Teekay

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."

4.5 sec sounds great but as you said mpv are not for racing. I'll choose 3.5l for all the reasons above, it doesn't cost massively more, lpg can make it even better but that is TBD. Personally I'm not going to drive with only me and wifey.. Need space that's the justification for this mammoth..and with Kids luggage dog space fills up fast. Whatever you choose, think that is the best and enjoy 👍🚘

We also don't plan to speed at all, mostly gentle set the speed on cruiser controller at 58 mph. I see it as land cruiser of on-road family holidays. But my concern is there are times when you need to have the reserve power to get out of sticky situations. Joining motorways in busy traffic can be tricky. In Germany the motorway traffic doesn't give way to you at all and you need to join it and gather speed fast. 11.5 sec 0 to 60 can be pain at the point. Not judging those who go for 2.4l but these are my thoughts

This will connect to our mobile via Bluetooth and transmit to headunit via UK fm frequency, which won't work for JDM. I was initially thinking (wrongly) that I can source this device from Japan - mobile up device via Bluetooth and then broadcast in Japanese fm range. But then I realised my mistake..we can simply pair the mobile Bluetooth with headunit by spending little time figuring some time on Japanese menu. Once it is paired, it will work and pair automatically every time.

Thankyou @Picasso👍 Has straight search by vin as you said. Prices were in USD for some reason, I had to change it to GBP. Parts come up clearly with pictures too like to air filter. Can this sites part number be used to search on eurocarpart? I'll try it out. Appealing things about their store is collection right away.

I've come across steering lock by argos https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7408234 Reviews suggest it is good one and flashing red light is bonus. Not sure if the size will fit Alphard Vellfire steering wheel. Anyone using it? Looks like it is worth it. PS: I've added link to item, there is no referral bonus in it for me

3.5l 2gr-fe is one the best ever v6..all best Toyota and lexus are seen as fit for it. I've not had one personally but it looks like a no brainer from limited research.

I didn't think it was about the American made issue, but more about some design flaw and it was fixed in much later years. But I am not sure when exactly and what is factual position. But personally my 2p thinks the bottom line is..280 hp vs 178, with only minimal difference in mpg, thanks I'll take the 3.5L. Oil change might be little bit more expensive and spark plug change are difficult but extra power for such big 7/8 seater van and extra six speed gear box and V6 smooth, why would anyone want to drag around with 2.4L? I know if you are use to it, you may think it is fine as you don't know what you are missing on. No offence to anyone but these are my thoughts

Can someone give a small example of how to use this to find parts at say Eurocarpart? Say I'm looking for service parts like oil filter, air filter, cabin filter? Thanks in advance (Might sound like dumb question to some but I want to make it really simple and idiot proof that anyone can use. I'm not sure how I'll find what oil filter I need to ask. Or is eurocarpart is even the right place for this jdm? Should we be shopping at some specific specialised online stores)

Please look up on the forum for "MEGATHREAD GARAGE DIRECTORY" It can be good place to note down all garage addresses. It is otherwise constant struggle for too many members and any leads are buried under pile of posts. Hope that makes sense.

Some members have posted pics like these..look great ->

Great minds think alike 😎I was thinking the same but sorry to say but seems there are too many factors to this equation - inflation, chip shortage, supply chain, war, shipping space etc. Basically it evens out and numbers of 3.5L Alphard / Vellfire coming up for auction are significantly lesser as compare to 2.4L.

Power of collaborative community 🎌🚘🌈

By being pinning this thread, I don't mean in perpetuity but only for some time.

We have random sporadic posts asking for garage contacts all over the country, for mechanics or Toyota dealerships that will deal with JDM imports Alphards and Vellfires. Request members to please post as many contacts for such garage under this thread. Reference, experiences, cost for work carried out. Please help with jotting this information share for everyone's benefit @Rojie @Ldrego@Alphard Club mods etc if this can be pinned to start gathering momentum, it might be good idea

@John Harrison is that even possible to have 17inch tyre and low profile tyres on it? I thought the total diameter had to remain constant. Bigger the alloy, thinner the tyres. From what I know it doesn't make sense. By the way 58 mph is perfect, optimum, safe and best for mpg, if it is possible to stick to that speed without causing issue for fellow motorway users

👍👌

Scotty Kilmer was working on a 10 year old Rav4 that had TPMS not working and said it might cost thousand plus dollars to fix it! Wonder why don't people simply replace the factory fitted TPMS with these aftermarket that might cost 10-15 percent of the price.

nice alloys! Are these 19 inch by any chance or 18? How is the drive on potholes or speedbumps?

Thanks Chris for explaining the tech and options. I wonder the abs data based monitor, if it's accuracy depends on wheels type - low profile being not being too suitable? Proper system with sensors seems pricey. If that is cost on aliexpress, Amazon ebay will be much higher There are some really cheap ones on eBay like this one and are best seller 284040944851 On Amazon this looks like Tymate Tire Pressure Monitoring System and is 5-6 times the price and is highly rated. I would love to have obd scanner dashboard based device that gives all readings like voltage speed rpm temperature etc but I don't feel very comfortable with devices that need constant obd port plug in as not sure if it can cause some trouble.

Was there any update / resolution? Was this car imported by yourself or purchased locally? Did you get the mileage verified? Bimta? Carvx.jp I think is about 20 quid to get full mileage shaken record etc.. Only need vin number. I see you have decided to sell some car, is this the same? Very unfortunate and this is perhaps the risk of jdm. Do you know what was the auction grade and odometer miles on this car when imported. Sorry too many questions but I'm really curious how this went wrong and lesson of any for new members.

Please share the link / number of eBay curtain seller Aliexpress has lots of sellers that can be significantly cheaper if one doesn't mind wait time

Anyone knows of similar places in south east? Please share all contacts

Behind keyboard it doesn't always flow as well. Let's give it a benefit of doubt and move on. Focus on the "99%". Help people and in return might get some positive feedback. Sometimes it's good to lower expectations and not to compare(vibes here vs elsewhere). It's all here and now..enjoy it. I'd still say reconsider and not to leave if it doesn't bother you too much.