derek sullivan

Thanks for the very useful information Paul, well worth remembering.

my 2006 alphy 3ltr has only one elecric door the other non electric sliding, went to open one day and the handle broke completely off, toyota main dealers say that its not just the handle, but the internal fixings which fix onto the external handle need renewing also, yet i contacted nippon auto spares and was told by them that only need handle and any qualified mechanic can fit the handle which would cost very little to fit, keep you updated.

hi david i find that nippon auto spares of derby very helpful and excellent service and delivery is super quick as well phone-01332293399, best of luck

Thanks guys im a bit wiser now,

Many thanks Rojie and what does the obd stand for?

Hi please excuse my ignorance, but would someone explain to me what an ancel jp700 automotive and also jdm vehicles. Thanks

thanks for your ideas, all good food for thought, will certainly be getting my tooth brush out and wax and water.

Hi Alan, im sorry because im a little bit confused, but im sure you will put us right, the price charged £246. 95, was for Admiral insurance, or V.R.T. If it is the insurance price i think we will all go over to Admiral! As was mentioned by one of our coligues about only doing a couple of thousand miles a year, i dont do much more than that myself, but as alphies are a fantastic vehicle to drive and spacious i wouldnt be without her, they are expensive to keep on the road admitedly and im sure all of the forum members will agree with me, especially the ones who have their alphies converted.

hope you can get it sorted mate

Thanks for sharing that with us Michael, its a typical example of what goes on with these imports, these people, if you like to call them that, should be named and shamed, but if they get wind that they are being sought, they will simply disappear and set up in a different name. this is why i say do your homework before parting with your cash, if a rogue dealer takes your cash, and you find out you have been conned, believe me it will be you losing a lot of sleep and the rogue dealer will sleep soundly knowing that he has sold another heap of s--t. Yes i know because i have been caught in that trap, not the best of feelings.

all i am saying guys is be very careful because there are a lot of dodgy dealers and sellers out there, make sure you have the vehicle checked over by someone who knows these vehicles inside out, dont jump in with both feet when you purchase one of these vehicles, there are plenty of these vehicles around, do your homework FIRST before parting with your cash.

make sure the vehicle you purchase has a vin number, i think there are 16 digits, check that the mileage is correct, you will be able to purchase any manuals from ebay or amazon, which will cover your year. the vin number is very important for getting the correct spares when needed. good luck with your purchase.

Thanks guys for putting me right on the lap straps

Yes, thanks Alasdair for sharing with us, looks a treat especially the head unit with sat nav also, i thought my unit was fab till i saw that. Excuse my ignorance but could you define lap for me when you were talking about the seating? a great looking layout though with still quite a bit of space.

nice one

the joys of having a hybrid, guy in Topsham, Devon knows his stuff, guess thats a distance from you, good luck in your search all the same

sorry cant help you there

Thanks Steve,

try adrian flux

Hi yes i have a 2008 hybrid which is a superb drive, driven right on flat road or down hill builds up the electric charge on the hybrid battery, not good on hills, underpowered to my mind, would imagine same with the 2.4 versions of all the alphards, if you wish to do motorway driving, also ok till you start inclining, with foot down hybrids will tend to rely more on the petrol, then a 3 ltr would be the best,

hi dick dont know if this will be any help but i was talking to local garage shop worker who has had a lpg conversion on her bongo, said goes on forever on it, seemed chuffed. good luck. derek

hi i have put deposit on 2005 alphard hybrid 2.4l, since then i have scouted around for insurance quote and been very surprised at how expensive the imports are, has any member got the same, i would like to know how they run and if an owner has had any regrets in buying the hybrid. thanks for reading