Rojie

Hi Darren, I can't help you myself but there have been several examples of similar problems, sometimes the cable needs lubrication or replacement. In view of your latest experience, I believe there is a door closure motor, soft close, that may be playing up. There are also a couple of sensors on the door jamb that may benefit from a gentle clean.

Try to check the cable that operates the door; they are known to need replacing sometimes. There are members who have changed the cable; try searching for door or sliding door in the search box on your home page. Do you have smart locks ?

What was the basis for the recommendation ? What were his reasons for not recommending a 2.4 Vellfire. What year Vellfires are you looking at ? Send me a personal message if you are not comfortable answering in this public area.

Hello Darren, Welcome to the Forum. At this time of year you must ensure your starter battery is fully charged at all times. If you bought the Alphie from a trader, take it back to them and ask for help. Which button ? Are you pressing the key fob button, or the button on the dash ? Ensure the door lock switch on the drivers door is not enabled.

Hello Blake, Welcome to the Forum.

Hello Sven, Welcome to the Forum. Hopefully Karl will see this and provide an update. The 4D67 chip is unlikely to work for you. I read about all the hassle some owners get with the DIY approach. I bought two blanks from Aliexpress, or Alibaba, I cannot remember, and had an auto locksmith do all the cutting, programming and cloning. He did need a master key. All done in 15 minutes, no hassle, worked first time and ever since. Not cheap but, imho, very worthwhile. I now have three sets plus the valet key.

I don't think that premium is unreasonable, even if the increase is. Some insurers will low bid the first year(s) to gain your custom. Mine is about the same as yours, but only increased by 30 pounds this year, which was a very pleasant surprise.

Hello Laurence, Welcome to the Forum.

I agree with you on the VAT issue; and the VAT on their costs and margins can be significant. On the Auction Sheet issue I suggest you consider reporting those resellers to Trading Standards as I believe they are committing Fraud, among other offences.

Hello, Welcome to the Forum.

The Auction Sheet will declare the Grading. A VAT registered dealer will have to levy VAT on their sales price. Which obviously inflates the price by 20 percent.

I have guessed you have a four cylinder model !

Hello Keiron, Welcome to the Forum. You may need to check fuse 9 (second from right) in the fuse box by the drivers seat, 25A, probably a microfuse. Although for the drivers power window, It is not clear (to me) whether that includes the middle row seat rh door too.

Looks very nice indeed.

Hello Teddy, Welcome to the Forum. Can you please change your profile to reflect the vehicle you have; otherwise, in future you are likely to receive answers for the wrong vehicle.

Just to add my little bit. I agree with Larry. However, there are a few Toyota official dealerships that will work on your vehicle. Although they are supported by Toyota, they are not, as Larry says, supported by Toyota on Alphards and Vellfires (but some parts are common with other models). Snows, in the South West is one such dealer that will support the vehicles. They will order parts from Japan, if necessary, and fit them; although this may not apply to all work. They are a main dealer, so the work will be done well, but not cheaply. I would recommend a full inspection prior to purchase by the RAC or AA, or other qualified vehicle inspector. In the case above, the Auction Sheet has been falsified; not withstanding that, I would not recommend any Alphie being purchased without sight of the Auction Sheet.

EHU is Electric Hook Up. Allowing a connection to a UK mains supply; either on a campsite or at home. As mentioned previously, 4 bolts for each middle seat.

As an afterthought, I am not sure removing the seats and carpets and rails will facilitate the fitting of the pop top; especially if you intend to refit the rails and some seats. Are you planning a side, rear or pod type conversion ? Are you planning an EHU and/or Leisure Battery ?

As it is a 2007 you are in luck. The seat rails can be removed from inside the vehicle, that is, the nut heads are on the inside. If you have a 7 seater there are four bolts on each seat, one at each seat corner, under the plastic blanking plates; remove with care if you need to reuse them. 13mm at a guess. If you have the eight seater, I am not so sure, but a similar method I expect. Carpet and underlay should come out easily; rail fixings should now be accessible. Tip , keep all the bolts and runners together after removal.

Hello Duncan, Welcome to the Forum. Firstly, what model year do you have ? You have your model listed as 02-08, but the year is 2016 ! What is the year of manufacture in the log book (V5) ? The middle seats fitted to these two models are quite different. What are you trying to achieve ? Do you intend to remove the seating rails as well ?

Hello Carl, Welcome to the Forum.

350 is a lot, but it's cold out there ! As it's only an advisory, wait for the better weather. I agree with Lee, most 'ordinary' garages charge about 60per hour, (plus VAT); not worth getting your hands cold and dirty.

Hello, My guess is that most garages could do this. However, Snows of Paignton, Exeter or Plymouth definitely will. Snows, an official Toyota main dealer, are one of the few that will work on grey imports. What about the garage that did the MOT, or is it one of the increasing number of MOT (only) places that test your vehicle but cannot, or won't, fix the failures ?

Interesting ! Part of the fee we all pay to our Insurers (as well as the excess charges) is to deal with these situations on our behalf. They can call upon damage and repair 'experts'. We, generally cannot. However, it may be a fallacy to believe your Insurer will act in your best interests. In the Insurance business many companies have subsidiaries that are, largely, not publicised as being part of their (own) Group. I could give examples of this, but won't ! So they are, effectively, negotiating with themselves ! I believe some/many Insurers act jointly to minimise the costs to both of them, especially if they both belong to the same corporate group. My Advice ? Do not agree to anything, even in principle, until the Insurer makes a firm written offer of compensation. Then ask yourself, "Do you have the skills to negotiate the value, and then budget and project manage the repair ? Will the compensation cover all the costs (including all of your time) ? Whatever you do, I sincerely hope you make the ideal decision.

Hello Garry, Welcome to the Forum. I have reviewed your list and, frankly, I do not see many I recognise. I do see several car dealers who may sell Alphies from time to time (as they become increasingly popular). My advice, for what it is worth, is to avoid sellers without a clear track record in selling Alphies for several years, and Vellfires more recently. There are several 'top notch' importers and/or convertors with whom you should be in safe hands. They are companies with a sound reputation and a warranty that is meaningful, and one they will stand by. There is only one on your list that I can personally recommend, not a million miles from you, who imported mine for resale (i.e. not on my behalf). I will send you a PM with a few other, notable, suppliers. Good Luck with your search. Get in right and you will be absolutely delighted.