Rojie

2 hours ago, Voodoo101 said:

Thanks for your answers.

 

The car I was looking at was a 2007 3.0L Alphard with 51000 miles. Its advertised at £10500, but I am not too sure at the price. It has the double sunroof and the two separate middle seats as opposed to the bench seats.

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

57 minutes ago, Teekay said:

Guys any proud Gen 3 owners who can share there experience?

 

Gen 3 vs Gen 2, we can read up specs differences but what is the "wise man speak" on this? How these two compare? Is it worth saving up for Gen 3? Sometimes older models are even better. 

 

It might be less likely but any proud owners or first hand experience of Lexus version of Alphard? I'm asking for too much here ☺️

Hasn't the Lexus just been announced ?

It will certainly be too pricey for me.

Will it be officially imported to the UK ?

2 hours ago, Oddcouple said:

As @Jellybeanhas mentioned in threads regarding the event on 9th July, is the club going as ‘a club’ ? Couldn’t see anything on the fairly large list of clubs that are going.

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 !!!

8 hours ago, Chris.ac said:

because they are imported, it falls under the classification based on size and year of manufacture, it defaults to the about £280 bracket (i think i posted elsewhere the links to the updated costs)

if anything, if the correct emissions certs were purchased, the cost should reduce, because the alphard 2nd gen are better than Euro 4

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.

8 hours ago, Teekay said:

Hi there, what does it mean the front seat have been converted into swivel? It's not factory setting and needs some modifications? Any video?where did you get it done?

Does that quality as modification for insurers?

It's very attractive idea to be able to have seats turned back with family 🙂

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.

29 minutes ago, Chris.ac said:

Owners manual would have been given with the car at point of original sale.

You CAN download PDF copies of the owners manual at toyota japan website, but its in japanese.

There IS an english version available, it is usually given with the alphards/vellfire that are sold official to other countries (China, UAE, Russia, Malaysia) but I have not cracked yet where exactly to find an official download link - given that the original is freely available from Toyota, I do not think it is wrong for me to suggest using google to search for

 

'pdfcoffee alphard'

 

The first link for me is the manual, you will see other links for the wiring diagrams (these are for 2nd gen vehicles 2008 onwards)

Hi Chris,

The link didn't work for me.

I got an error message.

The file wouldn't load !

Hopefully, others have better luck

1 hour ago, John Harrison said:

Hi. I have just bought a 2.4ltr petrol auto Vellfire 8-seater.

Can this model be retro fitted with cruise control???

Thanks

 

John Harrison. Wallasey, Wirral.

Hello John,

Welcome to this Forum.

16 minutes ago, Oddcouple said:

Well, we’ve been here for a couple of weeks and are now proud to announce we have taken ownership today and here she is.

Beautiful.

Happy Advanturing

7 minutes ago, OldWellhouse said:

Rojie do you have any advice on getting standard steel van wheels for my 2005? Would Hiace wheels fit do you reckon?

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.

23 minutes ago, HARRY55 said:

Thanks Rojie. I think I've now discovered that the AN20 vehicles don't have the facility to rotate the middle row of the 8-seater. Perhaps there was a change in the law in Japan at that time. Pity, because it's a deal breaker for me.

 

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.

6 minutes ago, Rachel said:

Been driving my alphard 2005 since 2017, however recently must've done something wrong when adjusting the seats and now the back support from one of the seats has "fallen" into a position that I can't undo. Any ideas would be much appreciated. See pictures..

 

Hi Rachael,

Welcome to the Forum.

I don't have these seats so cannot help you with that.

If no one else can supply you with a quick fix, you could try a company that does conversions.

Most conversions will entail removing these middle seats, thereby creating a surplus.

Many converters would be glad for you to take away a (matched) pair.

2 hours ago, Ian24 said:

No Rojie, it's the auto lights. They only come on when it's really dark. I want them to be coming on earlier in the evening.

 

Maybe if you are prepared to mess around with an OBD2 device.

My guess is, there is a law somewhere that specifies at what light intensity they must come on.

Which, if true, does not mean you can't adjust them to be on earlier.

1 hour ago, HARRY55 said:

Do the middle row seats rotate on 8seater 2008 onwards Alphard/Vellfire?

Hello Harry,

Welcome to the Forum.

I believe some do, some don't.

The 'aircraft' type don't.

E5 is permitted to contain up to 5 per cent ethanol.

Most refineries in the UK do not add ethanol to E5.

West country E5 does contain ethanol.

If interested read up on the Shell, Esso (Exxon) and BP websites.

I think E5 can be as low as 97 Octane.

1 hour ago, Teekay said:

This tyre / alloy size is such complicated topic, that is why I started this thread to find if there was some common knowledge / consensus on what is best for Alphard? What is best for summer, winter icy conditions? Etc

 

Membership on this forum is low it seems. We should post its link on Facebook or something..seems there are thousands there.. 

There are web sites that will allow you to calculate alternate wheel sizes, tyre sizes, inset, offset, etc.

What is most important, is the clearances within the wheel arches under dynamic conditions.

Not only is rubbing dangerous, it can be costly in terms of renewing parts.

Regarding membership.

I would be interested to know how many Alphies are registered in the UK. Then we could compute the membership ratio.

My guess is it would be rather high.

6 minutes ago, Teekay said:

As I understand the model codes for Alphard like these..

DBA-GGH20W-PFTQK

DBA-GGH20W-PFTQK

DBA-GGH20W-VLJBTSP

The bits in bold are indicative of model and year. GGH20W being 3.5L v6 2WD 

 

I can't bring myself to buy 2008 manufactured car (as my mind was set at 2011..this is mixed bag..registered 2011 June). I've also pm'ed you some details. 👍

 

Hi Teekey,

I was not aware the bold indicates model year.

I thought it was the trim levels, and options fitted.

Which, to a certain extent, is a function of the year made.

So I have learnt something useful today.

I have looked, and the VLJBTSP string is not listed in the epc data I have access to.

The PFTQK is, and several others.

I'll check my PM thanks.

8 hours ago, Voodoo101 said:

Hi all. Looking to change my and get a nice MPV and my eye has been taken by the Alphard / Vellfire. I worked out that it is the same car apart from the Vellfire is a bit more luxurious. Don't know yet whether to go ahead so I thought I would ask some advice from owners.

 

First this is servicing. How easy is it to get these serviced and parts when things go wrong, with them being imported. Second thing is to do with the language. The car is imported from Japan so I assume that the incar equipment is in Japanese, can this be changed. The third is the dashboard, as miles and miles per hour is not the thing they use in Japan, I assume that the dials are metric. The car I have at the moment has a digital dash that can change between metric and imperial, I am guessing that this is not the case on the Toyota. Do they do replacement dials.

 

If anybody has any other advice for a could be owner that that would be great.

 

Thanks in advance 

Hi Voodoo,

Welcome to the Forum.

Are you hoping to buy a 2020 ? What years are you considering

I agree with all points made by Jellybean.

The Vellfire is not more luxurious, but more 'sporty'; and the sportiness is all in the 'looks' department.

Whilst they are all pretty luxurious anyway, more 'luxury' comes with better trim levels and options.

You should be aware that, as your vehicle will be a grey import, most official Toyota dealers will not service it or otherwise get involved.

There are exceptions so it is worth checking with your local Toyota dealer.

Other than body parts and trim, mechanical parts should not be an issue.

Jellybean is correct about the belt driven cams, but the 3L engine is of the non interference design.

That technology ensures that if the belt does break (unlikely) the pistons and valves will not collide.

You would be stranded, and need a new belt and the valve timing resetting, but you wouldn't need a new engine.

With Gen 1 cars you are stuck with Japanese. I believe (some) later vans are changeable to English.

There is a chip available for Gen 1 vans, up to 2008, which facilitate converting the odometer to miles.

There are faceplates available for MPH too.

None of these comments apply to Gen 3 as I have no knowledge of the newest vehicles, except that they are expensive !

4 hours ago, Oddcouple said:

So just to clarify before I put this to bed, no one can help with this one? If I go ahead, I’ll certainly let you all know how I get on…

Before you 'put it to bed', I have two suggestions.

1) Visit some VW forums, there must be info available on them.

Call some mainstream sellers, there are specialist companies that ought to be able to advise you.

8 hours ago, Teekay said:

Exporter has confirmed the manufacturing year is 2008 and looking at model code from picture and link suggested same 

https://www.carfolio.com/toyota-alphard-350g-177859

 

I'm also confused..I was delighted at thought of buying 2011 Alphard v6 with 60k Miles but now considering if it is right. It's 350G L package..

 

It also has an interesting step on the passenger side. Lovely for my parents / kids. Please see pic 

I still think you have a 2011 year.

The model was introduced as a Gen 2 in 2008 and discontinued in 2011.

An updated model was introduced in 2011 and discontinued in 2015.

I tried the link, but didn't see anything that stated it is a 2008 vehicle, only information that suggested it was introduced in 2008, which it was.

I'll check again.

13 minutes ago, Teekay said:

So I have got the auction sheet and details

Registration is 2011 June as per auction sheet 

Model is DBA-GGH20W-PFTQK (=2008)

AUCTION RATING 3.5 / B B

KMS 98000 (=61000 Miles)

Gearbox is U660E = 6 speed automatic 

Engine 2GR-FE 3.5L v6 

Trim LA01 

Option R***

 

So it looks like it is sitting from 2008 to mid 2011?!

I am getting confused.

You may be correct but, imho, almost certainly not.

What makes you think that DBA-GGH20W-PFTQK makes it 2008 ?

That is the model descriptor.

What is your VIN number (it will be on the auction sheet).

I'll check the epc, but I expect we are comparing apples with oranges.

According to my interpretation of the epc, your model was made 

3 hours ago, Ozzman said:

Thank you for the reply.

I will have a look at finding the manual via the above mentioned.

I have the manual for the head unit but it's in Japanese so I assumed I may need to change the head unit. Shame really as its a good unit. I thought there may be a slight chance that it would be on the settings somewhere. It mentions area code but presumably that's for the Sat Nav?

I doubt the Sat Nav will work. It doesn't in the earlier models.

Chris.ac, please comment

4 hours ago, Ozzman said:

Hi, I am new to the Vellfire world and absolutely love the car!

But while I am here if anyone can help with a few questions I have that would be great.

1. Does anyone know where I can get a workshop manual for a 2008 model onwards? In English of course.

2. Can the language settings be changed on the Alpine Head unit?

 

Thanks in Advance.

The manual quoted by Oddcouple (below) is not a maintenance manual.

There are Owners Manuals avalable from ebay.

They are VERY useful, showing you where various parts are.

They do not give servicing details when or how.

When, if, they become available, there will be major activity on this Forum, I can assure you, as we all want one.

2 hours ago, Teekay said:

Wonder if 18 inch alloy wheels be used to put winter tyres on them? Traveling to Europe in winter you need winter ones. Are 18 inch any safer or unsafe than 16/17?

It is a common practise in Japan for Alphies to have more 'glamorous' wheels fitted.

With larger diameter wheels you need lower profile tyres, to maintain the correct rolling circumference / distance.

If you don't replace with very similar rolling distance you will change the gearing and your odometer will be affected.

Fitting larger wheels with lower profile tyres will make the ride harder.

Regarding the coil springs, these can be changed to lower the vehicle, that is to reduce the ground clearance.

When you come to insure it you should, probably, inform your insurance company as they may regard these changes as modifications !

If you need to alter it back to original; I think picasso recently advised about £1200 !

Winter tyres in the UK are not very common, but some owners fit them; especially the further north they live.

Winter tyres in Europe is now a legal requirement at certain times and in certain conditions.

But that topic deserves another thread !

2 hours ago, Teekay said:

Guys I'm buying Alphard that was registered in 2011 but when looked at detail year of manufacture is 2008! It's that normal? Where was the car for so long after manufacture? Its gen 2 Alphard, so is it best to avoid the first year is manufactured and look at later years? Any friendly advice will be much appreciated. TIA 👍

The car will be registered in the UK with a plate suitable for the year it was manufactured.

If you look at some adverts in the UK, I won't say who or where, the year in the headline will be the year the car was imported and first registered in the UK; which is quite legal but can be somewhat misleading!

If you are buying the in the UK, the more 'accurate' description will be the year of manufacture.

Imho, it is the condition, and mileage, that is of most concern.

Yours is Gen 2 and will have a  speed gearbox if you have the V6. (Not sure about the 4 cylinder).

I doubt your van has been 'sitting'  idle somewhere for 3 years.

Get a copy of the Auction sheet before you start worrying.

23 minutes ago, Teekay said:

Hey Steve Can you please share link to your videos? Are they on YouTube? Channel name? Thanks 

Cuttothechase on Youtube for the videos.