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.......

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!

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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

I believe you may have the wheels offset incorrect  also 20" wheel might be too close to the rear nearside front edge of the bodywork,   (I have same year vehicle)

Best quality (adhesive doubled - sided IBM)  is from my experience nigh on impossible to shift without the use of a heat gun, how do I know this ? because I've applied this knowledge to three vehicles number plates (customers)

Anyone?

Also, where does it stipulate within the general servicing requirements that the Auto transmission oil must be changed ?

Lithium batteries are generally not recommended for use as an engine start battery (Burstner source)

As above were their issues involved

Look through your On-line Browser there are many sellers offering different products for cleaning plastic headlamp lenses, for instance 'Halfords'... you might get lucky and find a new lens for sale be (careful)  as the part may only be available by shipment from Japan...you could try Toyota Breakers for a complete light unit..I have used several manufactures deglaze solvent products over the last three years, all worked but the glaze issue on old Alphards comes back especially if you live in a Sunny environment

 (South Coast)

To be clear i've fitted coilovers to several racing touring cars when situated at Brands Hatch in kent ..they are not designed for the alphard type vehicle ,, they are designed t to be a

repacement adjustable coil/spring suspension for the standard suspension of saloon cars and single seater race cars

nice photo, lowered vehicle with skinny depth wheels definately a no no if your considering camping  in some of the awlfull 'field type' campsite's in the UK

To get by you can of course always use Goole maps off your phone ...Taxi drivers now mainly use this tech'

AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE  BUY A 'FIN' DAB AERIAL MOUNT IT ON THE ROOF REAR MOST AWAY FROM THE DASH AREA... THEIR EXPENSIVE!!!

20 hours ago, glarhzilla said:

Hi all hope you're well. New here. Recently noticed a few alphards on the road and decided they're mega and potentially a great choice for my needs. Currently have 2014 seat Leon estate and need something bigger. Anyway does anyone know of any reputable importers/dealers in the midlands? Preferably west mids but willing to travel. 

 

Thank you in advance

G.

Sorry glarhzilla but i think if you measured storage space of your Leon against the Alphard you will find there very litte in it,  having done several conversion myself over the years the actual storage ( if campervan converted) is no better than a Bongo or a VW Transporter  but of course the Alphard build quality in most cases is far better.

On 8/22/2023 at 8:09 AM, Rojie said:

 

Chris.ac posted a very useful thread on this topic.

 

I suggest you search through all his postings (there are a lot) to find it.

Bought mine at Halfords, right size, good quality 'turn over' on screen correctly not cheap but I own 3 vehicles always renew my w.w from Halfords☺️

...and the tyre load is......

Alphard series one 2005 3.0ltr  Fitted my tow-bar nearly three years ago, never been queried by any law enforcement officers here in this country or Europe

Nobody does any reserching anymore !!

Highlight your request with your mouse right click , click on the box up come's some answers pick the one you want  this case YOU TUBE

 High Michael,  I think the real issue here is that potential buyers think they're getting a good deal (as I did) but in reality the Alphard is a cash cow can I ask you a realistic question ? How much have you spent on your Alphard since owning it, for instance I have spent well over £16800 which included a 'North Star' conversion plus maintenance costs over the last 28 months..hardly a good return for a vehicle that's eighteen years old the trouble is I now find myself constantly questioning why didn't I do more research into the Alphard probably because like everyone else its looks are quite different and it drives nice, but the bottom line is in my opinion that there are much better vehicles that convert to a camper van

AEROSOLS difficult to find, I get my local auto paint trade specialist to make up the colour and supplied in a small paint tin I use fine artist brush to touch up people forget the Alphards and Vellfire were never exported to Europe so colours made up by non-professionals can differ significantly.

Members might be interested to know my experience in asserting conformation if the drive belt on my P.U.T.A  3.0Ltr  Alphard has had its drive belt changed. So the issue is the stickers that the Japanese Technicians stick on the bonnet underside confirms the date and mileage they changed the belt, problem is it's in Japanese dialogue so does anyone know a translator?

 And what I've found during this journey of discovery is that every Technician/Garage services who I had spoken to declined to take this job on due mainly to is complexity and lack of knowledge of the procedure of work, So lovely looking vehicle drives nice cheap to purchase,..but anyone considering purchasing may be alarmed about the issues of very poor technical support,  Costly repairs, complete lack of vehicle customising parts (if that's your thing) poor fuel consumption.. I think I will go back to a VW or a Ford😔☹️

No easy answer but you could fit a double keder strip into the awning channel and then make up a canvas section to cover the gap..you might even find on the net someone may have already done this....this is why I don't like upright awning brackets,  in my opinion S45 Awnings are not suitable for Alphards

sorry to hear that never happened to me but only changed my blades once during 2022

dont understand you guys😝 Halfords, Europa parts carry them BOSCH being the most popular

+ You should use a trim remover lever (plastic lever is best) usually in a set of Trim/clip removers ....ebay or Amazon

Bought all mine via surfacing goggle browser,  the best way to buy them is to buy an assortment within a box-set, usually Chinese supplied but perfectly adequate as trim clips.