Rojie

Hi Jackie, Let me stress I am no expert on the following matters; but they are things to consider before you decide to bring your Vellfire. Due to the age of your Vellfire (less than 10 years) your import may attract taxes. You will need to register your vehicle here and get an MOT. I believe the MOT is required before you can register it. To get an MOT you will need to have rear fog lights fitted, if you don't have them already. There are companies that import cars directly to the UK (from Japan) that understand all the bureaucracy. Some only do it for cars they wish to sell on their own behalf. Others provide the service for their client. I need to do some more research to suggest companies you could make enquiries with. As this thread is in the Introductions section I will move it to a more suitable location within the Forum.

Welcome to this Forum Jackie. Where are you living now ? Insurance should not be a problem. Shopping around may be desirable as some Insurers don't recognise Alphards and Vellfires as they were never officially imported to the UK. But, as more and more cars arrive, Insurers are becoming aware of their popularity. Some Toyota dealers are very huffy about imports and won't touch them. Others, such as my local outfit, will undertake most work. Toyota share many parts across various vehicle platforms, and parts can be imported from Japan or the UAE. Most 'service' parts are readily available. Toyota Direct will also source parts for you. Depending on where you live now, the situation may be much better in Wallingford. Lots of useful information is contained in the Forum, so you know where to look for assistance. Safe Journey

Welcome to the Forum Geoff. Keep reading these pages, you will learn tons of very useful information.

Hi Geoff, Welcome to the Forum. There is a lot of info on this site regarding E5 / E10. Can I respectfully suggest you search on here for E5 or E10 and discontinue using this one enquiry. Starting another thread for a topic that has plenty of interest is just diluting the information. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the Forum. A new baby with a clean bill of health. Looks great.

Hey Colin, Welcome to the Forum. My HDD screen is a little darker than I would like, so, especially, on a sunny day, the camera images are quite dim. I haven't tried to clean the lenses yet. Reading this has prompted me to try a gentle Tcut on the lenses to see what difference that makes. Thanks for the idea. I am still looking for a method of increasing the HDD unit brightness, if anyone knows how I would greatly appreciate some help.

Have you checked there are no obstructions under the passenger seat. I assume you have. I ask because.. Some Alphards have a frame / chassis assembly under the passenger seat for additional amplifiers and 'stuff'.

Chris, yet more really helpful technical data from you. Thanks

Hello Phil, Welcome to the Alphard Forum. My Alphie has something similar to these. I do not know that they are these; almost certainly not. Although they look much nicer than the discrete, under bumper, version; my caution would be that, I believe, rear fog lights have to be a set wattage (not brightness). I would check that these comply, or otherwise, with the MOT regulations. DVLA has a very good website for MOT requirements. Try it, it may help you decide.

Hi Shawn, Can I speculate on this a bit more. I have another car which, unlike Alphies, has a computer that advises instant fuel consumption. The rev counter advises the revolutions the engine is experiencing. It doesn't advise the fuel consumption. So, in your case, it doesn't follow that you are using more fuel; just that the engine is turning more rapidly. Which it will be as you are moving downhill. The ECU will virtually shut of all the fuel during your mile long coast. The other issue, I have read, concerns oil circulation; both in the auto gearbox and in the engine. Unlike the fuel, engine oil circulation is controlled by the engine speed. I don't know whether the auto oil is, or is not. My view is, not that it is dangerous, just unnecessary to coast. But, as my dear old Dad used to say, "Brakes are cheaper than gearboxes" Whatever you decide, HAPPY MOTORING.

Jenny, see page 206 of your manual. I assume Halfords will be able to identify the existing aerial cable and use that for your new head unit. I have read reports that the signal strength from the on board aerials can be a little weak. Hopefully yours won't be. I am sure Halfords can fit one for you, if necessary.

nov is right. I only mentioned Northstar as you are so close to them. They may be useful for other bits and pieces, you never know.

Hello, Welcome to the Forum. Any issues to report during your 4 years of ownership ? Most of us have had ours for far less time than that. Your experiences would be interesting to many Forum users. Japanese MPV Specialist is very near Heathrow. I bought mine from them, and they had undersealed it during lockdown. Yours looks great underneath. Your undersealer did a great job.

Northstar Conversions, IOW.

There is loads of info on E10 on this forum. Like the rest of us, you get to read it and make your choice. The safe bet is E5.

Many years ago I lived in the States. In some areas of Tennessee it was quite common for the enthusiasts to have a tricked up vehicle and tow an identical vehicle, with the front half removed, behind it. Some looked incredible. But four tonnes, or so, would take my over the limit on my Old Folks Drivers Licence.

Great idea, but I'll still need a tent to keep the wind out. Can't cook in a howling gale, even with two Alphies. I suppose I could cook in one and sleep in the other.

Very good point, but then you lose quite a lot of counter space. I wonder why you never see two Alphies that are identical !

This is a recent import so the dealer should be able to supply the auction sheet. Handy to have. Also, if the car is carrying a warranty by the AA, ask for a copy of their survey report. Check the leather upholstery carefully as repairs are expensive. I paid the AA £300 for a pre purchase inspection. Nothing of note was found, but it was worth the value for the reassurance all was in order. Somewhere on this forum, I forget where, there is a link to a Japanese company that can provide the full history of the vehicle, if you want it, all for about £22. Welcome to the Alphard fraternity.

You could also ask your vendor for a copy of the auction sheet. The auction sheet will note mileage (in km) and what body blemishes it has, or had before retouching.

Very useful information, pcous. Thank you. Any of us experiencing uneven tyre wear may find a solution in this data. It may help tyre fitters too, who often want to tweak the suspension geometry ! Or to get it corrected after they did !

Maybe have a chat with Northstar Conversions as there are close to you.

Mine doesn't; but it's tight. But I wouldn't be surprised if some do. Some convertors pay more attention to detail than others. I guess it also depends on how well the fridge has been installed. It might be a hassle, but moving the fridge forward an inch or two should do it. Or is there no access to the release because of the conversion floor? Maybe someone on here will know if the spare can be released from underneath the car, or whether there is a modification that can be done.

I wrote to MonsterS just now to ensure he is aware of your offer as I am unlikely to find ours any time soon.

Finding the fuse box is the first problem. Mike Matts and I have been exchanging views on this. I have explained how to remove the lower glove box. Mike has found the fuse box, so has Monster S. Chat with them for location, accessibility and method of removal. Fuse should be 10A, marked TAIL. Of course, if the fuse has blown, you need to find the cause. One contributor to this Forum found water in his tail lights. Good Luck.