Rojie

10 hours ago, Rohail said:

Hi,

 

I am from West Yorkshire, I have a Skoda Octavia with prins system.

 

This issue has been going on for over a year now and looks like there is no fix at moment.

 

Every few weeks I have to go to local lpg garage and get the gas regulator cleaned.

 

At some point it does contaminate the Injectors which also need cleaning or replacing.

 

 

Hello,

Welcome to the Forum.

2 hours ago, threepot said:

 

 

Yes, I tried to buy one from a few of the import dealer specialist guys.

But they are mostly toe rags! They pretend it was a Grade 4 or whatever, but it wasn't, they don't want to pay the japanese hammer price for the really really nice ones!

They were asking about £15k for one like mine back then.... I got mine direct from japan for about £10k

 

I just resorted to bidding on one in japan myself using japancardirect.com
I put down my bidders depost, we bidded on a few that we didn't win.

Then I won my white 2010 Vellfire 3.5 4x4 for a reasonable price.

The full spare set of alloy wheels in the boot and the gear knob were stolen during transport, but this is mega common...

Its called the "japanese knob robber".... that's why there are so many gearknobs for sale on yahoo auctions JP 🤣

8 weeks later I picked up my van from Bristol docs!

No middle man, no dealers profit margin, no badly bodged fog light wiring etc.

 

I'd totally recommend buying one direct if you dare 😉

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.

On 1/15/2024 at 5:57 PM, Rojie said:

 

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.

I have guessed you have a four cylinder model !

1 hour ago, Ronnie567 said:

Hi there,

Have searched for this issue though only seeing the window reset suggestions.

Proud new owner of a 2007 Alphard. All the windows were working fine when purchased, despite the car having a flat battery when I went to look at it.

Happily driving around the next day and the drivers window stopped working. All other windows seem to operate fine from the driver door control, just not this one.

Disconnected the battery and gave it a full charge, reconnected and still no joy.

Had to use the reset process on the other windows, so glad I came across this fix, but the drivers window is still stuck open.

Waiting for an English manual, but wondering if this is a fuse or window motor option, and wondered if anyone had any clues?

Thanks in advance, great forum!

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.

1 hour ago, mart1963 said:

Hi All,

not sure if I can sell my Alphard on here so if not I apologise for my error.

As you can see it’s a very lovely car with a recent Outback conversion that’s never been used.

Under 46k mileage and Mot’d until beginning of august , v6 3ltr engine which I’ve had a Stag lpg conversion put in ,all certified and registered with Dvla which shows as Bi-fuel on log book .

This vehicle is truly beautiful but my disability is now forcing me to sale.

it has a DAB radio- built in sat nav , curtains, mats the lot ,I think the expression is “ fully loaded “ ( that’s as trendy as I get ).service history both jap and here with all receipts available that I have and work I’ve had done.

im not selling this cheap as the condition and conversions put it up there with the best .You,ll see some pictures have my private plate on . Plate now reads WO04 ZNS.

£13,995 Ono 

Any AA or RAC inspection welcome .

view in Cheddar Somerset.

contact via Alphard club please

 

Looks very nice indeed.

13 minutes ago, TeddyBear said:

Hello All,

 

Do anyone have a template or copy of the DVLA V55/4 Frist Vehicle Tax & Registration form. I am Newbie and just imported my first 2010 Vellfire.

 

While some of the questions are pretty straightforward.

 

I am not sure the answer around

• HC (g/km or g/kWh)
• Euro Status
• RDE

 

Basically question 21 to 47 that has to do with emission.

 

Any help appreciated.

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.

6 hours ago, Duncan Grimmond said:

It is to be a side conversion, with rock & roll bed, a permanent installation.

Yes a leisure battery  charged by solar panel on roof, not wired in with mains option , more "off grid" what is an EHU?

I've seen that video and it doesn't really help much as I have different non-powered seats. I suppose the principle might be the same, I'll have to find out...

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.

2 hours ago, Duncan Grimmond said:

Oops, it should be 2007. I'm planning to make a camper. I've booked it in for a pop-top fitting and I want the seats out(and the carpet, seat tracks etc) to make it easier for the installation

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 ?

2 hours ago, Duncan Grimmond said:

Oops, it should be 2007. I'm planning to make a camper. I've booked it in for a pop-top fitting and I want the seats out(and the carpet, seat tracks etc) to make it easier for the installation

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.

50 minutes ago, Duncan Grimmond said:

I've removed the rear seats but cannot work out how to do the mid-row seats. Any handy hints welcome, thanks

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 ?

2 hours ago, Carl Ambrose said:

Hi there,

 

does anyone know where a tail lamp o/s/r unit can be purchased for an 2008 Alphard AH10 please?

Hello Carl,

Welcome to the Forum.

On 1/12/2024 at 8:32 PM, devonia said:

They quoted 350GBP - which seemed a lot to me - so I didn't let them do the work.  I did wonder if it is something that I could do myself - but I don't have a lift or pit or even a garage.... so it would be on jacks, wheel ramps and axle supports. 

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.

51 minutes ago, devonia said:

Hi,

I have a "repair as soon as possible" " Anti Roll Bar  Linkage Ball joint Dust Cover Severely Deteriorated Offside Front  - MoT Minor Defect

 

What replacement parts would be needed to fix this and where to get them from?

 

How much is a garage (not London) likely to charge to do this?  Do I need a "Jap imports" specialist garage or could any garage do this? 

 

Any thoughts, much appreciated, like is it worth (presumably changing the ball joint?) getting the other end done at the same time?

 

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 ?

45 minutes ago, julianev said:

Thanks all for the input. So I had the insurer of the Merc phone me today acknowledging their client's full liability and offering to settle the claim directly with me rather than via my insurer. Apparently that would mean I would no longer need to declare it as a no-fault claim in future, which otherwise might impact my premiums (which seems a bit nuts as it wasn't my fault...). I have seen some advice on moneysavingexpert recommending this approach, but my concern is that they are going to be acting in the interests of their client rather than me and mainly trying to save as much money as possible on the claim. Has anyone any experience of this before? I'm a bit unclear what the pros and cons are...

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.

3 hours ago, Kate B said:

Hey, 

I'm looking for a garage that can help with my 2005 2.4 Alphard in New Forest area. Need one that has diagnostics and can sort out my issue with my car struggling to start when it’s engine is hot (regular temp) Just taken it to a “specialist” who changed the air flow sensor and as soon as I drove 15mins away the engine light came back on and they are clueless about what the engine starting issue could be - any help appreciated. It starts perfectly when the engine is cold. 

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

6 hours ago, Jenny Smedley said:

How annoying! This is one of my fears - every time I leave mine in a carpark or someone drives carelessly near me. I really, really don't ever want to lose my Alphie! I really hope you get it fixed! Just a thought - there is a garage near us that specialises in converting Alphards (Andy's Imports, Dereham, Norfolk) and he I assume must take the tailgates off. If he does he might have parts. Andy's Imports (andysimports.co.uk)

My 2006 was converted without removing the tailgate, so it is not necessary.

But it was well supported with wooden 'pit props'.

4 minutes ago, julianev said:

 

Nope the tailgate no longer opens ☹️

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.

1 hour ago, julianev said:

Hi all,

 

This afternoon some idiot in a Mercedes C180 ploughed into the back of my pristine, super reliable 2003 Alphard (only 60K miles). The tailgate and read bumper aren't in a good way but it was still driveable to get back home. Once I got home I initiated the claim against the Merc driver via my insurer, and they are sending a garage to collect the vehicle on Monday. Given the fact it's an older import, I am concerned they might just write off my vehicle rather than try to source a replacement gate and bumper and do the full repair. It is a wonderful car that took me ages to find, so I really want to avoid that scenario if at all possible (that said, I realise it may be unavoidable if the chassis has crumpled). If anyone has been through a similar thing and has any advice to share that would be massively helpful. Thanks a lot.

cheers

 

Julian

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.

8 hours ago, Chris said:

Thanks Rojie,

How do I find Picasso?

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 !

11 hours ago, Chris said:

Hi folks, my Alphard failed its MOT due to frayed drivers seat belt - where might I get one of these in beige colour?

Thanks, Chris

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

3 minutes ago, davet said:

Hi Roger, thanks for your reply.

 

Sorry to be dense but what is the switch cluster?

 

Thanks

A bank of switches each side of the steering wheel in the dash panel.

By the ignition switch, second from left.

8 minutes ago, davet said:

Hi guys, new member with first post, hoping for some help please.

 

I have an 03 plate alphard 3.0 MZ which I have had 7 years and which I love. My near side headlight bulb has gone (not high beam) so I need to replace it. I have a manual which says those bulbs which have an asterisk (and this is one) have to be changed by a toyota dealer, which came as a surprise.

 

From looking on the forum I see that those with "intelligent AFS" need bulb D2S 35W whereas those without need D2R 35W.

 

Can anyone please tell me how I know whether mine has Intelligent AFS or not, where I would get the correct bulb and how I would fit it? Is it an easy job and are there any links to technical guides or a youtube video please?

 

Many thanks

 

Davet  

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.