Rojie

Sound, and particularly noise, is a subjective thing; different people will hear the same sound differently. Especially with increasing age. The only reliable method would be a sound meter used in the differing vehicles, at the same speed, across the same terrain, driven in exactly the same way. Or a rolling road scenario. I think your attention should be directed towards other attributes / differences.

Simple multi-meters are available at low cost. (Toolstation / Screwfix). Always worth having one in the domestic tool kit.

Hello Jonathan, Welcome to the Forum. The more gears there are the lower the rpm on motorways, etc. Hence the fours can be relative noisy and thirsty.

Hello Jacj, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Malcolm, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello John, Welcome to the Forum. Chain.

Hello Simon, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Philippe, Welcome to the Forum.

Quite a while ago I came across a type of 'open sided tent' that was hung over the open tailgate; rather like a tall windbreak. It may have been Vanco, and I think it was for one of the smaller Mercedes. Easy to stow which, I expect, your panel idea would not be, whilst on the move.

Some of the fog lights available do retain the reflective element. As far as I am aware, there is no minimum size for the reflectors so small ones suitable for motorcycles can be fitted very easily and at minimum expense.

Whilst I respect this review, I would like to point out that changing the OEM wheel and tyre combination for larger diameter and lower profile will result in a much harsher ride; especially since the Alphard is much heavier, I believe, than a Subaru. Most vehicles that are 20 years old will have issues unless rectified as and when they occur. From your description, I believe yours had a few left unresolved. I certainly agree that the 4 speed box is not ideal.

Hello Phil, Welcome to the Forum. Front or rear ?

Silly question, and probably totally irrelevant. I assume your van has a sun roof / moon roof ? If so, I am wondering if the drains are blocked. This topic is covered elsewhere in this Forum. Try the search facility on your home page.

1) No. Alphards have three rows of seats. Front, middle and rear. Some Alphards have captains seats in the middle row, some have a bulky fixed armrest structure which, I imagine, will impede sleeping significantly, The rear seats will fold flat, or are moveable to sit alongside the rear sides. Many Alphards are able to accommodate a double air bed. 2) You do not mention a budget. Post 2008 (known as a Gen 2) seems a good choice (beware the Captains seats where the armrests are fixed). Some have middle seat entertainment to the roof; be cautious if electing to change the head unit. Many work well, some don't. 3) Hybrids can be very expensive to rectify, but reports regarding the Gen 2 versions are much better then the earlier models. 4) A 2008 will be ULEZ compliant. You can check the registration on Transport for London website. 6) Personally, I would recommend a report by the AA or RAC. I had one, very thorough. They are not cheap, and will detect many potential issues. Even if no issues are found it is very reassuring. Also ensure you are given a copy of the Auction Certificate BEFORE you place a deposit or pay in full. 7) Ensure your purchase is undersealed

Hello Clair, Welcome to the Forum.

Did you import it yourself ? Otherwise, get the seller to do it for you.

Hello from afar, Welcome to the Forum.

Fitting a swivel seat to a Gen 1 is entirely possible; but not cheap. Northstar (Isle of Wight) will do it for you; but they will not supply the swivel mechanism separately (or at least they didn't). Be very cautious of so called universal swivels; many are made to fit VWs. Don't forget to tell your insurance company if you go ahead with the modification.

Hello Paul, Welcome to the Forum. Forget about your age, you are quite a junior. Upgrading your audio can be simple, but often isn't. Many upgrades can be tricky with the loss of steering button controls. There is VOLUMES on this subject in the Forum; so try searching on your home page, TRHS.

I am not a hybrid owner, but I would caution you on 'poking around' if you really do not know, respectfully, what you are doing. Battery replacement is VERY expensive.. There is a company in Exeter that receives many good reviews, perhaps you could contact them.

Go to the Forums tab and look for recommended dealers and service garages

Have you checked the dealer section ? It is OK to mention dealer names provided you are not associated with them in any way other than as a customer. Less than favourable mentions are best kept to the Private Message system.

There is a section, in the Forum, especially for the recommendation of dealers and service centres.

Hello Habib. Welcome to the Forum. It might be helpful if you mention which colour you hope to obtain and for which nearside door !

Four sub-woofers or bass units ? That many sub-woofers could make your passengers feel ill with the low frequency vibrations moving their diaphragm.