Teekay

17 minutes ago, Bazzer1955 said:

I would take an eternity to get used to that 😲 when my vrs does it in 4.5 sec comfortably ( someone is bound to say why are you considering an Alphard then) LOL

The answer is that the vrs is in no way a comfortable car, you could run over a matchstick and feel it ( sarcasm)

Me and my Missus want a bit of comfort with a bit of poke when its needed

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 👍🚘

1 hour ago, Liam said:

For me the Alphard just isn't a car I would want to drive fast, it's a smooth luxury car. I have drove both the 3 and 2.4 the 3 is the better of the two but I wouldn't buy an Alphard on what engine it had, for me it's all to do with the spec you want, all the engines are nice and are perfect for the type of car there in

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 

1 hour ago, MonsterS said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154992719638?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2J_KU8roQiO&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=yisvlwicquk&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

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.

1 hour ago, Picasso said:

Try partsouq. https://partsouq.com/    I find this the best lookup system just put in your vin no. And will bring up all the diagrams and oe no.s you can also purchase from this sight I just purchased a 3.0 maf sensor £185.00 + vat from toyota UK. £107 all in with shipping and vat .

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.

9 minutes ago, Liam said:

The 2.4 in the Alphards are jap made engines you will find that the oil burning problem was American made engines only. The 2.4 won't be any less reliable then the 3 and 3.5 Alphards 

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.

5 hours ago, JoKing said:

Thanks Paul. Looks like you have the same conversion as us. What did you do about the front three windows? We are thinking of having three removable 'blinds' attached with suction pads. Home made, with reflector towards the outside and blackout material facing inside.

 

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

18 minutes ago, Bazzer1955 said:

Maybe if I were to wait a bit the petrol pricing may make these cheaper LOL 🤑

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.

1 minute ago, Bazzer1955 said:

All this is very helpful info, Thanks for this 

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 

17 minutes ago, John Harrison said:

Hi again. They are actually 17" rims with 55 low profile tyres.The suspension is perfect; not to hard, but not soft enough to wallow!

Went to my brothers in Wales yesterday and covered 114 miles.

Fitted a cruise control stalk a few weeks ago and as long as traffic is constant speed this makes a hell of a difference to the fuel consumption. Not checked today (filling up later) but had 7 people in the car and it ran beautifully!

Probably getting less mpg than normal, as we had cases in as well, but recon it was about 24-25mpg.

The suspension was down a little bit at the back, (a few larger people) but was extremely comfortable for all.

There were speed bumps in several places, but even with a load on, never caught one!!!

On the way back, with just myself and Erica, we went the scenic way back from Abergele to Wallasey.  We did between 40 to 60 mph all the way (67-68 on the M53; maximum speed of the cruise control!). On the windy roads it was brilliant; even when I took a tight bend too fast at 40mph. It leaned over a bit, but stuck to the road like glue!!!

Very pleased. It actually looks lower than it is. It is 61/2" from the road and only scraped one speed bump since I had it. I just have to take them a (little) bit slower. I have to watch when I gave to park nose in to a curb. It has to be standard curb height, also if someone opens the side doors wide and get in heavely; the door bottom edge will ground! Other than that, no problems with the height!

Would thoroughly recommend these vans to anybody (and do!!) 

John H

👍👌

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.

On 6/9/2022 at 3:40 PM, John Harrison said:

Just found out my Vellfire details from the free CarVXjp source.

According them mine is a

Vellfire 2.4Z FF.

Thanks for everybody's help!

 

John Harrison. Wallasey Merseyside.

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

3 hours ago, Chris.ac said:

for the 20 series, you can fit a 'basic' 'pressure monitoring' that instead of measuring pressure, uses the ABS data (rotational speed) of all 4 wheels, when a tyre pressure reduces by an amount, the delta value between that wheels rotational speed vs the other 3 will trigger an alarm.

 

The system entirely fits into a blank switch panel and connects to the OBD2 port.

 

I have not personally fitted one, but came across it and put it on my 'want' list.

Alternatively, of course, you could buy either the dust cap fitting types or the proper internal sensors, which are far more accurate and will also give an indication of tyre temperature too.

 

links (not advising or promoting - just to illustrate the two types)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32649802675.html  -  this is proper system that uses sensors on each wheel

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002212205489.html - this one uses the ABS data to give a general warning of tyre pressure loss (mentions 2011 series 20, so perhaps this data is not available in earlier models?)

 

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.

On 4/16/2022 at 8:18 PM, Rhinow12 said:

i will ask him about the torque converter as soon as i get hold of him as its weekend and will speak to him on the monday

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.

On 5/16/2022 at 3:46 PM, Torq2u said:

The screen / front door blackout works very well and is really good value.

 

I am currently fitting aftermarket curtains that I bought thru ebay - really impressed so far, and £100 cheaper than similar ones advertised on Gumtree.

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 

7 hours ago, Oddcouple said:

And there we have it. One thing l learned in my 26 year military career was respect. In my current career role I work on a government project and I lecture in many things, quite a lot based around mental health and dealing with passive aggressives and the impact of perceptual bullying. It has been an absolute pleasure dealing with 99% of the good folk on here. And you have no idea how happy I am now that I have made Rojie happy, it’s been a struggle, but we got there! I

 know what you’re thinking, you thought I’d left😆, I did, my wife was unaware and tends to pop in and out of here, she was just a little upset why we were so disliked on the forum (her perception, which she is entitled to), so I thought I’d just pop in for a final farewell. Thank you to those who put nice comments on here and thank you to all those who helped without talking down to us. Pretty sure I’ll be seeing some of you in the future, is someone waves at you with a look of expectant excitement, it’s probably us!

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.

22 minutes ago, Daveg1971 said:

I was reading some of the posts about recommended dealers/importers and I have looking for a Alphard myself. I was visiting my family in Warrington in Cheshire and visited Gastech , Birchwood, Warrington, wa3 6qt. They import and sell a large number of Alphard. They let me take it out of a test drive and give me 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.Although I do live in Scotland now and I am aware there is a dealer in East Kilbride too and another one in the Glasgow area. But I have only visit one of those so far and they are not keen on doing additional work just camper conversions. So I can only praise the lads at Gastech and intend buying my Alphard from them. They have a mechanic and vehicle electrician too, so can cover all sides of work required. 20years experience too.hope it helps.

 

dave 

Thanks for the reference, if this was in south east, I'd love to visit them 

2 hours ago, Bazzer1955 said:

I have looked up 2.4 Toyota engines, really shocked at the results especially it seems the pre 2008 engines

Exactly. I was shocked too
These things should be in a pinned up In joiners, buyers guide, faq etc. So much can be done to organise this information and people don't need to reinvent the wheel.

By the way 2gr-fe v6 3.5l before 2010 also had some minor issues that are fixed by recalls 

Gearbox 6 speed U660E also had a weak spot that was fixed in later years but I hope that is nothing serious 

2.4L is big no