Teekay

Wonder if there are diagrams for second gen / 2008 2015?

23 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

No, but I'll get one tomorrow

The choice we have with LED DRLs is pretty amazing!

1 hour ago, Bazzer1955 said:

We saw this car in Rochester, to be honest we had no intention of doing a deal, 1) the car had too many miles 2) it had rust coming through in the rear 3) the guy was full of b/s, his info was incorrect 4) he buys low grade motors and tidies them up, ( washing carpets, vigorous use of a buffing wheel) 

We will probably use Jap Auto Agent after being on the phone with Paul Bowden for over an hour LOL 😵

Paul seems like a genuine guy and his contact in japan makes very interesting videos on cars they ship.

27 minutes ago, Alphard Club said:

 as I make Alphard mats so will be stripping these out and installing tailored Axminster very soon.

 

Hi do you mind sharing the details of Alphard mats you make? Are these custom made for campers or used for regular Alphard Vellfire too? Any pictures & prices?

Posted by @David Jones

Target garage waunarlwydd Swansea, has been great for service and repair to my car. There is also a selection of Japanese imports on the same site. 

Just now, Bazzer1955 said:

We all went and had a test drive in a 2009 Alphard 3.5 today. Very nice drive, you could feel the weight in it, the interior was very nice in beige leather with all the toys. The price he wanted was far too high for what it was and he had no chance with the price he quoted me for a p/x. Also it was a grade 3 that he had tidied up, he couldn't find the auction sheet, the paintwork was as flat as a pancake as well, so we now know what they drive like.

If you care to have nice car and ready to wait, best might be to import it yourself, plenty of guys in this business can help. I'm trying out one and hope it works. Good luck 

Btw..LOL..couldn't find the auction sheet 🐒

All regular active contributing members, please share your known contacts of useful garages, parts suppliers, dealers etc. Thankyou 👍 

2 hours ago, David Jones said:

There seems to be a reluctance of some insurance companies and garages refusing to work on or cover Japanese imports. Also as they are usually nearing 20 or more years old. I’m perplexed because spares and service items are easily available. Ordering through Toyota garage parts department saved me money as some items were common to other vehicles.  Even when presenting the garages with the spares they are still reluctant to service the vehicle. Luckily my garage has an adjoining Toyota import dealer.  I’ve spent more money on servicing our Citroen Picasso than the Alphard. And most of those spares are available locally off the shelves. Our car was hit by another vehicle while we were shopping and this was another reason we were refused insurance because they wanted to write off the vehicle as they had undervalued it luckily the bodywork shop manager was able to correct their mistake. We had spent thousands updating door mechanism and brakes as well as replacing body parts. Depending on whether we can cover the insurance next year, we may sadly say goodbye to the Alphard. Our kids love the space and comfort it affords giving them their own comfort and security on a journey. I’ve yet to find another vehicle that has this type of comfort and finish. I’ve also geared of people having difficulty with the camper conversions. My advice try getting quotes 2 or 3 months prior to renewal. 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. We have megathread for garages. Please try to post your recommendations about the Japanese importer and garage there. People need to network and make it work for us collectively. Thankyou 

I understand this is great for rubber bushes and other rubber components but it seems to be only sold in US. Are there equivalent uk products? Especially Autoglym must do it! Any experts!?

PS: I realise this is not accessory but been posted already..

My impression is many of our club members are retired or living in the countryside, so wild animals jumping in front of the car can be an issue. On motorways too we see roadkill far too often. Will this product make sense? Anyone can recommend them / have first hand experience?

Ultrasonic Deer & Pest Repellent For Car Anti Collision Badger Fox Dog Cat Scarer Humane Repeller Deterrent High Pitched Frequency Sound Alert

1 minute ago, David Jones said:

Just found out Churchill won’t renew our insurance. No letters or communication we found out through DVLA letter as our insurance automatically renews. 🤯😤

There is plenty to choose from I suppose. These insurance guys themselves don't know what logic or algorithm they follow. Some actuarial super computer is making decisions in the background. Please post your findings. Thankfully many contacts and tips here.

That's fantastic. Else it becomes a mess with all posts in one big pile 

https://tps.trade

I'm told Trade Part Service TPS have best price on manufacturer quality oils, fluids, parts etc for VW group cars but perhaps their 5W30 oil, windscreen washer, universal anti freeze etc can work well for Alphard Vellfire. If you are using TPS please share your experience and if not find if this is near to your place. I'm use to using only castrol oil but considering their 5W30 especially if v6 need me oil and I'll change is much more frequently.
Any opinions?

On 10/20/2021 at 7:13 PM, Rojie said:

 

A remote heater, sounds very interesting.

+1

 @Vellfire1please share the heater details and picture for sunroof drain unblock. Appreciate your post 👍🎌

46 minutes ago, billywhizz33 said:

Is it easy to change the language setting on a newly imported Alphard.

2015 modelm? yes, before that, it's not AFAIK 

1 minute ago, Chris.ac said:

General public just not aware, and fleet/HP cars will often have some stipulation in the agreement that everything is dealer repaired.

 

Most people will not realise you can just get your tyre fitter to insert these TPMS valves for you.

Cool 👍
 

I might ask Costco guy if they are happy to do this?

9 minutes ago, Rojie said:

 

For those who may be interested.

There is a non branded item 'identical' to this that is quite a bit cheaper.

 

I had a Clarion set up once. It was very good indeed.

I've seen pure highway being mentioned 

Clarion use to be good name 

Non branded you mentioned, can you please share the link 

DAB radio sound quality is really good and choice of stations is better. I think this kind of device in pic can be really good and best to leave the original headunit untouched.

Can members please come forward to share contacts to Toyota dealerships / garages they know are good at dealing with Alphards and Vellfires!! In spirit to benefit of the community you should come forward to contribute. I'm not prodding for my own personal benefit.

Copied from another thread as it is relevant..

Gastech, Birchwood, Warrington, wa3 6qt
They import and sell a large number of Alphard. They let take out car for a test drive and give loads of great advice. They also do lots of additional jobs to Alphards, like towbars, replacement stereos, genuine Toyota cruise control, lpg conversions and so much more. They have a mechanic and vehicle electrician too, so can cover all sides of work required. 20years experience too.

Thanks to @Daveg1971

20 minutes ago, Mohammed imran said:

Hi temperature is just under half way and stays there it is a stag lpg system 

Guy in wales I've been hearing is stag expert (15 years?). Andrew 01443 812893. Try calling him, unless he is the one who fitted it!

18 minutes ago, Rojie said:

 

IF a members vehicle is subject to a recall that has not been carried out Toyota UK will send a notification / request to Toyota Japan.

 

If Toyota Japan verify the claim Toyota Japan will fund Toyota UK to do the work.

 

I have read the approval process can take quite a while !

 

Toyota UK can also check through official Toyota channels whether there are any outstanding recalls.

Thanks Roj this is  reassuring 

30 minutes ago, Mohammed imran said:

Hi can anyone help my alphard 3.0 has started blowing cold air from heaters I have just got a lpg conversion done few days ago yesterday I put heating on and it's only blowing cold air out Temp is going up on dash any body no  what it could be 

Can you please share where the lpg conversion was done? What is name of the kit? Brand / kit.

Is this fairly common thing? Can anything be done in UK to address this? Toyota uk won't do anything by default?

I was looking at one CarVX.jp report and under recall it says as below. I'm trying to make sense of it and understand its seriousness - any help will be appreciated.

"In the inflator (inflation device) of the passenger airbag, the prevention of moisture absorption of the gas generating agent is inappropriate, so that the gas generating agent may deteriorate due to repeated changes in temperature and humidity. For this reason, the inflator container may be damaged when the airbag is deployed."