Rojie

I'm also prepared to pay the premium. The ones in the photo do not look as long and slim as those fitted to my van. But, they do have my van listed. I think they ill be fine, but don't want to 'waste' a £100 or so. As my MOT is not too far away, I hope to make a purchase decision very soon. Do you have any experience of fitting rear lights / reflectors ? Is it easy ?

Hi Stuart, Starider is the expert on that topic, as that is the approach he has taken. Chris.ac and I are trying to pursue a solution where we fit a unit into the bumper, as per the original reflectors. The solution will incorporate rear reflectors, a legal requirement, and rear fog lights, a legal requirement. There is no requirement that they are integrated together, but that approach offers a neat implementation. The unit we are looking at could also be used for rear lights or brake lights. I can't remember whether it offers reversing lights. As far as I am aware, reflectors on mud flaps do meet the MOT requirement. You can read the requirements on DVLA, if you wish. DVLA mention correct positioning, they do not mention mudflaps as I recall. The beauty of the mud flap approach is there are no wiring complications.

Welcome to the Forum. You may like to try Scenic, which is part of LV. They have a sister company too, who's name escapes me, (but you could ask them Scenic) if they are unable to help you. There is also a thread on here with a list of Insurance companies you may try. There is a tab Insurance at the top left of this page, perhaps you could try that as a start.

The good news is I heard back from RDN in Japan. Unfortunately they didn't confirm, or otherwise, that the lights have reflectors. I have re written to them, hopefully with a more clear and precise request ! Fingers crossed.

Hi nigel, We still don't know what engine you have ! V6 or 4cylinder ?

Hi Jeff, Welcome to the Forum.

RDN do appear to ship / export to the UK, but it is £25 ! There were three options. I can't remember what they were, DHL etc with delivery just a few days later. I think there is no UK duty. I'll have to check that. Although what you have discovered is close to a panacea, my guess is, they will be too expensive for many club members; but who knows ! I'll let you know when I hear back from RDN.

Hi Chris, My MOT is due in mid March, so l will probably book her in for Mid to late Feb. When is yours due ?

I have written to RDN to try to confirm the rear light units do have reflectors. There is a note that they have used generic photos, so thought I would check ! Although there is no dimensional info (that I could find) my Alphard model is quoted in the listing for applicable vehicles. Is yours ? They are expensive, but if they provide a 'tidy' solution I will invest in a set. I'll keep you updated.

Hi Starider, What colour are they ?

Firstly Chris, I commend you yet again; for sifting through huge amounts of product / info to help us fellow members. I have warned folks about many of the 'reflectors' on ebay for not being reflectors. At first glance these lenses seem to be in 'two parts' or segments. This is very encouraging. All units I have found. so far, with wiring emanating from the assembly, have been lights without reflectors. These look like they may be our answer. At £75 (ish) they are expensive, but if they fit the bill, lights and reflectors, I will make a purchase. I have an itchy finger too. I am going to check these very carefully before making a purchase; but I am hopeful. My guess is these do not have the correct marking, but I am splitting hairs, and I doubt ANY Mot Inspectors check at that level of detail. Reading the details "These items are designed to replace the factory rear bumper reflector setup. Superior quality LED bulbs and reflector design provide high quality illumination and reflection properties. Three layer construction provides a gorgeous shine whether acting as a reflector, on with small lamp or as a brake lamp. Add a great touch of safety, style and sports to the rear end of the vehicle with this kit. Get this and all your JDM at RHDJapan!! These DO appear to meet our needs. They also, according to the Blurb fit my vehicle (and many others). More checks tomorrow. Fingers crossed !

Approach angles ? Without researching the specifications, my view is the approach angle is not the issue. What may be the issue is what front spoiler, valance, aim dam is fitted to your target vehicle. If you are planning to negotiate pot holes, ditches, etc, I respectfully suggest you are looking at an unsuitable vehicle in an Alphard or Vellfire. These vehicles are MPV limousines. They are not intended to deal with rough terrain. I have a steep drive; and cannot get mine on it. I could get a different vehicle but the Alphie provides me with what I need. If your vehicle has been lowered, it can be raised; but it isn't cheap; and you may need new wheels and tyres. Not cheap at all. I measured the rear clearance on mine recently and (I'm guessing, but will confirm tomorrow) it is significantly more than 160mm. Some Alphies, mine included, have self levelling suspension which will affect ground clearance too. There are other vehicles with higher ground clearance, perhaps you should consider one of those. (There are also many other (leisure) vehicles with a lower ground clearance than an Alphie. Proceed with caution. Be clear about your NEEDS, wants are secondary ! Good Luck with your search.

How much ground clearance will you have if you buy your favourite model ? How much clearance will you need. The earlier models tend to have more ground clearance; as the later models tend to have trendy lower front valances / air dams. Tired front springs will lower the front even further. What mileage has your vehicle covered ? Just a silly note, food for thought, these machines are not off roaders, even the 4 x 4s, and they are heavy ! I think I measured the clearance mid way down the body, between the wheel centres, of mine as 160mm. Are you thinking side conversion or rear ?

I made enquires with SGS, as linked above. I note they can regas your units, upgrade them, or supply new replacements. I received a very courteous reply requesting dimensional details and attachment type. I have not, yet, followed my enquiry through to purchase. Spring expenditure ! If you have a power tailgate check for slack in the lifting/leverage mechanism too. Mine was quite slack.

Hello Jellybean. There is nothing wrong with your idea BUT I have been trying to find replacements for my rear fog lights which were fitted by the importer in the rear valance. To pass an MOT you need at least one fog light and two reflectors. The problem you face, is the same as I do, that most of the items available on ebay are not reflectors. The descriptions are often extremely misleading, and are certainly ambiguous. I have learnt the descriptions mean the units fit where the original reflectors fit, they do not mean they contain reflectors ! I have written to many suppliers, although most of the units are made by the same company, and most supplies don't reply to confirm they are reflective. I have not tried to remove my fog li/ screw attachment. If you find any fog lights that fit the reflector openings, and they do contain reflectors, please let me know. As I am satisfied with my rear fog lights, I face three options for the reflectors. Either ignore the issue and hope the MOT inspector does not 'look too carefully' Fit mud flaps and put reflectors on them. Stick, or bolt, reflectors to the tailgate or rear valance. I have not decided what approach to take yet ! There are dimensional requirements for the placement of the reflectors, and any fog lights. Check the DVLA website for Guidance to MOT Inspectors.

Hi Conrad, Check your Alphie again on the TfL xhecker. At the end of this thread you will see I was incorrect. Your Alphie should be ULEZ compliant.

Agreed on the dates. DVLA has a record of when the vehicle was produced, and, obviously, the date the vehicle was first registered with them in the UK. I assume TfL uses the DVLA database. It is no surprise that Toyota Europe were no help, they have taken the same stance on the E5 E10 issue !

Sorry, ps, my Alphie was first registered (in the UK) in 2021; if that makes a difference.

Despite what I wrote earlier in this thread; I have just entered my registration number into the TfL checker. Not surprisingly I am liable for the Congestion Charge. What I am surprised about is that that is the only charge I am liable for. So, no ULEZ charge for me, yippee. I had previously been advised by a Midlands dealer that he drives his Alphard in and out London frequently and does not need to pay ULEZ. So, has TfL updated its database since August; or did I just misread / misunderstand the website on a previous visit ?

I use Morrisons fuel too, but have no idea which brand it is or which refinery it comes from.

Hi Nov, Thanks for your answer. There is another new topic regarding E5 / E10 relative economy. They have similar findings to your own.

More Octane, more power, less use of petrol, perhaps. So Mike and Alf both see benefits of economy using the E5 fuel. Interesting. I am running E5 at the moment, but don't do enough miles for a realistic comparison.

A great bit of research. Thanks. Apart from the difference in economy, have you any other observations regarding E5 versus E10 ? Do you always use the same brand of fuel ? I have just posted, in this Forum, an Esso information sheet which (claims) no Ethanol is present in the Esso Supreme Plus 99 fuel (in most, but not all regions of the UK).

Hi Nov, Just a request for a quick update. Have you quit using E10, or is E5 proving OK now ?

The E5 E10 debate has been, to me, surprisingly quiet of late I was thinking of starting another thread on this subject but with a focus on how E10 was performing in members' vehicles; as opposed to how members were concerned about, or questioning, which fuel to use. That is, a thread based on experience rather than concerns. The above article is very interesting, and agrees largely with info that I published previously, in this Forum, from extensive research undertaken in the US on E10 on a 1MZ FE engine, albeit a very old one engine (and probably of US manufacture). There is a small error in the above article regarding E10 Super Unleaded. Super Unleaded is E5, not E10. E10 is a new fuel in the UK, whereas Super Unleaded has been around for years. I also came across an interesting 'Guide' published by Esso (Exxon) that stated all Esso E5 Supreme Plus 99 fuel in the UK is E0 in most, but not all regions of the UK. https://www.esso.co.uk/en-gb/fuels/petrol What experiences are members encountering, good or bad, when using E10 fuels. What reassurances, if any, can you offer our Alphie community.