Garry Alden

Thanks for all the input guys, makes me a lot happier 😁 glad you like the van, always nice to get other people’s opinions 👍

Thanks pipsyp, very good to know.

TCB that is very good to know. Norwich, whilst the drive from Ipswich is a pain, isn’t that far, so will contact those guys and see what they say. I went for a side conversion, here a few photos 😁 I love the Vellfire, such a nice and comfortable drive. I’ve only stayed overnight in it once so far due to weather, but going on my first proper trip for Easter weekend and really looking forward to it.

Hi TCB, I have not had it serviced yet. The company I bought my Vellfire camper conversion from has said that they can service it, if I fail to find someone local to do it. Which to be honest is a pain in the rear as they are a 2 1/2 hour drive away. I have to MOT it in a few months so my plan is to take it to Toyota to do & whilst it is there, ask them if they would service it. If the answer is no, which is likely, then I am just going to have to phone around local garages to see if they will service it. My main concern with this, is if an actual part requires replacing due to it being worn out or has a fault, can I even get the required part? Standard stuff like break discs / pads I don’t think I need to worry about. I am more worried about something fundamental with the engine for example. Whilst I do love my van, I am starting to regret purchasing it due to my fears that something cannot be replaced. People are sure to tell me that I am worrying about nothing, but just cannot help it. I know TCB it does not help you in any way 😂. There must be 1000s of imported cars / vans in the UK so I don’t know why I seem to be part of the minority who has serious doubts about being an owner of one.

Thanks Rojie

Hi everyone, Whilst having bought my Vellfire a few months ago, I am starting to get a little worried that I am not going to be able to get it serviced. I know there will be a lot of people with these vehicles but it would be good to know how easy others find it to get them serviced. I am based in Ipswich in Suffolk so if there are any Alphard or Vellfire owners in the area, does anyone have any recommendations? I would really appreciate any comments on this as I hope I haven’t just bought a vehicle that will eventually just sit on my drive and be eventually sold for parts ☹️

Are you referring to this? If so, then I would like to know as well, as I’ve not seen this appear before, so I’m concerned that it indicates that something is wrong? Does anyone know? just to be clear, that this lights flashes and doesn’t stay on permanently. From what I can find on the internet this is normal behaviour, no idea why I have not seen it before though.

Thanks Chris. I’ll admit I have no idea what I’m doing so I’ll probably have to leave it. I’ll have to see if I can get the unit out and fit an external microphone at least.

Thanks Rojie. In that case, I will look at installing an external microphone into the back of the unit to see if that will work. Otherwise I will continue to use my iPhone and Siri to handle any handsfree activity. I suppose that is one of the drawbacks of buying an imported vehicle. This is my first time ever doing it, so I have to adjust my expectations

Thanks Dave, I know that there is no external microphone installed in the aux port on the back of the stereo, as I confirmed this with the supplier I bought the Vellfire from. I, rather stupidly, assumed that whatever system they installed would be compatible with the system in the van. and that the van would have a microphone installed because of having the steering wheel controls. Can you recommend a microphone that could be used? There seems to be quite a few from brands I have never heard of, so unsure what would be any good. I know the stereo requires some of the dash to be removed in order to pull it out, not something I have done before, so perhaps once I get a microphone, I will have to find someone to install it for me, unless there are any videos available on how I can do this myself? Would need to check the internet I think. They said that no one has ever complained about this not working before, but that does not mean anything really I would need to find out the make / model of the stereo to see if I can find this out regarding CANBUS. I can get around it, as using Siri on the iPhone will be ok, but it obviously will not go through the speakers.

Hi all, I am new here and I have just purchased a 2009 Vellfire which has been converted, which I love. However, whenever I make or take phone calls, no one seems to be able to hear me. Also the handsfree controls on the steering wheel do not work either. As part of the conversion an Android unit was installed although unsure of make and model. Should these controls work? Or is it that they are always disabled after conversion? I cannot seem to find out from the company I bought it from and Toyota have no interest as it is an import. Does anyone else have this issue? Or can you provide any information related to it? I am from Ipswich, Suffolk; does anyone know a company / garage that may be able to do something about it? Or do I have to just use my phone on speaker instead? Thanks everyone.