look for a 3 or 3.5 Lt version. I know about BIMTA a Bongo I had came with one but I didn't know you could chase up the details if the garage didn't do the search which is most of them in Devon. I don't like the massive radiator grills either, or the body shape of the new ones but whatever floats your boat, I don't like the prices either but it would be good to have an almost new one.

 

Thanks again for the info

 

Cheers, Phil

[smurf]

The gen 2 hybrid is a much improved version of the type over the gen 1. More resilient hybrid components, more powerful, and more economical. £12k would possibly get one. 

As regards hybrid battery repair, they aren't as fragile as people fear and you are actually in exactly the right part of the country if you were to have any hybrid issues as one of the most highly regarded repairer is based in the South West and travels all over to repair hybrids, including Alphards. https://www.hybridrepairservice.co.uk