bluewhite82

Looking at a 2008 Vellfire and understand this year may have had the faulty oil cooler + vvti rubber hoses installed that can cause massive engine failure when the rubber hose perishes over time and drops almost all the oil in just a couple of minutes. Someone said the Vellfires didn't have the oil coolers if in 2WD, is that right?

Can anyone tell me if the metal pipe in this picture is the VVTI line, and if so, is this the full metal/updated version? I can't quite tell from the photo, but perhaps someone with more knowledge can help?

Thanks in advance...

Also does it come with a fitting kit, or are there any accessories you need to purchase to get it to fit flush on the dash or converters / cables etc.?

36 minutes ago, Geralt said:

Yes, I'm quite happy with it. Good sound, sat nav, Bluetooth audio and DAB all work well. I can't comment on the FM radio since I don't use it much.

My unit is Android 10 so getting on a bit now and can appear a bit sluggish compared to a smartphone but still runs all the apps I want. My advice is to get a unit with a later Android version if you can afford it.

Thanks for the update.

Presumably this is just the same/updated Android 12.0 version?:

https://www.erisin.co.uk/products/erisin-es8512c-8-core-android-12-car-stereo-head-unit-for-toyota-corolla-ex-rav4-vios-hilux-dab-dsp-bluetooth-wireless-carplay-bluetooth-50-obd2

Did you manage to get rear camera + dropdown screen working with it at all?

Regards

On 3/19/2023 at 12:51 PM, Geralt said:

Unit now fully installed albeit with some mechanical difficulties which I'll report on later when the suppliers have got back to me. I went for a 30 minute test drive around south Birmingham.

• Offline Sat nav works smoothly with Sygic. Route re-calculation pretty swift when wrong turn taken. Key pushes respond in good time.
• DAB reception was flawless although I was just driving around Birmingham. Rural areas are a different prospect of course.
• Music sound reproduction is good with pleasant bass and oomph.

So far, so good.

Do you mind me asking how you're getting on with this head unit a year on from installation? All still working okay/as it should?

Regards

On 3/11/2023 at 2:24 PM, Geralt said:

This unit works with the left hand Alphard switches (<>,+-,MODE) directly (electrically speaking) but the existing SWC connector in the vehicle does not plug straight into the unit so, if you prefer, you can use an adapter connector or you can just wire it in directly with connector block or soldering. I happen to have a mating connector left over from the XTRONS installation. Here's a pic of my situation:

 

 

I found the connector available here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334552676958

 

BTW, you have to program the steering switch functions but you can program short AND long presses for a single swicth to be different functions thereby effectively doubling the number of steering wheel switches.

I'm thinking about getting this unit for a gen 2, 2012 Vellfire - has anyone come across a Steering Wheel Controller connector/adapter for this generation of the vehicle?

19 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Does the target Alphard for purchase have the AFS option ?

Lights turn with the steering ?

If so, it may be a complication for you ?

Thanks for the reply - it sounds as though it may not be worth the effort/cost.

Hi folks,

I'm looking to buy a Vellfire, but locally there's an Alphard for sale I like the look of better than many of the Vellfires.

The only issue is I love the look of the Vellfire front end with headlights etc. Are the headlights of these cars interchangeable? So if I find a set of used/breaking Vellfire lights, can I switch them round?

Regards

10 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Hello Russel,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

With 3 young children you need to ensure that ISOFIX is available in the seating.

 

I don't know whether it is, or isn't, on the Gen 2 models.

 

I think the V6 is a conventional auto gearbox, whereas the 2,5 is CVT.

Thanks for the welcome.

I'm sure 2nd row both have isofix but my eldest can plug her seatbelt in herself so not an issue in back row necessarily.

That'd be great news re: non CVT auto gearbox on the 3.5 engine, can anybody confirm this?

Regards

Hi,

I'm on the verge of taking the plunge to buy an imported Vellfire.

We've got 3 x kids under 6 and the constant 3 x car seat problems are driving me absolutely berserk. Our daily driver is a Toyota Verso which is fine (with missus in the back), but our regular longer journeys across to Ireland it's becoming untenable with all the bags/luggage, kids getting bigger, making more mess and wanting more entertainment etc. on the journeys. Adding a Vellfire would hopefully make the school run a little bit more palatable as well.

From looking online I think something 2012-2014 (petrol only) with probably the 3500cc engine, but willing to be convinced on the 2500cc.

I know that getting a longer/wider vehicle will cause us more issues in some respects re: parking, but joined hoping to get some hints and tips regarding the right version to buy for our situation.

Can anyone offer any advice re: going for this model of Alphard/Vellfire with the CVT auto gearbox versus previous version?

And also thoughts on the 3.5litre engine versus the 2.5 litre?

Considered an Estima as well but think the Vellfire looks much cooler overall!