Rojie

Hi, I knew mine had been 'touched up' as I had read the auction sheet very carefully, which highlighted where all the 'blemishes' were. Then you have to inspect those locations very carefully. I had travelled from South Devon and spent about 4 hours going over all the vehicles of interest. I did not pay any deposit, despite being promised a full refund if I did not follow through. A reservation fee of £300, deductable from any purchase price, was requested. I did pay that subject to a satisfactory AA report. The AA Report was very thorough, including a road test; it should have been for a cost of £300. It did highlight several points for further investigation. The more serious of which were rectified before I collected the vehicle. I drove the vehicle home, and, much to my relief, they were no issues. The AA had told me during their verbal report (written was to follow and it did) that the vehicle drove very well. I was reassured. Many of us have rushed ourselves into purchases. I still check advertisements every day, (post purchase dissonance), and have identified many 'new' dealers getting on the bandwagon. Many, imho, do not know much, if anything, about the vehicles they are selling. One dealer has a 2.4 litre V6 Alphard for sale. The accompanying photos clearly show a 4 cylinder engine. I wrote to them, no answer. I certainly would not buy any vehicle from them. Then there is the nine seater Alphard from another dealer. I wrote to them and was told that you can buy an optional seat belt. I replied with the question where this 9th person sat. Three in front ? Four in the middle row ? Or four in the rear ? I receive no reply ! Naeem seems to specialise in the MZ G edition, which is what I have; and was very helpful and informative. Although I think he is moving more up market now. The MZ, if you have one, does seem to command a premium. Many more toys, and, of course, much more to go wrong. I'll send you a PM with financial details.

Does LPG lower the available power ? In days gone by it did. It would be nice to know what the current 'efficiency' is compared to petrol; power wise.

I bought from the Uxbridge dealer. Inspect very carefully is my advice. Attention to detail. I never handled the remote key. When I got home (200 miles) I discovered there was nothing inside it ! No battery, no electronics, nothing ! So, as always, Buyer Beware. However, I remain very safisfied, so far, with my purchase, despite a few unseen niggles.

This is an extract from the Renewable Fuels Association in the US. Perception Ethanol destroys Air Mass Sensors and O2 Sensors. FACTS: This statement is only not true, it’s impossible. Mass Air Flow Sensors & Oxygen (O2) Sensors were developed and designed to measure the total amount AIR flowing into an engine and the amount of OXYGEN leaving an engine through the exhaust, respectively. AIR and OXYGEN…gases, not fuel/liquid. Neither are part of the liquid fuel system. The Mass Air Sensor is mounted outside the engine and has absolutely no physical connection with its liquid fuel system. Nothing other than fresh-filtered air touches the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Simplified, this sensor’s job is analogous to that of ticket takers at the theater. They count the number of heads entering the theater while others (O2 sensors) count the per-ticket cash. Heads-in / cash-out should balance. By measuring how much air goes in and at what temperature, the vehicle’s on-board computer can compare how much air leaves the engine and adjust fuel flow volume. It’s that simple. And to underscore the ridiculousness of the “damage” myth is that an ethanol molecule itself contains 35% oxygen and it evaporates at 174° F, leaving zero trace of emissions. If the above is correct, and I want to believe it, there is probably another reason why Alphards are encountering O2 sensor failures. More reading needed !

Just to add to the confusion.... The RON of Japanese High Octane fuel (96) is almost the same as the UK Regular fuel (95). So, it seems, that suggests the octane level is not the issue. So does the Increased ethanol content damage the engine of fuel system? Picasso says it does, and I have no reason to doubt him. However, I attach an interesting article from the US NREL that suggests E10 is fine in (an albeit older) 1MZ FE engine fitted to a Toyota Camry. I need to reread it regarding oxygen sensors. 1MZ FE is the engine in the earlier 3 litre Alphards until 2008 I have no objection to using a higher cost fuel, but am intrigued why the oxygen sensors are affected. Maybe they are sensitive to the difference in the composition of the exhaust gases beyond the oxygen levels. I thought E10 was about reducing noxious emissions. Me, what will I do? Run an alternating fuel strategy to reduce the effects, if any, on my entire fuel system; until, of course, we are all better informed. I will be asking my Toyota dealer tomorrow regarding Lexus and Camry engines. Respectfully Roger 1675062283_1MZFEEngine.pdf

About £290, I believe.

Who has been the owner for the last year ?

Which head unit do you have fitted ? A photo may be helpful

You should be OK. Which engine ?

I have a 2006. £500 ish per side !

Northstar Conversions, Isle of Wight. Not cheap ! They do them for the earlier model, hopefully for yours too. If anyone does them, they will.

Northstar Conversions, Isle of Wight. Not cheap !

You also get a 6 speed with the 3.5, whereas the 3 litre has a 5 speed.

There's a good English language handbook available on ebay. NZ ... £25, worth every penny

I agree with wjvh ! The guy in Bodmin is Toyota trained and qualified. Try your 'local' Toyota Dealer. They are either very helpful, or rather huffy about grey imports. Try Snows in Plymouth, I use their local site near me. Nice and helpful team.

I beieve all Aphards are Japanese Imports', so you are OK.

Thanks Janine, sorry to be so nosey ! I hope your R an R have lap belts, even if they will never be used, The MOT tester could fail you if not. DVLA has a few pages, if you are in doubt. I had to change my plans or risk a fail. Good Luck Rojie

Diesel, I think, not petrol, but if your vehicle is petrol a separate tank can be fitted.

Hi Janine, I just have to ask what are you trying to achieve with just the two rails ?

I can receive only one FM channel on my HDD unit. You can buy FM frequency (expander) shifters which, after fitting (which may be a challenge), will give you most, but not all, of the UK FM band. Check ebay, they are about 10 to 15 pounds.

Did you ever figure this out ? Neither of my rear lights operate ! Regards

I have bought from Naeem. I was nervous and had a AA report done. Not cheap. It did come back with some issues; which Naeem explained and fixed. In repairing the rear pins a connector had not been reconnected. A very careful inspection is worthwhile to minimise surprises. Most parts, so far, are available; but expensive I bought a 2006 MZ G edition, and have had no unexpected issues so far. Some Toyota dealers are very aloof, and unhelpful, with regard to Grey Imports. My local dealer has proved very helpful with getting a few small parts. Toyota Direct are also very helpful. You need to consider renewing the timing belt (and water pump) at the same time (£525 plus vat). According to my dealer every 100,000 miles or every 10 years. As with any car dealer, once you have made your purchase you are usually 'on your own'. This forum is a wealth of information, if you can find it, and if you can understand it! Good Luck, Happy Alphing

Hi Bounzy, I would need your model number (without the serial number); MNH10, ANH10, etc. Thanks but I have found some locally.

Hi, so sorry for my late answer. too busy visiting the convertor to read my emails! I was not ignoring you. Firstly, 'my' convertor is extremely busy, and I hope you and any others reading this don't jump ahead of me in his queue. Dave, owns Matrix Carpentry, in Dawlish. He is on Facebook I believe. Also on the Internet. Roger

Orvis, not Orville !