stuartmc

Found a post on another forum saying that from 2008 Toyota fitted curtain airbags on all JDM models so this is likely to be an increasing issue as more post 2008 cars get imported for conversion.

Definitely not looking for an off-roader, the limo-like cruise down to Spain is the most important. Yes will need to be normal ground clearance not lowered. We have a made up track to negotiate. All it takes is a rainstorm and the top layer turns muddy so 4WD will pull through this no problem.

We prefer the look of the Vellfire and looking for a 3.5 4wd so after 2008 anyway but definitely appreciate all the comments. It's a retirement present so going to have to last as long as we are able to use it, hence the thinking the later the better. Finding a rust free 3.5 4wd proving a challenge but not in a rush so can wait till the right one comes along. Need a 4WD for some of the places we visit in Spain, had to get a tractor to drag out the hire car before. 

Was just wondering how people decided on the age of the vehicle to base a camper conversion on. I see lots of 2003-2008 used but am wondering about paying £6000-£8000 for the car then adding £15000 worth of upgrade for conversion. Wouldn't it be better to pay a bit more for a newer base of say 2010-2011 which might cost as much as the conversion itself.

On 4/1/2021 at 12:10 AM, David grime said:

Is the alphard 4x4 a real 4x4 or just a AWD . For those that know the difference one is a real 4wd and the other isn’t.

Old topic I know but in case anyone wants to know the answer found this review of the different types of AWD fitted to Toyotas click

Found these on Aliexpress if someone wants to risk £15 ish to try them Click

Somewhat confused and reread several times. Can someone confirm that having reflectors attached to mud flaps would be acceptable for MOT. Thanks.

Thank you. That's interesting as 2012 models will begin to be imported to the UK this year as they will be 10 years old.

Looks like nobody has an answer to this. I've found a video of a 2012 LHD from Russia that has an English language head-up unit. See it here.  I wonder if this would be possible to retrofit to a 2012 JDM version or even if the 2012 has an English language option anyway? As these models will be come 10 years old this year could this be the best model to import?

Still doing my research for a camper conversion. I have seen some talk of not being able to fit a poptop to an Alphard/Vellfire that already has a sunroof fitted. Can anyone confirm if this is the case. Most of the 2010/2011 I have seen have dual sunroofs so this will matter as we will definitely want a poptop.

I have read that the Alphard/Vellfire have been available in markets other than Japan since the AH20 with some of those still right hand drive like Singapore. Can anybody confirm which language these models are available in. I am looking to get a 2010-2012 Vellfire and wonder if I'd be better getting it from Singapore as the main language would be English.

Can someone confirm my thinking that the only differences between the two are external front and rear. Other than that everything is interchangeable. My preference is Vellfire styling but don't want to go down a more limited route for parts, servicing and so on. 

We have decided that we want to get a camper and have decided that a JDM MPV based one is the best compromise. Just needed for 2 people and touring UK and Europe. I have reduced the choices to a 2010/11 Velfire with all the options or the same in an Elgrand E52. As this is a Toyota forum I am pretty sure what the answer will be but I'd like to get your opinions emotional or logical to help us decide.