Rojie

A nice tip. My Alphie faces east, so the passenger side gets the algae. I knew about the tooth brush approach. I'll try wash and wax. I also need to moisten my leather seats after a hot summer. A small tip I have for everyone with leather upholstery is an old rag with a smidgen of polish and leave it under a seat ! Renew as and when. Your can buy deodorisers that smell of leather but they are quite expensive.

Make sure, while doing your research, you ensure that any pop top you may have is compatible with an awning, and vice versa !

Google them.

Hello John, Welcome to the Forum

Hello Bridget, Is you machine 02-08 or 2010 ?

What machine do you have ? 02-08 or 2011 ?

This is what they look like. ebay 265384052200 Unfortunately, this one is for vehicle with a manual tailgate !

I think you may have to follow a paper trail as your vehicle is a grey import. Does your vehicle have an MOT yet ? You will need need one to register your vehicle.

Since you have to replace two tyres anyway, the additional cost is only for two (more) tyres. You could keep one of the front as a new spare, if the condition is better than the spare you have.

Hello Lian, You could contact NorthStar and ask for their opinion. I would fit the recommended size, but go XL. XL will firm up the ride a little, but, imho, your Alphie will benefit from that. I have read, that on the 4wd vehicles it is very advisable to keep all tyres the same size and roughly the same wear.

I think you are absolutely right to get a second opinion. That tail gate and rear cross member are key. I'll send you a PM.

Hello Roy, Welcome to the Forum. There are not many kits available. I believe a place in Barnstaple supplies one. And there are removable 'pods' available. Are you going side conversion or rear conversion ? There is a lot of work involved in the carpentry / converting, just cutting the plywood accurately is quite a challenge If you want gas and electric available, than more skills are necessary. As your vehicle will be a grey import, most official Toyota dealers will not work on it. Make sure you have access to a capable mechanic that will; especially if you go hybrid. Good Luck.

Hello Charlie, Just one other point, which may not be relevant but could be vital. A pop top will increase the height of the vehicle. Obvious, I know. But if Plymouth is like Torbay, or other coastal towns, that increase in height may just prevent you from entering any car parks with height restriction barriers. Without a pop top, I have less than 5 cms, and that is assuming the barrier is at the height stated and is level ! I have a huge beach side car park near me, and many campers cannot enter it ! Everywhere else ? Double yellows ! I would agree with other members, think twice. However easy is it to climb up, as you get older ....... Consider a tent, or an awning. Awnings are not easy to get for Alphies, but many members have fabricated their own roofattachment rails. Search for awnings, there's lots to read !

Do you know which cylinder bank has the issue. From the front of the engine bay; is it the near bank or far bank ? This engine was also fitted to a Lexus. Try and find a qualified Toyota Master Technician who has worked on Camry and Lexus cars There is one in Bodmin; it might be worth giving him a call to see if he has any contacts near you. There must be someone capable in The Midlands. I'll find his name; I know it is a silly one ! DyerNostics, Toyota Specialist

What mileage has it covered ? Has it been over revved ?

Sorry, but what does jacking when I stop the car mean ? Are you using water ? Any misfiring ?

Any, or all of the above.

Which gasket ? If it is a head gasket there will probably be a milky substance in the oil filler cap. You will be getting water from the exhaust pipe and using a lot of water as a result. Explain what symptoms you are experiencing.

When I checked Geralt's link above there were two more engines available, from different sources, at a lower cost. It will be important, if possible, to discover the history of any engine you are considering. A business seller should be able to offer a warranty.

Hello Tony, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Dave, Welcome to the Forum.

I agree, Naeem, at Japanese MPV in Uxbridge, is very knowledgeable on Alphards. Full disclosure. I bought my MZ G there. I was so pleased with it I didn't even try to haggle on the price. I would not hesitate to recommend his company, first class vehicles, very knowledgeable and courteous service.

Hello Lee, So sorry to hear of your problem. Thanks for the advice. What is your current total mileage ? What fuel have you been using ? These engine flushes you have to have are, I assume, the liquid decarbonisation fluids ? Do you have an OBD ? Are you, or have you been, running rich ?

Hello Alison, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Brian, Welcome to the Forum