Rojie

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.

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.