sumogogg

Thanks very much for confirmation much appreciated - I actually sent off my V55/5 last week but I went with PLG at £360 for the coming tax year (01/04/25) so hopefully it will be good. I looked on the internet at other forums such as Elgrand Forum and all seem to use this catgeory. I am in a similar position to you with my other car - been looking at an electric car to balance out my upcoming extreme petrol/tax usage with the Alphard! The Kona looks a good option.

Hi, just completing V55/5 to register my 2006 Alphard 3.0ltr and need to confirm the new April 2025 tax rates - I am a bit unsure of the V149 tax rates (here) Please can I check I have this correct - will it be £360 as per image below (PLG weighing no more than 3500KGs) ?

For anyone interested who might be in a similar position to me, I was able to get an MOT using a temporary fog light method. I bought a basic fog light for a trailer from Screwfix, then a 12v cigaratte power with a switch on top that illuminated when turned on. Connected these up and fixed the fog light to the bumper via sticky pads with the wire being passed in the middle of the car through the boot. Once the car is fully road legal after V55, I am taking it to a specialist to get the reflector fog light method fitted.

This is extremely helpful, thanks for sharing this. Can I ask - in the photo of all the documents you have included a insurance document - did/do you also need to include insurance to get the V5C through? It doesnt seem to be specified in the government guide. My Alphard is currently on the drive, passed its MOT, but not insured. I was going to insure it when I get it all registered.

Thanks, that concurs with my internet searches, the only other bit I don't know is how to 'enable' the pole, there doesn't seem to be a button to turn it on.

Hi all So I recently aquired a 2006 Alphard 3.0. It is not fully on the road yet as only just got the MOT yesterday and now have to go through V55 stuff. Anyway, I wanted to ask if anyone new what the pole on the nearside is (see photo). They seem to be quite rare, I have only seen them on a handful of Alphards for sale and also seen them on some Elgrands. Mine has a small Toyota logo on it, which makes me think it was a factory option. Googling suggests it is a parking guide and it should also light up, but I havent seen it light up as yet, so not sure how to 'activate' it. I am tempted to remove it, as while it might not be a target in Japan, in the UK we seem to have our fair share of 'undesirables' who will probably try and bend/rip it off. Any help/info is much appreciated.

Thanks - thats very helpful. Good point about the luggage option - I was focused on the bikes and hadn't condisdered that a towbar will also give the option of luggage/extra storage. I think a towbar is the way to go with this and your comments confirmed this in my mind.

There are some good options on here for rear mounted bike carriers, but I wondered if anyone had considered a tow bar mounted bike rack? - or is the rear gate method generally seen as more practical/preferred option. This thread here mentions use of an Atera Strada Evo bike rack attached to towbar, and it can pull out away from the car for easy access, but it is expensive rack at nearly £600. I am new Alphard owner and trying to plan ahead for the summer! Thanks in advance

Thanks for the info. I think I will also be going with the bumper/reflector replacement method. Do people tend to take this to a specialist to get the fog light sorted prior to MOT - or can this be done by a regular mechanic ? I always assumed the fog light would require specialist/electrician installation prior to MOT ?

Hello I have just taken delivey of my first Alphard (2006 3.0 V6 MS) I imported it myself and it is now sat on my drive. The first step to the road is obviously the MOT, but before I do that I need to sort a rear foglight. I was looking for something quick and cheap, ideally with very basic wiring/install requirements, something temporary, to help get me through the MOT. The reason I want to do a quick/basic/temporary set-up is because in the New Year I am going to take it to a specialist to get them to do all sorts of work on it which will include adding the fog light to the rear reflectors in the bumper (which to me seems to be the best way and looks OEM without affecting anything else such as swapping one of the rear lights). Therefore, I just want something simple to get an MOT. Would anyone be able to share any advise on a basic/easy rear fog light set-up? (BTW I have seen the other link to rear fog lights but couldn't find a specific match) Thanks

Thanks @skippy992 much appreciated, also I wasn't aware of the levers on the side. Plus a good point about the space with the rears up I hadn't thought of that, I guess with the other seating ioptions these will push up more towards the front seats. Those seats certainly look very comfortable and a passenger is nicely cocooned in them.

Yes, that's what I thought for seats with only armrests, they have more 'open' access. Interested to hear from anyone who has the 'high sides' and their experience of them.

Thanks, I think all types of passengers will use them from kids to elderly - really I was hoping someone might be able to share daily expieriences of them as they look big and cumbersome - at least compared to 'normal' captains seats (such as those you mention on a gen 1 MZ-G). Also these high sides are only on gen-2or gen-3 to my knowledge

Hi, (Still!) looking to buy an Alphard/Vellfire and wanted to ask for peoples thoughts on the high-sided captains seats that are found in the more top of the range 7 seaters ? I have seen a Vellfire that is very nice - but it has these big high sided seats (example photo added) and these are slightly putting me off from buying the car. To me, they look a bit restrictive for general access and even comfort - I am not really sure why the plastic 'sides' are needed or what purpose they serve. There is a more standard 7 seater version available with armrests - or even an 8 seater bench version, which to me seems to be the most sensible/practical option. What are peoples general thoughts/experiences with these seats please ? Regards

Many thanks for the detailed reply - very useful. I think i'll be looking at getting one of these in due course, I like the idea of adding an orindary bike lock too just incase!