PaulS_

Yup. Aldermaston.

It's a great question. I thought long and hard about what to buy and from where - it took me about 6 months to find the right mix of vehicle, mileage, price, and reputation of the dealer. I bought earlier this year from Lakeview - here's their Toyota stock on eBay. I went in thinking "Over 1000 reviews with an average 100% ranking, they can't be that bad" and sure enough, the vehicle was absolutely spotless (including engine and underside), and 6 months in, all has been well. Obviously everyone will have different views of good and bad dealers - but definitely take your time, have a good look around first, and don't be afraid to walk away.

Throttler / remapper?

Hi all, Does anyone have a good contact for getting some minor scratch/scuff/bodywork repairs done on a 2014 Alphard? Nothing major but I'd love the vehicle to look good all over once again. South midlands ideally, but happy to go a bit further afield of a good recommendation. I have tried 5 local contacts so far (including my local Toyota dealer) and no-one is available!

I reckon you'll be fine Johnno. Don't be afraid to ask the dealer for a test drive and ask a friend (ideally with mechanical knowledge) to join you when visiting the dealer. If it's a new import then check CarVX, the car history checker for JDM https://carvx.jp/?gad_source=1 I have a very similar vehicle to the one that you're interested in, bought a few months ago. Shout if you need anything.

Does it set at around 50mph? I wasn't sure about mine for a while, only to discover that the control only works in a given speed range (can't remember what, but it's below 70mph).

You know, I never knew that. I always assumed that the range calculator in any car was simply related to what's in the tank, rather than anything related to current, historical driving styles etc. So, the refuel light coming on at 200km might be related to the driving style and conditions that the previous owner had (one wonders what that might have even been). Thanks @Rojie

Thanks Nev and yes, a classic Internet misunderstanding! Sorry for the confusion. You're right, (a) I was trying to say that the refuel light comes on when the calculated range on the dash is at around 200km, and (b) it's absolutely a computer guesstimate.

Thanks @Rojie. Location updated. I think that I'll get in touch with the seller as clearly something is wrong with the electronics. As per your point @BigNev, that seems to be the most likely outcome. If it empties at 200km and with a full tank it's at around 600km, then thankfully it's averaging at 18mpg (ie 400km / 60L).

Yeah, the speedo is mph.

Hi all, I'm getting a refuel light at just under 200km. I'm presuming that this is not normal behaviour...? It's a fairly new import, and wanted to run the fuel down to check the refuelling light point.

That makes perfect sense. Thanks Chris.

Hi all, does anyone have any recommendations as to paint and bodywork? I have a few scrapes on one side, and some chips around the edge of one door. No biggie and it's a standard Toyota paint (202). Any suggestions in the south mids (Oxon/Northants/Warks/Worcs) would be gratefully received 🙂 Thanks!

Thanks all! The vehicle has both auto wipe and auto high beam, so I'll try both of those over the next few days and report back. Thanks everyone for your help with this one.

It does, in that it's clearly professionally fitted and unlike many aftermarket dashcams, there is no logo on the unit. I have searched high and low online for AH20 front cameras / dashcams but uncovered nothing similar. Also, the car has the original head unit which was more puzzling as the camera doesn't appear to be visible as a source input.

Hi all, Getting know my vehicle a little more... There's some sort of front camera on it, which is in front of the interior mirror. A lead goes from the camera and goes up to somewhere, alongside the lead from the mirror. I have tried to pull the camera casing apart but there's no obvious way to open it or any "give" and I don't want to break it. There are also no lights on the unit, so I'm not sure whether it's working or just taking up space. Also, I can't find how it would be accessed. There doesn't appear to be a way to view the camera even when the car is moving. I have attached a view of the camera, from outside the vehicle (sorry for the reflections) and inside, taken from the passenger door, with the camera on the left hand side. Has anyone seen an installation like this before and/or have any insight? I'm puzzled tbh.

Thanks @skippy992 - that looks great. I have been experimenting with an old Apple TV, as above - I bought this cable for it from Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CR4GSQ8R?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details - haven't connected it to the TV yet, just run the TV to see if it "pops" - all OK so far.

Thanks Skippy - do you happen to know where you bought it from eg AliExpress?

Thanks Roger and yes, absolutely; I'll need to source a good cable for that. In perusing further, I was wondering if an Apple TV would fit the bill. There's a useful discussion on a 4x4 South Africa forum which implies that appliances running at ~100W at 1A should work without popping. An Apple TV can switch down to around that wattage, and it's just over 1A. If I can connect that and get an HDMI->RCA cable, I'm sorted. (I don't say this with 100% confidence though!)

Hi all, What are people doing with the Component Video inputs that link to the flip-down TV? I'd like to connect it to a Lightning or USB-C plug for video input off a mobile device, but can't seem to find a good one online.

+1 for CarVX. It's about 20 quid for the check. £20k seems high for a 2003 definitely.

Hi all, Just to let the group know that Listers Toyota in Stratford-upon-Avon has a couple of folks there who are happy to help with Alphard / Vellfire service and parts: Samuel Hopgood Josh Goddard both are [email protected]. I haven't taken my Alphard to them yet, but have used exactly this dealer for about 15 years now for previous Toyotas and the service is always high-quality and courteous. I have been in email discussions with Samuel and I'm taking the Alphard for a full service later in the summer and he honestly seems super-enthusiastic about Alphards and Vellfires! Samuel has given his permission to pass on the above details, so hope that it helps with anyone looking for service from an authorised UK garage/dealer.

Wow! That is lovely.

Thanks very much for your help folks.