Rojie

I had the AA, or RAC, perform a Vehicle Inspection on my potential purchase as I was somewhat distant from the vendor. Money very well spent, imho. The inspection was very thorough; with a clear and detailed pro forma written report. The inspection included OBD, a road test, under vehicle inspection; and an engine bay and fluids check. It wasn't cheap, but worth every penny. The OBD picked up rear axle issues, when the bushes had been replaced. Cause was a disconnected connector ! Fixed in a jiffy, then all clear. I gained considerable reassurance from the report. Had there been other issues I could have walked away with my deposit returned; or negotiated a lower price. So if you make an offer, make sure it is subject to Inspection. Had the vendor declined an inspection I would have walked away. The cost is, after all, quite a small investment when compared to the cost of the vehicle. ps. After the battery is replaced the windows will need to be reset (maybe the moon roof too). If the vendor does know how to do that beware. Finally, get the registration and check the MOT history on DVLA.

The link worked for me just now. A very neat installation. Only other observation is the rear of the van is sitting quite low. It may need stronger rear springs, but that would hinder entry and exit (for someone of my years at least).

Yes. The fuse box is behind the glovebox, which needs to be removed (simple to do). It is a real pig to get to. You may be lucky to even see it as it is buried underneath an array of cables. The TAIL fuse is 10 amp, and is in the passenger side footwell. Position 13. I have concerns that your electrician was looking in the correct fuse box, let alone checking any or all of the them. If you are nimble, have good eyesight, and a mirror; you may be able to do it yourself. I believe the fuses are micro size. Get one from your local Toyota dealer BEFORE you start.

Hello Merit, Welcome to the Forum. If you have left links in the topic they do not work, at least for me they don't. You would need to carry lots of water unless you are on a campsite, in which case, why not use their showers.

I will, thanks Alex.

Yes, the camera is very useful when reversing; I would really struggle without one. Those failures don't seem serious. Hopefully you will be 'on the road again' very soon.

Hello Andrew, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Lynne, Are you suggesting that your van failed the MOT for a non functional rear camera ?

Hello Paul, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Malcolm, Welcome to the Forum.

I have also read, somewhere, that Alphards are not for towing; especially the CVT type drive trains. Controversial, I know, but that is what I read, unfortunately I cannot remember where.

For many of us older drivers that limit is by law, irrespective of vehicle. After a certain age your right to drive over 3500kg is withdrawn unless you specifically retain it. I believe that age is currently 70. It is worth noting that, for older drivers, you must renew your drivers license every 3 years. It is free to do so, but DON'T FORGET. If you do forget, you could be in big trouble. Either way you will be compelled to take your test again.

Hello John, Welcome to the Forum.

So it is. Never noticed that before; although my pages that high are not numbered 105Nm. 77.5 ft/lb. You will need a hefty torque wrench; I had to buy one especially.

Hello Dan, Welcome to the Forum.

Just noticed NEWDAWNCAMPERVAN Conversions is advertising a swivel base for Gen 2 front passenger seat. If interested search on ebay.

I see. Quite a spaghetti special then !

They are different. Obviously, the seats, and, more importantly, the seat rails the seats attach to. 7 seaters have 4 rails in the rear, 8 seaters have 5. So the carpets are different and the insulating underlays too. Why are you concerned about Gross Vehicle Weight ?

Hi Alex, Very disappointing. After all the help I try to provide on this Forum ; I did not receive even one reply.

Do you have the OEM head unit fitted, or an aftermarket replacement ?

If possible, refit the old chip, and proceed from there ! Good Luck

Hello Carly, Welcome to the Forum. Send your VIN or registration number to Picasso. He will give you the part number

Hello Liam, Welcome the the Forum from afar.

Hello Martin, Welcome to the Forum. Buying from a Trader will give you plenty of protection under UK Consumer Law. However, returning it the the vendor for corrective action is likely to be problematic, to say the least. Do you have a copy of the Auction Sheet ? If the dealer does not have it or will not give you a copy, walk away. As a consequence of the distance involved, I would be checking with Essex (or the local Council) Trading Standards and Trust-pilot. Does the dealer specialise in Alphard / Vellfires ? Does the dealer specialise in JDM vehicles ? What type of vehicle marques does the dealer (normally) stock ? Check the history on the DVLA website. Does the MOT history suggest adequate and timely maintenance ? Have you personally viewed / driven the vehicle ? If not, you must have the vehicle inspected by a very competent Vehicle Inspector, such as the RAC or AA (there are others). Furthermore, you must understand what the warranty period is, what is covered, and what is not ! Especially the Hybrid batteries. Do NOT assume your local Toyota Main Dealer will service the vehicle for you. They probably won't as most will not work on grey imports, although this situation is improving slowly. So phone them and check. Pay by Credit Card for more purchase protection. I am not trying to dissuade you, but Due Diligence is very important as you will not be able to return the vehicle easily. Good Luck with your purchase.

I believe Jap Auto Agent claims he is well known to Alphard Club Members and that many recommend him. A thread was started recently to check the validity of that claim. Of course, his customers may not be members of the Alphard Club, in which case why try to add credence by using the Club as an implied reference? To my knowledge, Not one member did come forward, as yet, to recommend him. Despite his website he does not keep stock in the UK. So do your research thoroughly.