Rojie

Hi Chris, This link did not work for me. Error message says site has security protection enabled !

Hi Donald, Welcome to the Forum. Now you have me worried. I have a rear conversion, if I cannot open my tailgate I will be in big trouble. Never even thought about it until now !

Hello Gabs, So sorry to hear of the issues with your Alphie. The only sensible suggestion I have is to take it to a Toyota dealer. They must have experience with the Toyota Hybrid system. I know some are huffy about working on grey imports; but they are not all like that. There must be some helpful Toyota dealers near your location.

Ah, insuring an unregistered vehicle. My guess is 'no can do'. You need to get it transported. Normally the procedure, I believe, is import, then MOT (using trade plates), then registration, then insurance, then legal to drive on her Majesty's roads !

Hello Jeff, To be honest, on a 2018, I have absolutely no idea. Should be immaculate as most Japanese vehicles in Japan are well maintained. Earlier versions can experience issues with bushes (as do many other vehicles). Buying a 2018 won't be inexpensive. When I bought my machine I paid for a AA / RAC inspection. About £300, and very reassuring.

Wow, really good to know.

Welcome to the Forum. Lots to read about.

I'm sorry, but I don't know. Picasso might.

Great idea Nov, but usually applies to any car you do not own.

Welcom to the Forum. Just a thought .. Have you considered insuring for a month, or a year; then cancelling after a few days. You will get charged but on a pro rata basis. You would also have some protection under Distance Selling Regulations, although I am no expert on these matters.

Welcome to the Forum.

Welcome to the Forum. Alphards, and Vellfires, that are 10 years old, or more, are much easier to import. There are more import issues to overcome with the newer vans. Plus, the latter vehicles are much more expensive. Many of us Alpharders are not young anymore, so cast can be an issue. Are you importing one yourself, or purchasing one already imported ?

So Geoff; you could have two ! Good luck with your search.

I think you need a charge controller; not just plug the panel into your cigarette socket. Kits are available. High Top or Pop Top ?

There are swivel mechanisms available for the front seat. They are expensive. I think the centre console is removed, not for walk through, but to allow the seat to fully swivel. According to the supplier (on the IOW) the the swivels won't fit the middle 7 seater seats. The larger 8 seater seat won't fit the 7 seater seat rails. The smaller 8 seater seat will. So two of the smaller 8 seater seats should fit , and swivel. Hope this is clear !

Hello Jeff, Someone suggested, I think it was MonsterS, that the Mercedes Vito rear awning should fit. I have it on my wish list, but no purchase until Spring. I didn't realise just how costly equipping a campervan could be !!

Ian, I bought my machine from Uxbridge, and, I believe, the rear end was overhauled prior to sale. If you need to know a contact send me a PM. I feel sure they can do it, whether they will want to is another matter. They are an importer / dealer mainly interested in selling vehicles; but you never know...

Some 2.4l versions come with 7 seats; implying that some (if not all 7 seaters) have Captains seats. I think only the top grade option cars have leather Captains seats. I have a 3.0l, so hopefully some 2.4 7 seater owners can clarify. 8 seaters will not have Captains Seats.

Alphard 2003 3.0 V6 abnormal fuel consumption. There is quite a lot of info here. Search for it in the search box, it may help you. Hope so.

Hello again Pixdee, Your thread has gone quiet, maybe because I moved it ! So, let's wake it up ! What kind of shock mileage are you getting ? What engine size do you have ? 2.4, 3.0, 3.5 litre. Have you driven automatics before ?

I went with Scenic, part of LV group; although there is a ceiling on the value of camper they will insure. I may get a quote from Lifesure, as recommended by Ian24.

Sorry fellow members, I did not notice this was in the introductions section' so I moved it to a more appropriate place.

Hi Chris, Did you forget to attach the photo ?

White smoke, or steam ? Many engines emit steam while warming up; especially in the recent early morning weather. Remove the oil filter cap. Does it have an emulsion of white / lightbrown colour ? Oil normally burns blue, water 'burns' white. Oil needed is 4 to 5 litres, from dry, including filter. How much oil have you topped up in a month ? Are you having to top up the radiator ? So I'm thinking head gasket issue; but I hope not. I don't know if this is a PCV problem; but if it is, it is not expensive. Cuttothechase on youtube, or Ldrego in this Forum, has done a video on replacing the PCV valve (on the 3l I think). Answers to the above should help other members suggest problems / solutions.

Aviva will insure an Alphard (mine is a 2006 MZ) but they won't insure it if you get it converted !