Previous Service History From Japan?

[BigNev]

Hi guys!

Hope you are all well!

I'm still looking (and procrastinating on it!) for our Alphard / Vellfire, 3.5 V6, 2009 onwards.

Looking for a bit of "voice of reason" input from you guys who've got one - am I being too hung up on wanting one with the service history from Japan?

I realise it's possibly "luck of the draw" if the books are put in the vehicle before the auction, and lots do not have any documentation, but some do.

I also am led to believe that the Japanese do look after their cars way better than the British, and their bi-annual test is tighter than our MOT, it seems advisories are not accepted, they get fixed. Until the departure from Japan of course - I've seen a few of you have replaced lots of suspension bushes either on, or shortly after, the cars arrival.

But that isn't service of fluids, oils and filters.

If we were only keeping it for a short time I would be less bothered, but it will be a long term car. Our current (about to go) Grand Voyager we've had for 10 years, now 148,000 miles, and the Subaru Outback 5 1/2 years, now 173,000 miles, so you see what I mean. Both of these are 2005 cars.

And for us, it's a large financial commitment, so I don't want to buy a time bomb or money pit - V6 cam chains and tensioners, and the variable valve lift / timing oil solenoids, would rely on fresh oil for a long life!

Cheers Guys and girls!

[ALSALPHARD]

 

[BigNev]

Thanks for that, we have a local importer who is very good too, but that's not what I'm asking you guys for!

 

[PaulE]

My Alphard came with full Japanese Service history- I think you should look for one when buying as they seem to be very thorough. The only problem was that the mechanics wrote their notes in biro and Google Translate wouldn't work with them but much of the service sheet contained a thumbnail of each item checked. I bought mine at 102,000km and it looks as if it had a major service at 94,000km so all the underpinnings were top notch. You wouldn't buy a car here without FSH would you.