Rojie

Hello Ivan, Welcome to the Forum. Replacement batteries, should you need them, can cost up to several thousand pounds. There does seem to be a scarcity of capable mechanics who can (or will) work on them successfully. Repair can be much cheaper, but then you need the hybrid technicians, as above. In my opinion, in the more remote parts of Scotland it will be very difficult; if not impossible. Nearer the urban centres could still present some challenges. Personally, with your intended journeys I would avoid a Generation 1 Hybrid. I am sure you will get several other replies from other members.

Hello Ivan, Будь ласка, спробуйте надалі писати англійською мовою, багато хто з наших учасників не обов’язково знатимуть, як перекладати вашу тему. Please try and write in English in future, many of our members will not, necessarily, know how to translate your thread. Hello, dear forum members. I am going to become the owner of a Toyota Alphard hybrid. I wanted to buy a hybrid, before 2008. To save on fuel. I intend to travel to Scotland often. But I read the forum, I realized that you can buy the car and get a spare which costs £5200, or just stay somewhere in Scotland where no one can help me fix the car. And this prospect does not please me. Tell me, please, should I buy a Hybrid?

Take it back again. Hopefully you will receive suggestions on what the problem is to improve your chances of getting it fixed by the seller. If the seller is a business you will have Consumer Rights.

This is probably the rear suspension bush(es) which is quite a common problem. When mine were replaced the rear axle was lowered; although I don't know that is necessary.

Stuart Spencer is one of a quite a small group of first class dealers.

They are not daft questions. None of us know about Alphies and Veliies until we became an owner !

Shift Lock.

I cannot remember if these work in a Alphard/Vellfire or not. However, one size seldom fits all. Check that there is enough room for the seat to rotate near the B pillar. Obviously the seat is almost square (ok, rectangular), therefore the 'corners' will need enough space to rotate. It can be done on Gen 1, but I believe it involves the removal of the central console. Romahome in the IOW do them for Gen 1, may be worth a call. They ARE expensive !

The further South West you travel towards Land's End the less LPG you will find; but can always run on petrol if need be.

Paul raises a very good point regarding access to the spare wheel. Again, depending on the conversion, and the professionalism of the convertor, access can become tricky. I have seen conversions where there is no access 1!! You need to check, just in case access is impeded you could take action now before it may become necessary !

A bike rack that fits to a tow bar is a good solution. Search the forum photo section, as a start. Towing, by the way, is another topic entirely !

Well, you need to look. On mine the cover was louvered.. I have access to the space, you may too, although I no longer have the cover in place. I use the space for 'soft' stowage. I feel sure that the convertor would have, should have, removed the tools during conversion if access is restricted. I don't store the tools in there as it is quite awkward with my rear conversion. One of the challenges with Alphie conversion is that as the vehicle is so quiet rattles become very annoying. A key new skill to acquire is how to stow all the paraphernalia without an orchestrated cacophony as you drive leisurely around.!

Ah. On the Gen 1 there is a 'cubby hole' on the near side between rear wheel and tailgate. I don't know of the Gen 2. Depending on what, and how, the conversion has been fitted; access to the area may not be possible.

The Will They Fit website will do the calculations for you, including the new odometer speed error; which in these days of fancy roadside radar is good to know. The website will also tell you how the ground clearance is effected, but will not tell you how the ride (comfort) will be effected if using lower profile tyres with reduced sidewall heights. A new set of wheels and tyres isn't cheap, so get it right first time ! Fancy wheels need security nuts too. Think twice about fitting spacers. You will increase the loading on the wheel bearing and have less threads to take the correct torgue setting (about 80 foot pounds). Finally, to state the obvious, the sales person won't be there when your wheels falls off ! Don't go too radical as your insurance salesperson may take the opportunity to hike your insurance premium.

Hello Grzegorz, Welcome to the Forum.