Toyota Alphard 3.0 G-MZ
Discussion
To cut a long story short.
Test drove a Bongo. Realised they drive like the 30 year old van that they are. Bloke also had a couple of Alphards, so we test drove one and upped the budget a couple of grand.
Ended up buying an Alphard 3.0 G-MZ on a 52 plate with 58k miles. Because a campervan needs a 3.0 V6 with 240bhp.
Going to the NEC show tomorrow to browse for conversion ideas!
We pick the van up next Saturday after a full service, incl. cambelt, valet and a pair of tyres.
Test drove a Bongo. Realised they drive like the 30 year old van that they are. Bloke also had a couple of Alphards, so we test drove one and upped the budget a couple of grand.
Ended up buying an Alphard 3.0 G-MZ on a 52 plate with 58k miles. Because a campervan needs a 3.0 V6 with 240bhp.
Going to the NEC show tomorrow to browse for conversion ideas!
We pick the van up next Saturday after a full service, incl. cambelt, valet and a pair of tyres.
They're a rapid big bus! - 220 / 240bhp (depending on who you believe) - even with the 4 speed auto. The V6 sounds really lovely, too.
It's loaded with kit - electric curtains, power doors, the most complex head unit you've ever seen (shame it's largely Japanese!) and the kind of plus deep carpets and velour you only get from the Japs.
It'll be getting a Northstar rear kitchen, split charge system with 240v hookup, and possibly an awning for the tailgate.
Can't wait to collect it - hopefully I'll get the camper bits done the first week of December.
It's loaded with kit - electric curtains, power doors, the most complex head unit you've ever seen (shame it's largely Japanese!) and the kind of plus deep carpets and velour you only get from the Japs.
It'll be getting a Northstar rear kitchen, split charge system with 240v hookup, and possibly an awning for the tailgate.
Can't wait to collect it - hopefully I'll get the camper bits done the first week of December.
Collected today. Looks superb now it has been valeted.
[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/CrgntGk1.jpg[/img
You've got to love the Japglish script on the doors.
I get the feeling you're relatively local to me, so you may see it knocking around the place. You're welcome to have a poke around it before and after conversion.
[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/CrgntGk1.jpg[/img
You've got to love the Japglish script on the doors.
I get the feeling you're relatively local to me, so you may see it knocking around the place. You're welcome to have a poke around it before and after conversion.
Wheelquick in Wigan import these as well as the Regius and still get the occasional late model Bongo.
I had a good look around them all and I must say I preferred the look of the Regius although size wise there isn't much in it. I had a Bongo with a rear kitchen and found it a pain, if I bought a Regius it would get a side conversion and a rock and roll threequarter bed.
They also do the LPG conversions there which would be good on a big petrol lump.
I had a good look around them all and I must say I preferred the look of the Regius although size wise there isn't much in it. I had a Bongo with a rear kitchen and found it a pain, if I bought a Regius it would get a side conversion and a rock and roll threequarter bed.
They also do the LPG conversions there which would be good on a big petrol lump.
How are you getting on with your Alphard? Myself and the missus are looking at campers and I'm leaning towards Japanese imports as they offer far better value for money than the equivalent VWs. Got it narrowed down to a Bongo, Alphard or Elgrand. Just wondered how you were going to get it serviced, as I'm assuming it uses common parts across the Toyota/Lexus range, so would it need a specialist garage and are the parts readily available in the UK?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Lots of common parts, the engine is essentially an RX300 unit.
Bongos are awful things, slow, thirsty, noisy and I didn't find the driving position suited me.
Options are Elgrand or Alphard in this sector. I prefer Toyota to Nissan, so that made up my mind, but there's not a lot in it.
Bongos are awful things, slow, thirsty, noisy and I didn't find the driving position suited me.
Options are Elgrand or Alphard in this sector. I prefer Toyota to Nissan, so that made up my mind, but there's not a lot in it.
LPG and camper conversion now done.
We went to Northstar on the Isle of Wight for their 'Outback' rear kitchen, with leisure battery, split charger, 240v hookup.
19 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr
8 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr
10 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr
9 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr
13 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr
We went to Northstar on the Isle of Wight for their 'Outback' rear kitchen, with leisure battery, split charger, 240v hookup.
19 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr8 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr10 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr9 by Trabi Wales, on Flickr13 by Trabi Wales, on FlickrChicken Chaser said:
Looks like a really nice bus, and a good conversion but unfortunately that bed looks like it would cause all sorts of pain? Are you proposing to sleep on it?
Yes - we will be using some kind of self inflating mat, or inflatable mattress or memory foam topper - or a combination of these.Having had some time to use it how are you finding the Alphard plus rear conversion? We are looking to get exactly that vehicle and conversion, would you recommend North Star to do the conversion?
Pros and cons of having this configuration??
How do you get on with the original seats + SIM (or other) combo?
Advice gratefully received (feel free to PM) as there is not much out there from users of this vehicle with a rear conversion.
Thanks
Pros and cons of having this configuration??
How do you get on with the original seats + SIM (or other) combo?
Advice gratefully received (feel free to PM) as there is not much out there from users of this vehicle with a rear conversion.
Thanks
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