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.
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.Gassing Station | Tents, Caravans & Motorhomes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff