Clairasday

Thanks Paul, I did call Vine place last week about one of their cars but it was a V6 and I am concerned about fuel consumption. I am leaning towards a hybrid but am still trying to understand what to look for ( i know the earlier ones had problems). Also, I am worried that I may not be able to find the right mechanic here in Dundee ... I am currently doing more research than I did at Uni! Thanks again to you and all for help and advice. -much appreciated.

Thanks both. I have been all over today looking for 'the one' but did not find it. I am now thinking that it might be better to wait until I have a bit more money so that I can afford a later model and perhaps a hybrid ( later one). I can only hope that I will eventually track down the right car for me! Thank you both very much for your help

Hi Rojie, It was a fabric seat and really quite worn but I had not considered the above. However, the import certificate for the car above was also not available so there was no way to check. I was mindful of your previous kind advice and did not buy. Doing my research I did discover that sometimes (although rare) there may be a discrepancy in mileage from Japan, but, this will normally be marked on the import documents with an astrix. I know the right car is out there for me - we just need to find each other! Thanks again Clair

Thanks Michael. I have been all over Scotland chasing leads and cars that might be 'the one'. I know what I am looking for but I am also really cautious as I recently had my fingers burned with a car that has turned out to be a disaster leaving me with not a lot of money to buy a replacement (not a Japanese import - a Vauxhall!) I have to say that I have tried to book an appointment with the place in Wishaw but so far they have not got back to me - hopefully they will. Castle prestige came highly recommended and have been really helpful, but they do not currently have the right car for me. Can I ask where you ended up buying please? Was it a good experience? One thing that is worrying me a bit is that a car I looked at had low mileage and looked good but then I noted that the interior was really tired - particularly the drivers seat... this left me asking how a car with 50k miles could have such a worn seat.... I didnt buy it as I suspect that it might have been 'clocked' ..... unless the Japanese owner loved it so much that all he did was sit in the drivers seat all day? Thanks again and in advance for my additional questions! Regards, Clair

Hi Mick, I know its been a few years since you posted your question! Im wondering if you did go along to the JMG dealer in Wishaw? If you did, how did you find them please? I am in Dundee and am hoping to buy an Alphard and would very much appreciate knowing whether it is worth popping along to Wishaw? Thanks in advance, Clair

HI Thank you so much for your help - very much appreciated. I don't have a huge budget - I was really hoping to spend less than 13K but I have been looking at the Alphards at Castle prestige ( which is MILES away from where I live in Scotland). They have been recommended to me and having looked at their website they seem to be pretty sound? I made such a terrible mistake with my last car purchase that I really am now very anxious to buy anything. That said, I have experience (through having owned a Bongo) that some cars are money pits but its ok because they are just a joy to drive and own despite their upkeep. Your help is much appreciated and I have added it to my 'research' note book. Thanks again!!

Thank you for the welcome

Hello all, I am new to this forum but really enjoying reading up on Alphards! I would really appreciate any help and advice I can get! I am looking to buy an Alphard. Bit of background - I wanted to buy one six months ago but ended up being persuaded to buy a Vauxhall Combo life with less than 20K miles on it....was trying to be sensible and responsible as, for my job, I need to transport kids and wheelchairs/ equipment and I though the Combo would be good for that. However, I hate driving the Combo more than anything I have ever driven. Then, the less than four year old Combo broke down on a long journey last week. So...the Combo is going ( at a huge financial loss) and I plan on getting an Alphard. Apart from the good looks ( they are lovely!) I would really like to be able to camp in the car - I had an unconverted Bongo which was my favourite ever car. I know I am on the right track with an Alphard - but can anyone help with the following questions please? 1) Do all Alphards have rear seats that fold flat to make a bed ( I know it is not likely to be comfortable, sleeping on the flattened Bongo seats was like sleeping on rocks but it was worth it) 2) My Budget ( thanks to the Combo) is not big - I would like something post 2008 but am I being unrealistic? Im hoping for something with equipment to entertain the kids - music via my phone would do but a working DVD would be very useful - how much something with these features likely to cost? 3) What should I avoid buying ( hybrids seem to be less recommended?) 4) I need the car to be ULEZ compliant - which ones are not likely to be? 5) I would appreciate any recommendations for dealers to look at and any to avoid! I am based in Scotland but I am willing to travel to a dealer with a good reputation that other members have found trustworthy. 6) Is RAC/AA pre-sale check worth it for the Alphard given that it is an import? Sorry to ask so many questions - forgive me if any of them are eye rollingly stupid. I am honestly traumatised by the experience with the Combo with the dealer and Vauxhall both saying that its fault is 'wear and tear' and nothing to do with them despite the very low milage. Thanks in advance!!