Rojie

Send a PM to the Alphard Club, he lives near you.

My 2006 was converted without removing the tailgate, so it is not necessary. But it was well supported with wooden 'pit props'.

Hello Julian, What a shame ! If the tailgate opening is not distorted, once you get the tailgate open, I think you may be able to get it fixed if you can find a tailgate with Picasso's help. Check you exhaust system for 'straightness' as that looks like it has taken a hit too. I would hope the rear valance is quite and easy fix.

Does the tailgate open, shut and lock as it should ? Do check it thoroughly. Or is it just dented ? Someone hit one of my cars, not the Alphie, and their insurer tried to write mine off. I said NO, very loudly ! It was quite old, but It had 11 months MOT. I received a reasonable cheque, but decided a big ding in the passenger door was OK. It still opened and closed and locked properly. I ran it for another 4 years, Cat S. AND my insurance did not increase ! Indeed, last year I received another cheque, as, I was informed, the amount paid was unfairly low ! Amazing, but true. So you can fight a write off decision, just make sure the vehicle will be safe however it is repaired.

On your home page, in the search box, type picasso, and then search in the drop down box of members. Otherwise, he will probably soon see your thread. Picasso, not picasso !

If you send a Personal Message to Picasso with your VIN he will be able to give you the part number

A bank of switches each side of the steering wheel in the dash panel. By the ignition switch, second from left.

Hello Dave, Welcome to the Forum. If you have AFS, I believe, there is an on/off button somewhere in the switch cluster.

I assume Lew was deliberately not publishing his VIN but showing us the format; which I believe is correct. My VIN is 7 digits, excluding the MNH bit. Lew should get a photo of the VIN from the seller, simple ! If the VIN on the vehicle is not clearly readable I would walk away.

If so, the VIN is on the lower B pillar, nearside. Easy to photograph.

2) Climate control is, effectively. air conditioning. 6) I would guess that red button is a Panic Alarm. It's no wonder these machines can be referred to as "Toys".

PM your VIN to picasso

I don't know if the Auction Sheet is required by DVLA; but it does substantiate year of manufacture, the VIN, and the distance covered (all of which the DVLA definitely need). I have never used CarVX as it (probably) would not have provided the info I wanted. From my reading of threads; some members seem very happy with the report, others a little disappointed. The Auction Sheet should be extremely thorough regarding damage. Mine listed all 'damage'. From memory, it does not cover mechanical items (i.e. MOT type items). My report was very 'clean'; so clearly anything that was not faulty was not listed !

If you choose to remove the 'bits and pieces', be careful, they are probably still live. Only 12v but you do not want any 'fireworks'.

Are you sure it is the VIN ? At a guess, AH20 something ? The 'mileage' should be on the auction sheet, as will the VIN. Do you have a copy of the Auction Sheet ?

Japanese owners are well known for adding 'extras' to their vehicles. I think the first photo is light sensors. The second appears to be a switch or, more likely, a microphone for some piece of add on kit accessory they had. Most accessories are removed before sale, auction or export. I have several. Just try and ignore them !

Hi Lee, Just sent my VIN.

If the HU is OEM, I doubt you will get the internet from it, or anything other than Radio 2. Bluetooth phone yes, but I never heard anything about the internet. Although the HU will play DVDs, MDs, CDs (even 'remembers' them) I have a Laptop, specially for the van, which will connect to the internet virtually anywhere, plays DVDs etc. Just a thought for you.

Hi Lee. Of course. Tomorrow morning, if that's OK. Easier to go out to the van rather than search for the paperwork !

Well Done VIiv, There is all kinds of stuff in the HU if you have the patience.

Hi Lee, I have a facelifted Gen 1 with factory cruise (flyby wire). 2005 seems to be the key date.

I think fuses may be a red herring. Fuses don't normally go intermittent. There are more fuse boxes, and not necessarily easy to get at ! Unless you need to check specific fuses, imho, randomly removing and re inserting fuses is likely to potentially do more harm than good.

Hello Wyvil, Welcome to the Forum.

Expensive now, but still worth every penny !

My leisure battery is under the bench seat in the rear conversion. There is room for another one on the other side, wiring permitting !