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!

Sorry to revive an old thread but this Atera Strada Evo bike rack looks like a great option in the way it can slide out. Are you still using it one year on? Also (might be a daft question) - but is a tow bar rack this like vulnerable to theft when it is on the tow bar? I've never had one before, and wasn;t sure how they are secured/locked to the tow bar. As it is nearly £600 thought it worth asking! 🙂

Hi - just wondering if you went ahead with this and how was your experience? Thanks

Hello, Just after some advice on a 2007 Alphard I am looking at purchasing please. The car looks to be in very good condition, it has done 75,000 miles and a CarVX report confirms the auction report was a grade 4B, no other issues. It all looks good but there is nagging doubt on my part at some signs of useage, particularky on the buttons, seat and pedal. The seat has a tear in (which the seller has not included in the photo, but is on the side of the photo below). The A/C buttons have some visible wear, as does the 'mirror' button and the brake pedal. Please can I ask for opinions as to whether this wear is inconsistent with the mileage of 75K ? (Or am I being too fussy! ) I have looked at comparable cars and most do not have this wear at that mileage ?

Hi - just wondered if you might be able to post a picture of your seven seater with the two beds? Be interested to see it in this set-up, still to trying to make a decision on what model to buy and this will really help, thanks! I think the nice thing about the 7 seater compared to the 8 is the ability to walk between the two which must help with the practicality of it.

Hi - after some advice on a rear fog light set-up. I've read this thread but couldn't find a definitve answer so hoping someone can help. Looking at purchasing a 10 Series 2007 Alphard - but i've noticed the rear fog light is where one of the reversing lights was - they have swapped the drivers side reverse light bulb for a red one and wired it up to a black button on the dash. Is this ok/acceptable? (It comes with an MOT so already passed, but appreciate the next tester might not pass it ) Other postsers have referred to this type of set-up but I couldn't confirm if it was legit?

Many thanks for the info and advice and for the insurance tip too will defintely check that out! I'm really torn between a 10 series or 20 series Alphard, but edging towards a 20 series and purely on the looks alone I think the Vellfire looks the best.

Hi Did you have any joy with this? Be interested to know as I would love the option of the middle seats to rotate on a series 20.

Thanks very much for the replies. Any photos would be very much appreciated! Co-incidently, a few hours ago another poster has updated a similar question I had here showing the 8 seater in 'bed mode' But would love to see the 7 seater sleep option with 2nd/3rd row !

That's brilliant - thank you, exactly what I was after. It is very similar to the series 10 in that sense, as that folds down in a similar manner. I imagine it should be ok to sleep on, with a slim inflatable mattres on top? (have you tried sleeping on it?) I see that since January you must have purchased a Vellfire, how are you finding it? What model Vellfire is yours can I ask? - As I am looking for an 8 seater 3.5 litre Alphard or Vellfire, with sunroof, and ideally electric curtains - both of which yours appears to have ! I was originally looking for a series 20 but now I'm shifting toward a 20 series instead - I just wish that the 8 seater 20 series was able to rotate that middle bench in the same way. I love the idea that you can have an impromptu picnic table scenario (4/5 people facing each other, middle > rear seats) anywhere you go, rain or shine, it's a nice thing to have with the kids. Same goes for the 'bed' option too, so practical.

Hello Looking for information please - I am trying to understand if the Gen 2 Alphard can convert its middle and rear seats into a 'bed mode' and go flat, like the Gen 1 Alphard did (as seen in this useful video here I can't seem to find a definitive answer to this. It looks very useful and I would reallly like it as an option. Does anyone sleep in their Gen 2 Alphard (without camper conversion aids) ? The Gen 2 seems to have more 'captain seats' than a middle bench, and I assume a bench would be better for a bed fold down like in the video above ? Thank you