Rojie

Looks interesting. Where is the data storage ? How is it Moderated ? Although members would have write access, who would have delete access ? I still can anticipate a potential proliferation issue as the Q&A base expands. What do other members think ?

Very useful, provided you remember to switch it off when leaving the vehicle.

Hi Teekay, I'll pass this onto Alphard Club. It sounds like a lot of work to me ! Are you volunteering ? There are a few examples on this Forum; the main ones being the Insurers; head units and fuse locations It can be very difficult to keep current, e.g. as Insurance Companies are changing their policies (pun intended) frequently. One of the main issues, from my point of view, it that some members just start another thread rather than search the existing ones. I know searching can be tedious, and unrewarding. Also, as is common with some search engines, if you aren't precise with the search, or previous threads had imprecise headings, the search will, effectively, fail ! It could be a good approach. What do other members think.

Oh what a shame. After all that hard work you did ! Putin. Could be there still, but no access from The Allied countries !

My view is, it is the Membership that is running the Forum. The owner is Alphard Club. He is assisted by two Moderators MonsterS and myself (fairly recently). We do Moderate, censor, delete, edit and take other actions; such as (trying) to keep threads focused on topic. The 'free style' of this Forum can make that quite a challenge. On membership, there have been over 750 New Introductions. There were about 500 when I joined last June. So reasonable growth, imho, considering the relative rarity of Alphies and Vellies. My guess is we have many more members who, to date, have chosen not to formally introduce themselves. I will try to discover the number of (active) members; that is not to say I will disclose it ! I even have to censor myself sometimes ! As this Forum is not for Commercial purposes, that is my normal area of Moderation, and that is very infrequently. Thanks for your interests, and those of all other members. Happy Advanturing, Rojie.

Relax. It will be great. Can't wait for Friday. Can you ?

No. I would leave it well alone. I rather like the slower shifts. I have active suspension settings on mine. I don't use them on the Alphie; trying for the smoothest ride. I have another car with sports response settings. Goes like hell but the shifts are not smooth, just 'sporty' ! Good luck with it. Hopefully it will be 'trouble free'.

I confess, I didn't read it. Never come across it before. A prime example of modifications / additions that Japanese owners fit. Do you need it, whatever it does ?

Hi again, The membership is increasing steadily; especially as the importation of Alphard seems to be booming. They are, as most of us know, very good value. The prime purpose of the Forum is self help, and mutual help. The Forum is not a commercial site, and does not promote itself (yet, at least). As the Handbooks published by Toyota are all in Japanese there is a real need for mutual help. Google translate can be used on the Toyota Handbooks, but it is extremely tedious; and the manuals are so, so comprehensive. Just understanding the head unit can be a major challenge for all new owners, including me. Their are no English language Maintenance Manuals available (yet). Chris.ac is very adept at searching out maintenance information from Russia, Malaysia and other territories where Alphards are sold by Toyota. I would strongly advise ALL members, new and 'older', to purchase the appropriate English language Owners Manual by JPNZ via ebay. They are about £25 each. I am assured I will be one of the first to know when Maintenance Manuals by JPNZ are available. Thanks for your thoughts on growing the membership, all suggestions considered ! As a footnote, I'll try and find out what the membership actually is.

Search for Tom's Linear Throttle System on Google. There is quite a bit of info on their site

Ten years old (or more) is what most of us do. Plenty of choice too.

Try the Castle Coombe website direct to see their events calendar. I did and it was OK.

There's a dealer near Heathrow that tends to import the later models of Alphards and other JDM (including European made vehicles) Send me a PM if you need to know.

Hi, just to be clear. When I said I, I meant personally. I am not aware of any 'organised' official event for Alphies organised through this Forum (and I read all topics and responses). If you go, have fun, and let us all know how appropriate it is for Alphie owners.

Hi Teekay, Both these are very good questions. I don't know the answer to either ! Otherwise, I respectfully suggest, you phone the DVLA for the definitive answer. Good Luck.

Hello again, Alphies, and Vellfires, are becoming very popular. Quite rightly so, imho. But that popularity leads to price pressure. Furthermore, there are many 'new' dealers entering the market. Is the one you are considering at a Dealer, or private ? Is the auction sheet available from when it was imported ? If so, the mileage can be verified and most issues will be identified on the sheet, scratches, dents, scrapes, etc. Also affecting the value is the level, and conditions, of options. £10k5 doesn't seem too bad to me, bearing in mind the market atm. (and it's summer !) For the same money, you could consider an very early Gen 2, 2008 onwards; V6 with a 6 speed auto. Middle seats that swivel are sort after. The 'middle bench' seats do normally swivel. If they swivel the they will have a lap belt strap as part of the seat (that swivels with it). 2008 onwards do not swivel

Hasn't the Lexus just been announced ? It will certainly be too pricey for me. Will it be officially imported to the UK ?

I believe it is a JDM Day, which, of course includes Alphards. It appears to be a Race Day. As I don't plan to race my Alphie, regrettably, I won't be there !!!

I have read, on here, that getting the DVLA to change the Tax class is doable. But don't expect it to be easy. As Chris notes, you need to correct paper work and it isn't particularly an easy process. You can have your vehicle tested, I believe, to prove the emission levels.

Swivel seats. Do they swivel ? Yes. The front seats. A plate is fitted underneath the seats, thereby raising the height (which can be an issue if you are tall). On some models, if not all, the centre console, between the seats, needs to be removed/modified to create the room for the seat to rotate. These plates are not cheap ! Enquire at NorthStar Conversion, IOW.

Hi Chris, The link didn't work for me. I got an error message. The file wouldn't load ! Hopefully, others have better luck

Hello John, Welcome to this Forum.

Beautiful. Happy Advanturing

No, I can't offer any advice on steel wheel suitability. If the wheels are a comparable size I cannot see any issues but I really wouldn't know. Are Hiace vehicles lighter than Alphies ? WillTheyFit, I think it is defunct now, was an excellent website for wheel tyre combination comparisons But there are other models out there on the internet. If you know the specifications for the Hiace you could do a comparison. Remember, clearances are key to safety. Offsets and insets are important for correct wheel bearing loading. Other than above re rolling circumference, offsets, sensible tyre widths, side wall height (aspect ratio) and adequate clearances; my only concern would be ensuring you match the wheel stud type to the wheels. My Gen 1 facelift uses conical shaped wheel nuts, not flat faced ones. Nut to wheel fit is crucial. Also it wears XL (extra load) type tyres. Finally, if changing wheels and tyres for non standard fit you need to check with your Insurance Company that your plans are OK. Hope this helps.

What is the letter string part of your machine, or intended machine ? ANH20 XXXXX ? What are the X's. Send me a PM if preferred. I'll check the EPPC data I'll send you a PM now.