skippy992

Hi jpiech i have a 2008 20 series apart from exterior design changes to rear an front internal features pretty much the same from what I’ve seen also I think from that year they were selling these cars for the first time to Asian markets Malaysia especially with the head units able to be switched to English so unless you particular like the shape of the 30 series and these are still very much in demand in Japan and fetching good prices I would look out for a good low mileage 20 series which have increased in value at Jap auctions as well in recent months.

Hi Babu i used Jap auto agent speak to Paul Bowden charges a flat fee on a sliding scale depending on auction price in Japan very knowledgeable and always secures the best cars he can.

I must apologise about my previous reply full message didn’t open on my phone see you had already contacted Adrian flux surprised there quote was so expensive.

Forget the main insurers call Adrian flux when I lived in the Uk used them they specialise in imported and hard to insure cars. I have a 2008 Alphard GL you won’t be disappointed are you buying from a dealer or importing can recommend a good importer in the Uk will save you dealer prices but you would have to wait if it wasn’t in the Uk yet.

They are landmarks that the sat nav picks up you can turn the audio off if you use google translate and go into the menu also turns off voice when you first start up as well.

Hi have a 2008 alphard series 20 3.5 only done 71K has always had a slight clicking noise when first pulling away and turning wheel not apparent at any other speed or any other noises from the steering had heard from somebody in Japan it’s a common problem on these cars but been unable to find out what’s causing it it’s annoying more than anything. Don't think It’s a cv joint as that would be more prominent at all speeds and would be a more noisy experience. Any ideas before I ask a local mechanic here in Perth to have a look. Thanks

Hi I fitted a front and rear dash cam was going to fit the cable under the mats but opted to run the cable along the roof lining just along the edge using a trim removal tool to lift plastic trims and tuck cable out of sight. Then when reaching tailgate removed rear plastic trim cut a tiny piece out so cable wasn’t snagged when opening and closing boot fitted camera to rear glass been a year since fitting all working ok. The problem you have is powering yours from the tailgate area mines powered and controlled from front camera which is the normal mine is a 4K one which you can access recordings without removing cameras straight on to your phone no problem either with the very dark tinted rear glass for recordings. Let me know and I can put some pictures and model nos of what I installed and fitment if it helps.

Try disconnecting your Bluetooth sometimes it can lock up with your phone which would mute the sound

Ok thanks for that was thinking that would be the one to go for it’s at a good price here at the moment in 6litre packs

Hi Any recommendations on best oil to use in this model living in perth Australia so can reach high 30s in the summer months has 72k any suggestions welcome first oil change since import from Japan so many conflicting reports some say 10w 30 or 10w 40 semi or fully synthetic.

I would contact Paul Bowden at jap auto agent he is super reliable just charges a flat fee of about a £1000 I’ve imported an elgrand through him when I lived in the Uk he gets the best cars he even has some on his YouTube page ready in Japan for sale hope that helps beware there are some dodgy dealers out the lying about true mileages on these cars hope this helps.

Hi i have the same model as you imported from Japan did the head unit retain all the cameras and steering controls as I’ve heard that this can happen I’ve enquired on Ali express about a head unit but none I was told from one supplier was suitable but I see you’ve replaced air con controls as well did it come with all connectors and adapters mine is the GL model with premium sound would be interested in the Ali express link . I’m in Perth Wa. also looking at these trims even though there for the series 30 as well as I’m sure thy will fit 20 series from Ali express $106 delivered just breaks all the white door panels up a bit.

My guess it’s a 3 way cigarette lighter socket but can’t see right inside socket 1 found a hidden socket in my 2008 alphard which was a socket used it to plug my dash cam into.